Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK
Cat Health & Behaviour => Health & Behaviour General => Topic started by: Purrlishious on April 21, 2009, 23:39:38 PM
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A few weeks ago a stray tom cat started visiting, shouting, coming in through flap & stealing food. It also is spraying all over the garden & in the house when I am not around. Disgusting!
Then 10 days ago my Bengal boy Inka & cross Narla started sneezing none stop & became really lethargic. I took them to the vets where I was told it was the flu & conjunctivitis & given ointment & antibiotics.
Then Poppy started so she went too. From there, Lillie Koko & Ruby developed it & so treated. Koko has sneezed today 37 times in succession. All are really ill though Inka has responded to treatment & picking up.
Ruby (Bengal) is the worst & have been in such a state too as I think I may loose her. Today has been terrible & had to rush her back to the vets as she was not responding & had glue like saliva dripping from her mouth & totally lifeless, not a movement from her.
She has blisters all over her mouth & tongue.
She is the love of my life with her mischievous antics. This time last week she was so busy & active & now it is like she is dying.
I have cried & cried today, even in the surgery which was embarrassing. I have longstanding chronic illness, widespread pain & have barely been able to walk today so all this on top of the worry has just exacerbated how I feel & coped.
The vet confirmed that it is more than likely the stray tom has passed the virus on from coming in the house & eating from their bowls. I have contacted my local vets to see if anyone has lost it but no.
I cannot get through to a real live person from the R.S.P.A to report him.
All normality for mine has been disrupted as they don't have the freedom of the flap anymore as keep it shut as much as possible.
I have ordered a microchip flap & hope it fits the hole in the door. Expensive but peace of mind it will be worth it. I just need a 'nice' handyman to fit it.
Does anyone know how to get through to the R.S.P.C.A so they can get involved?
Many thanks for reading.
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I am so sorry that they are all ill and hope that the treatment works for all of them :hug: :hug:
I assume yours all have flu jabs uptodate?
If so and I apologise for sorta going off course hear but if your are all flu jabbed , I dont understand how yours all have come down with flu.....are we wasting our money getting flu jabs?
I really hope that all of yours will be OK :hug:
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Fingers crossed for all of them, especially Ruby. I have never tried to get the RSPCA to take a cat, you might be best speaking to local CP.
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Sorry Sue - it's a horrible situation :hug:
I think if the RSPCA got invloved, they would just PTS the Tom in the van :( - It's not his fault he has the flu and is un-neutered. It's the owners that are at fault.
I hope your cats are on the mend soon - Poor Ruby :(
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Thanks for your replies.
Yes, they are up to date with jabs but are due their boosters very soon which won't happen until the flu is totally gone.
The vet said 'yes' they can still get flu but in mildest forms. Unfortunately, the mild forms has proved not so mild.
Narla & Inka have got their energy levels back now though still sneezing.
I thought I would get up this morning & find Ruby dead, but she remains as poorly & lifeless. Back to the vets this afternoon.
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How awful for you and your babies, fingers crossed they are all back to full health again very soon, and you can find out where the tom has come from :hug:
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Oh Hun I am so sorry to read that your babies are poorly - sending love, huggles and healing vibes xxx wishing Ruby a full and speedy recovery - how old is she? :hug: :hug:
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Sending healing vibes to your babes especially Ruby~~~~~~ :wish:
:hug: :hug: :hug:
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So sorry to read about your distress. I took a kitten once from an animal horder that had serious cat flu and we nearly lost him he was so poorly. However, he was a little fighter and lived to be 19 years old. Here's hoping yours also recover and live to a ripe old age.
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Sending love and get well soon vibes to your babes and extra special ones to Darling Ruby - xxxxxxxxx I pray that she is feeling better real soon.
I took my boys for their boosters the other week and someone came in with a Ragdoll who was suffering with catflu, I thought Great >:(
Poor stray tom though he wont have any medication - it's not his fault :(
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I'm very sorry to hear about your problems. :(
As I'm sure your vet will tell you, there are many different strains of flu. Some are deadly and produce horrific mouth ulcers. Others are not so dramatic and easier to fight off, so it all depends on which strain of flu they have contracted. A vaccine can't cover all known types so the drugs companies tend to focus on the more dangerous ones.
Any kind of flu spreads like wildfire in cats that live in close quarters. So you're lot have spread it around themselves... it might have only taken one germ from the tom to land on one of yours and that's enough. The good news is that if this tom appears healthy he's fought it off, and although he remains a carrier and passes it on, the chances for any cat he comes across is good. ;)
I would avoid the RSPCA as they will PTS him if he's suspected of carrying a flu strain. He need to be bought in and sorted, then rehomed as solo occupant in a stable home where he's not going to get stressed as it's the stress which makes them shed the virus.
Your own cats should never be allowed to mix with others again as the chances are one or more of them are now carriers themselves, and if they shed the virus they will infect other cats too. :-[
So there's lots to be hopeful about. Think of cat flu as being similar to the human Herpes virus. Some simple precautions are needed. ;)
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Sending lots of good wishes for Ruby :hug: :hug:
Thanks for the answers about flu and vaccine ;D
Maybe contacting Cp is a thought on the tomcat front ..he needs neutering and then treating......I agree about the RSPCA and have seen them doing this on TV :'(
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OMG i am so sorry to read this......I pray that they all recover
Can you get intouch with your local CP so they can trap the stray cat rather than the RSPCA who will PTS ?
Actually saying that though, if he is a carrier of such a deadly strain of the virus maybe it is better that he is PTS :'(
Everything is crossed for your lot, can't believe you are going through this :hug:
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Hope your babes soon recover :hug:
Re the tom cat, whereabouts in West Yorks are you? I may be able to put a plea out to see if anyone can take him if you have no joy with the CP. It's a horrible situation you're in but as others have said it's not the toms fault, hopefully he'll get a good ending as well as in getting neutered, treated and a nice new home :hug:
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Actually saying that though, if he is a carrier of such a deadly strain of the virus maybe it is better that he is PTS :'(
:sneaky:
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Stray/neglected cats who contract the more severe strains of cat flu don't survive, Michelle, let alone are fit enough to raid cats flaps. They die horrid painful deaths - usually due to starvation - which is one reason why the deadliest strains are rare and come in short, swift bursts in contained geographical areas. Most vets know which strains are most active in their area at any given time. So panic when your vet panics because he knows what strain it's likely to be. ;)
One of semi-feral kittens I saved last year was within hours of death with a simple strain... but as a stray born in someone's garden, she had no one to wipe her eyes which then glued tight shut. She litterally couldn't see where her feeder had put the bowl, and her bunged up nose wasn't much help in sniffing out her dinner either. She was dying of hunger and dehydration when I scooped her up. :'( Five days of treatment later and she was bombing around my house like Garfield on speed. :evillaugh:
Please don't suggest PTS in this Tom's case as we have no evidence to think he's suffering or carrying a nasty strain and is little more harm to other cats than an FIV puss. ;)
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I was just going to say the same as Julie - my Oscar is a carrier and has had two flare ups since I've had him, both times he had to be hand fed which of course won't be happening to a stray- I feel so sorry for this cat
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I think Julie said it better than I could :hug: I think the easy option is put to sleep but by the same token it's hardly the cats fault, loving homes can be found for carriers of most of the illnesses cats carry and they do deserve a chance regardless of personal beliefs.
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Ruby (Bengal) is the worst & have been in such a state too as I think I may loose her. Today has been terrible & had to rush her back to the vets as she was not responding & had glue like saliva dripping from her mouth & totally lifeless, not a movement from her.
So sorry to hear this, I've been through this too several years ago when mine all went down with cat flu, most were only mildly affected, but my Gypsy became so ill, like your Ruby, that I also thought I would lose her, she was desperately ill, wouldnt eat and she hardly moved for a week. I had to resort to syringe feeding and slowly she began to improve with antibiotics etc. It took about 3 weeks for her to recover. Sadly she had frequent recurrences in the following year, although they got less over the next few years until I lost her last year.
I really sympathise its a horrible thing to go through :hug:
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I am really sorry to hear about this :'( I do hope your cats get well again soon and that the tom can be helped :hug:
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Hope you little ones make a full recovery, don't forget to take care of yourself too :hug:
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Sending lots and lots of get well soon vibes to you and yours :hug: :hug: :hug:
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Sending lots of get well vibes to your babes. :hug:
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Sorry your having such a bad time and do hope little Ruby soon responds to treatment, sending lots of healing vibes for you all :hug:
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so sorry and hope that things improve asap :hug: hope the warmer weather helps the healing process too.
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Thankyou for all your good wishes :hug: :hug: :hug:
There is slight improvement with Ruby today. Even though still wrapped up like a baby & lifeless I have managed to get water down her with a syringe & after a vitamin B & painkiller injec today there is a response.
She wee'd in the carrier on the way to the vets as not used litter since I lifted her there yesterday morning. She ate a few prawns, her favourate, this evening but so difficult for her to breathe & smell the food.
The vet said her mouth ulcers seem to be clearing which is brilliant news.
Got to take 3 of them back tomorrow.
I do feel sorry for the stray poor thing. I know it's not his fault. He seems big & strong & not like he is starving but he has come in again this eve & broke the flap again even though locked from both sides. He head butts it till the hinges fly off & found he had sprayed on my bin as well as munching his way through ham bits!
I have noted what you have said about the RSPCA & will contact CP in the Wakefield W. Yorks area Dawn.
The microchip flap arrived today & being fitted tomorrow. It looks very robust with small tunnel. Will keep you posted. Has anyone else got one?
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I do feel sorry for the stray poor thing. I know it's not his fault. He seems big & strong & not like he is starving but he has come in again this eve & broke the flap again even though locked from both sides. He head butts it till the hinges fly off & found he had sprayed on my bin as well as munching his way through ham bits!
So pleased there is an improvement with Ruby :hug: Re the stray, to stop him breaking in for food, could you put some food down outside for him until he gets sorted out?
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Fab news! I am so glad that they seem to be on the mend! :Luv: :hug:
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Im glad to hear there is some improvement in Ruby, hope they all continue to improve and sending lots of healing vibes :hug:
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Great to hear your cats are getting better :) I am out your way actually (originally from Wakefield) and I am sure the CP will help you I am nearer Barnsley now and have borrowed their traps to catch quite a few ferals.
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Sending more improving vibes to Darling Ruby xxxxxx and of course the other babes too.
Yes try leaving some some out for the stray -it may stop him trying to break in for food - bless him.
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Took 3 back for appointments today. Narla has had a set back & has severe effects again with mucus bubbling from her nose. Koko's glands are up again & he is gagging.
Good news though with Ruby. After another antibiotic she actually went to her food this evening. Have been giving water by syringe this morning. She seems to be exhausted by holding her head up. Her glands are swollen but the blisters in her mouth are healing which is brilliant.
Got to go back with her tomorrow for another painkiller injection.
That means I've been to the vets everyday this week + 4 days last week! Will this ever end??????????????
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they will get better. In the meantime just sending lots and lots of vibes for a speedy recovery for them all and a more relaxed time for you :hug:
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Glad Ruby is improving and hope that Narla and Koco start to get better soon, poor things :(
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Covering the catflap with a layer of duct tape works and is reversible.
Years ago, two kittens I had just got develped cat flu - it was before they were old enough for their first vaccinations. It was touch and go for two weeks, with vet visit after vet visit. Well, that was 12 years ago and Blacken is still with me (Decker died in an RTA).
Good luck and remember it is worth it.
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How is everyone, Purrlishious?
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All improving slowly thanks Christine.
Ruby had a bit of a setback yesterday being very lethargic & sleepy. She sounds so congested & has difficulty breathing. Today she has moved around more to eat food which is good but soon gets tired & retires under her blankie!
White cat (stray) has mounted a neighbours cat today, the very first time the little girl was let out. Poor thing... what if she gets it now?? Have told the owners.
The new microchip flap should be fitted tomorrow which will make life so much easier.
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Hoping all of your little ones recover, its an awful thing to be going through with one never mind 6.
Could something be done about this stray cat, like trapping him and taking to rescue? I think he needs to be sorted out when he's that infectious. You would be saving a lot of others by doing this :)
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Glad they're starting to feel better. I know what it's like to have flu in the house and not easy. :hug: Have you called CP? They will be able to help you and I recommend you get help sooner rather than later not only for the sake of the other cats in the neighbourhood but also for the poor stray. He genuinely can't help it and it's not his fault noone has ever tried to help him :( CP will be able to neuter him, get him back to health and then find him a nice home.
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Hope it wont be too long till the dreaded flu disappears from your babes completely! Hugs for you all! :hug: :hug: :hug:
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PLeased yours are improving and definately contact CP.
I do hope that little cat was neutered.
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Glad they are feeling better, :hug: to you.
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Just thought I would let you know that my babes are much better though Ruby has had to have another antibiotic to be on the safe side. She soon gets tired but it is so good to see them all playing & chasing about again.
It's over 3 weeks now since they got the flu & the stray is still coming round.
I contacted CP & they said there are no facilities available to take him.
I took your advice & started to feed him outside & it has stopped him coming in through the flap. He is not shouting like he was before as his tummy is full now. I feel so sorry for him! I do know that really he needs a health check @ the vets but without CP help it may take a long long time for him to trust me & trap him so I can get him there.
RSPCA might be the next call for sick animals!
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See if the vet will give you some antibiotics to go in his food this may help in the short term
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I know its a problem but please dont call the rspca ,if hes ill they will put him straight to sleep,i found an injured squirrel last week and took him to the vets on the way home ,the rspca inspector was there and he said they would put it straight to sleep,i insisted they examine it first to see if it could be saved,unfortunately its back was broken so nothing could be done but the vet nurse told me that all sick animals taken by rspca will be put to sleep, so please dont ring them :scared:
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I know its a problem but please dont call the rspca ,if hes ill they will put him straight to sleep,i found an injured squirrel last week and took him to the vets on the way home ,the rspca inspector was there and he said they would put it straight to sleep,i insisted they examine it first to see if it could be saved,unfortunately its back was broken so nothing could be done but the vet nurse told me that all sick animals taken by rspca will be put to sleep, so please dont ring them :scared:
I got a feeling (someone correct me if i'm wrong) but i think vets arnt allowed to treat squirrels....
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I know its a problem but please dont call the rspca ,if hes ill they will put him straight to sleep,i found an injured squirrel last week and took him to the vets on the way home ,the rspca inspector was there and he said they would put it straight to sleep,i insisted they examine it first to see if it could be saved,unfortunately its back was broken so nothing could be done but the vet nurse told me that all sick animals taken by rspca will be put to sleep, so please dont ring them :scared:
I got a feeling (someone correct me if i'm wrong) but i think vets arnt allowed to treat squirrels....
Greys are classed as vermin and as such once caught for whatever reason cannot be released back into the wild, it is illegal. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-389976/Gardener-facing-prosecution--releasing-squirrels-wood.html
The RSPCA do have access to those who run their own wildlife sanctuary's so if it is feasib;e any wildlife that can be released back such as deer, hedghogs etc are usually taken to these centres.