Update..Nemo Ill kitten.

[Tasia]

Hi girls, ive put some pics of Nemo and Tipsy up on the newbie section. I ended up ringing vet as another poo was done and it had blood in it. Anyway have to collect 3 days worth of poo starting from today thats if he carries on bleeding tomorrow etc., and then vet will send of to lab. Ill keep you updated xx

[Tasia]

Aww thanks Sue and totally agree with the loving bit we have only had him a month and wouldnt be without him now, he is so adorable.. Also love the bit about the ear nibbling, how cute xx

[Sue P (Paddysmum)]

It is scary having a kitten, but then I think it's scary whenever we commit to something we end up loving.      We just want the best for them.   I love that we can share ideas and ask questions on Purrs too - in 24 years of cat ownership we'd never encountered ear mites before we got Ross - I was in a bit of a mild panic, I can tell you - was so worried.  His ears are fine now (touch wood) and just as well - I don't think my constitution would've taken much more.  His ear nibbling I can live with (seeing as it's my ears he nibbles  ) just so long as he's contented. 

[Tasia]

Hi again everyone,

Thankyou all again for all your storys and advice. I have now decided I wont give Nemo the cod, instead Ill have it for my tea  ...Im a little worried to as after eating he did retch a wee bit again. So I think for the time Ill just leave him on the hills id..It seems I may have to leave him on this for a few months, atleast until he gets bigger and stronger and than maybe like you Gill I may be able to give him some different foods. I really dont want to make matters worse.  Im an absolute nervous wreck around this kitten watching his every move and expression on his little face he is such a special little boy and all I want is for him to be well.

It was very interesting reading that article about the fish Sue, as I have actually heard this before, that Fish is not good for cats, but I thought it must be a joke. I suppose Cats are carnivores and meat is really all they need.

Anyway girls you are all amazing and I really appreciate your support, Its scary having a kitten but even scarier when they are not well so Im glad I have you guys I can ask questions too...Thanks again. Tasia xx

[Sue P (Paddysmum)]

Good point Gill - just been having a furterh scout round for info on this following Tasia's train of thought and found this:

http://cat-purrfect.com/cat-nutrition/fish-bad-for-cats/

which presumably is why tuna is only really meant to be an occasional treat for cats, notwithstanding the fact they love it!   

[Gill (sneakiefeline)]

There is a probiotic capsule called protexin that my vet gave me for Lupin cos his tummy was very bad for months and months. HE was 10 months when I got him and phewwwwwwwwwww he has just used the litter tray!

In the end it was Hills GI food and half a capsule sprinkled on his food once a day that sorted him.

Trouble was I couldnt find a cat food that didnt make his tummy ill again.

He loved felix but it was a no go and he could eat cooked chicken but not fish...........that was a killer for his tummy.

After trying many cat foods in desperation I tried tescoes own brand chicken in jelly and BINGO! He could eat that with no problem. I tried a box of mixed flavours and only the chicken was OK. Trouble is I found it quite hard to get even at a giant Tescos and they do a packet the same looking but gravy not jelly.

Lupin of course got fed up with eating this all the time and it was felt he had an allergy to something but I had noticed some months on that he was stealing the other cats foods in small amounts and even eating some biscuits..........all biscuits where a nono too cos instantly upset his tummy again.

Lupin is now 1 yr and 9 months old and he eats Sheba little morsals chicken and ham, maybe turkey! He graduated onto that by accident cos it was put down for Misa and Lupin stole it but his tummy stayed OK.

I think with Lupin his tummy was just very irratated and once getting him stable for a couple of months on a food which doesnt upset him, then the key was the protexin and finding another food he could eat. For some reason Tescos chicken in jelly was found to be the one and after him being stable on that for a couple of months with protexin if his tummy went again, he then moved on all by himself and now he wont eat felix or the tesco chicken and occasionaslly steals a few biscuits but his tummy has been stable for ages now. He sneaks any food he fancies from the others but only in small amounts.

As Nemo is so much younger, I would check with the vet what doseage to give of protexin but suspect half a capsule will be fine, I tried Lacto B at the begginning but this didnt help at all. Only give protexin if his tummy goes and stop once its better again.

Lupin had all the same problems that Nemo has but white fish was an absolute killer and sent his tummy right back to its worse.

I hope Nemo stays well but think the key is finding something that doesnt upset them and then once stable its trial and error

[Sue P (Paddysmum)]

    Don't worry Tasia - we're all obsessed with poo at some stage or another on Purrs.     Sounds promising.

I think the fish should be fine for him to try a morsel  - delicate enough for a sensitive tum, so long as he doesn't go mad and start ordering a side dish of chips and mushy peas.   

It's always a rollercoaster when they start life with health problems.  Our dog, Tess (who we lost in February at 14) came to us at ten months old with very dodgy tummy problems caused through an inappropriate diet and a chiefly outside existence.  It took us around two years to turn things around for her, and we went through a rare old time of it, but gradually she grew out of the worst of it and we were able to relax her - until then - very restricted diet.  In her later years she was able to enjoy most things and the occasional treat too without any adverse effects.

Sending a playful "Hi five" for Nemo.   

[Tasia]

Hi Girls,

Well this morning Nemo is full of beans as usual, and hungry so I have been giving him his id. I actually went to tesco and bought him a little piece of fresh cod to poach as I thought this would be also gentle on his tummy, but now I dont know if I should give him it.?

I managed to have a quick look at his poo before he covered it and today could see no blood. His poo is a dark brown colour I hope that is ok? but it was nicely formed (hope Im not making you feel sick for too much info).
I feel a bit more happier today again. This little one of ours is such a worry and its a shame for him to start his life with so many tummy problems but at the moment he seems fine playing etc., I will mention what you said about that injection Sheila if he does another bloody poo..as that sounds very interesting as his poo is quite stinky sometimes.

I always end up questioning myself about what the vet has told me and than I panick so now I always take one of the kids with me so if I cant quite remember what vet said all I have to do is ask them.

Thankyou both again for you concern and your advice. Ill keep you informed on how little Nemo is getting on.
I must try to put a pic up sometime for you..Tasia x

[Sue P (Paddysmum)]

How's the ittle feller this morning?

Sounds like an idea worthy of consideration Sheila - it's great that you're keeping such a watchful eye on things as well Tasia - not everyone spots things like that, and it all helps when you're trying to ascertain symptoms/diagnosis and cure.

I'm like that too - questions, questions, questions......  but I often forget what I'm hearing or doubt what I was told, so I have to write it down, or ring again to "double check"   

As one or two here already know, I also have a rather shameful penchant for privately speculating to myself on how long someone has been qualified as a Doctor/Dentist/Surgeon/Vet/Tax Specialist especially if they're asking to look at my teeth, chest, stomach, dog, cat or pension projection       No harm in asking questions I say.   

[sheilarose]

I'm not sure about this, but one of my older cats has had similar mucussy bloody poo in the past that was really stinky (I mean  really) and our vet gave her a Covenia (long lasting anti-biotic jab) which cured it completely. Turned out it was a bacterial infection that would have taken £££s to diagnose the exact strain/cause but the tresatment with ABs was kind of obvious.

Might be worth a mention?

[Tasia]

Thankyou Sue, That sounds a good idea.. Nemo did a little poo tonight and it had a tiny wee bit of mucousy (sorry if spelt wrong) looking blood in it..not alot but a tiny bit. Even so I dont like it. So will be back on poo watch  and if happens again  will ring the vet.  Ill deffinately be keeping a diary as you suggested. Last time I went to the vet I had a list of things to ask him which I think he found quite amusing he is a really nice guy. I hope this is nothing and its just his little tummy that is sensitive. Ill keep you informed and thankyou again for your help and kind words. Tasia x

[Sue P (Paddysmum)]

   Try not to worry Tasia (easy for me to say I know) as he may still have spells where he feels a little nauseous.   Perhaps it might be worth keeping a little record of anything you notice - like a very brief diary format, and that way you can document it when you go to the vet the next time.  I find this helpful sometimes if I know I'll forget stuff. 

The main thing is, he's gained some weight, he'd not being repeatedly sick and he's exhibiting typical kitten behaviour.     It's natural that you'll feel anxious for him.  We all know what that feels like.   

[Tasia]

Thankyou for your message. Yes we try to get there to remove bowl before Nemo but he is so fast and quite often gets there before any of us have noticed but I will pick bowl up in future as soon as Tipsy finishes.  Ive just been watching Nemo and he woke up and is lip licking and swallowing again..oh god, maybe its just one of those days for him. Bless him anyway im sure its nothing and will keep you all posted. Thanks again. Tasia x

[Sue P (Paddysmum)]

That's great news Tasia.   

I wonder if it would help to remove any leftover food when Tipsy's finished eating?  Anyway, great to hear Nemo's making progress, and indeed we all want Nemo to grow up to be a big and strong Nemo (although maybe Tipsy might not want him too strong  or there'll be fisticuffs at the foodbowls)   

[Tasia]

Hi guys, thanks for your kind wishes..Nemo is still getting ok. Keeping an eye on him as last couple of days he has been lip licking alot and even retched again. I think it may be because he is a little scavenger and when Tipsy has finished eating his food Nemo runs to Tipsys plate and licks it clean the little monkey and maybe this is making his tummy a little upset again..apart from that he is behaving like any other little kitten..he lays in my arms and he looks up into my eyes he is the most loving little kitten we could have ever wished for..Thankyou again. Tasia x

[Janeyk]

  Pleased to hear little Nemo is doing well.

[Dawn F]

glad to hear he is doing well poor little Nemo!

[Gill (sneakiefeline)]

Thats wonderful news and I am sure he will grow up to be a big Kitty Nemo 

I am sure there is nothing wrong with him that varying his food wont help but do as vet suggests on food at present 

[Tasia]

Hi guys,

As some of you already know I had to go to the vets today for Nemo and I have good news for you all...he has put weight on..yipeee.
The vet was very pleased and said he is getting on really well and is very pleased with his weight gain so he even gave him his first injection. Im so relieved that he has finally started to put a little weight on, obviously I still have to keep weighing him but it all looks good. I told the vet also that his poo is quite dark so he said that after worming next week again if it doesnt start to lighten up a wee bit he will send it to the lab for analysis, but at the moment he really isnt worried about it. It isnt black just very dark brown. The main thing is his heart and lungs all sound good..Im so happy tonight and very relieved. Ill try to put some pics up later for you all to see.. Thankyou again for your help and support Ill let you all know how things progress with little Nemo too.. maybe one day ill be able to let him have a little bowl of kitten milk. Im sure he would love it but not yet hey...My little Nemo will one day grow into a big Nemo I hope..thankyou again Tasia xx