Can't Handle Chronically Ill Cat

[muffinz55]

Guys, I am beside myself.

My cat has had so many health problems since I adopted her in Fall 2017. We have spent upwards of 5k on vet bills, mostly with help from family.

The emotional and mental toll medicating, chasing, and restraining my sick and skiddish cat has taken on me is high. She doesn't like to be handled and it's been hell. My husband and I are long distance due to his grad school so I am doing it all on my own.

I feel like I can't do this anymore. I am so torn. I am so angry that it has been such a hard road. I want to keep Binkie and I feel like I have spent all I can, asked enough family for money to help, and my anxiety is through the roof with the constant health problems and restraining, medicating, etc.

Years ago, I was interested in a cat and the woman at the shelter told me she was special needs, then asked if I had the resources and time to devote to the extra care. I said no, and moved on to another cat. I had no idea Binkie would be ill with one thing or another so often.

Please help...I am so sad, stressed, and depressed over this. Crying at work just thinking about it.

 

[Furballsmom]

Hi! I am so sorry this is happening to you!
Mamanyt1953 would you have thoughts for the op?

 

[Jem]

I'm so sorry you are going thru this. It is a difficult road to have a special needs or sick cats. May I ask what health problems Binkie has had / currently has?

 

[muffinz55]

Binkie's problems started with diarrhea from what I believe were food allergies. I did a lot of trials with different cat foods. This finally resolved with upgrading her diet to Tiki Cat - I was happy to spend more on food that made her feel better.

She then got crystals and had bleeding in the urine. An antibiotic helped with that, but I never knew what caused it.

Then she developed an eye infection. I "trapped" her in a small room for the duration of the treatment so she could not run away, but I also needed to give her sedation to help restrain her (she is VERY strong!)

She then needed dental work due to a very diseased mouth - she knocked a fang tooth out, running away from being medication and ran smack into the door, the poor thing...so I took her in and she had most of her teeth extracted and healed well.

Then she had ear infections with yeast and bacterial growth. I clean her ears once a week, if she lets me get close enough, since the vet said she naturally produces a lot of ear wax.

I had recently given her some different food, and she is currently having diarrhea again and is losing fur on her face and ears in patches, but I don't notice a lot of scratching. She is indoor only and gets Revolution once a month. I am hoping the diarrhea and fur loss are only due to food allergies from the new food and that they resolve with going back to the other foods. I am DREADING that it might be ring worm due to what I have read about for the treatment- I am anxious as heck just thinking about shampooing all the carpets in the house if it is a fungal infection (even though she is indoor only so would it be that?)

If the fur loss doesn't start growing back (started 3 days ago) I need to schedule yet another appointment - I cannot keep this up financially anymore.

I feel like her trust with me has been broken, as the only way I can medicate her are "sneak attacks" when she is calm. This has all been over the course of the year since I adopted her. I am always anxious as to what the next health problem will be. I am also dealing with my own health issues at the moment and that is part of why I feel like I can't care for her needs at the same time.

Additionally, my last cat (Lady) was found to have cancer throughout her body last year and had to be put to sleep. That was extremely traumatic for me and now, whenever Binkie has a health problem I fear the worse case scenario as was the case with Lady.

 

[Mamanyt1953]

Bless both of you. You have really been through the wringer, haven't you?

First, the fur loss may very well be due to stress. Her levels are just as high as yours are, so don't think ringworm right away. And it may well be food allergies, as she has those, anyway. I'd go back to the Tiki, if she was doing well on that.

I'm going to give you the link to an article here that may help you with vet bills, which can become astronomical. There is no shame in asking for or getting help, not when you are trying to save her life and your own sanity...ALL BY YOURSELF!

No Money For Vet Care? How To Find Help And Save Your Cat's Life

And now that I think of it, the cyctitis may have been stress-related, as well. That isn't at all uncommon.

How much do you trust your vet? Is s/he someone you can really talk openly and honestly with? That is crucial. You may have to consider changing vets at some point, although I know this is an "OH GOD MORE MONEY" situation. IF you decide to do so, let us know. There are techniques for finding the right vet, and if you want to do that, I'll be happy to link you to more articles to help in the process.

Are you in the US? If so, this link has a searchable engine for cat specialists by zip code. You DO want to choose the "cat only" option, NOT the "cat friendly" option. Very few vets are NOT "cat friendly."
AAFP | American Association of Feline Practitioners

Finally, IF IT IS POSSIBLE, and I understand that with your financial issues it may not be, a University with a Veterinary Medical School may be your best bet for getting to the absolute bottom of Binky's issues. They are practising and teaching cutting edge medicine with topnotch equipment and diagnostic tools.

Come what may, you are no longer alone with this. You have a community with you now. I'll continue to try to come up with some solutions, but you do have a direction or two to consider now.

Lighting a candle for you and Binky!

 

[drelocks]

I'm sorry you are going through all of this. It's not fair to lose a cat, then adopt one only to have so many health issues so young.

I hope you find answers to give you both happy, healthy lives!

 

[Kflowers]

In the US you have the right to all your pet's vet records, or a copy of them. Some will say we'll fax them to your new vet. Don't go that way. When mine said that they only sent the list of vaccinations, they didn't mention the illnesses, some rather important. You have a right to every page of those records. Get the copy in your hands and take it with you. Some vets will charge a fee for this. That you gotta just live with but it shouldn't be much more than $10.

 

[denice]

Several of the issues that you are describing could be related. They could be inflammatory issues. The diarrhea could be an inflammatory reaction in the intestines. Yeast infection which causes an overproduction of wax can be related to a food sensitivity. There is an inflammatory response in the mouth called stomatitis which can cause massive tooth loss, in fact full mouth extractions is the usual treatment. UTIs in cats are fairly common and cystitis can be stress related. Is there a protein that you have been consistently feeding through this?

I had a cat that I went through something similar with, I could not keep up with the vet bills. I took him to a certified feline specialist who got things figured out.

 

[muffinz55]

So, now with the current issues: the diarrhea has stopped but the fur loss continues, above one eye and on both ears. It has been about 3 days. My thought was that if it does not start growing back soon to take Binkie to the vet. Maybe I should make an appointment for this weekend now, to be safe - I could always cancel if it starts getting better. I am going to go to a cat clinic this time. However, my fear is that a recommended test or treatment will be more than I can handle financially (and treatment, potentially overwhelming too - if it means trapping my cat again for days at a time in a small room where she can't hide, and restraining her). What do I do if that happens? I've never been in this situation.

 

[Furballsmom]

I don't know, but maybe there's something in one of these;
No Money For Vet Care? How To Find Help And Save Your Cat's Life

Financial Aid for Pets

 

[Kowif]

I am so, so sorry to hear that. I understand how much anxiety can appear in your life because your little friend is sick.
Mine has gone trough hair loss in her ears, because of a fungal infection, we went to four different vets, and none of them had a single idea, until we went to a very expensive one, who turned out to be the right one.
Then we sterilized her, it was all good, until her skin opened, and again, we had to cure her.
Now she had an ear infection, like one or two months ago, but she never stopped shaking her head, sometimes she scratches it, but my family doesn't wanna take her to the vet anymore, sometimes I cry, because I'm worried, I'm worried she'll get sick of another and another and more things. I can't compare to you, and I can't offer you economical help, but I wish you the best. If you want to give her in adoption, don't feel bad or guilty, I've considered that option more than 5 times, but I took my decission.
You got all my support, good luck!

 

[Jem]

Are you currently having to give her medication for anything?
From what I gather, the fur loss is the only symptom she has left? (with no scratching?)
At this point, If she is feeling better (no diarrhea, no itching, no open sores/rash, ears are clean, peeing and pooping in litter box normally, eating well...)
I would personally just keep an eye on her, but have the cat only clinic number at the ready. With the amount of stress she (and you) have gone thru over the last year, I wonder if some calm and fun bonding time for the both of you would help the situation? If she is still stressed, that could be why she has the fur loss around her face (over grooming). Also, it can take a couple of weeks for fur to grow back noticeably, so if it does not get worse, she doesn't seem itchy or is shaking her head a lot and her skin stays healthy looking, as I said, I would take a breather.
If you feel you have broken her trust, this would be a good time to try and reinforce/build a relationship with her. Play with her multiple times a day with a wand toy of sorts, be sure she has several high perches she can use, preferably near a window for some entertainment, classical music is shown to be helpful for stressed out kitties, Furballsmom knows of an app that plays music for cats, hopefully she'll see this and let you know. Giving her a teaspoon of cooled chamomile tea (from a tea bag, NOT loose leaf), can help calm a kitty (and you! so enjoy a cup yourself). And that same tea bag can then get used as a compress to help sooth her skin, if it's irritated. Try to make a schedule with her and stick to it as much as possible, routine is a good way to help build confidence in a cat.

I do wonder if she may still have a yeast build up. It is a very stubborn fungus, so when you decide to take her back to the vet, be sure they check for that. I'm not sure what you've switched her food to, but yeast feeds on sugar, so if possible, make sure the food you give her is low sugar/low carb.

You know you'll probably have to take her back to the vet at some point, although I'm hopeful that the fur loss is stress related, but in the mean time, place her carrier with some comfy blankets and a few treats inside out where she likes to spend her time. She will hopefully start using it as a sleeping area, and then the carrier won't be as traumatic to her when you have to bring her to the vet.

I hope some of this helps you out a bit. And I hope your kitty shows signs of fur regrowth soon. Wishing you and you kitty all the best.

 

[Furballsmom]

Hi! Jem , thank you
For some music choices, there is classical harp music, George Handel compositions, an app called Relax My Cat, and also MusicForCats . com.
I'm hopeful that something provides some relaxation for your kitty

 

[GreyLady]

Jem I think that's good advice about building the bond up again..

Often it's the bond that gets us through tough times with people and animals we love. I think if you can work through things with Binkie in 3 years you will be happy you did, instead of wondering how she ended up and feeling guilty. Not a lot of people want to adopt a really sick cat

I know you sound like you are at the point of breaking. That's why you're reaching out which may just stop you from breaking. Talk about it as much as you want, get support from others... Maybe there is even an in person cat club or support group for ill pet owners something like that you can join to get emotional support from people in person and just talk. I know we have a few near us because I've seen flyers.

Talk to your husband. Does he know how stressed you are? Does he come back on weekends or for visits? Maybe schedule vet visits for when he comes home if he does so you can share that emotional burden. My dad was long distance from us for a few years and then he travelled a lot for business and sometimes my mom got overwhelmed being the only one to deal with issues with my brother because she was the one home. It's not the way you want to share the weekend but it could make you feel better to have support. Like you arent alone.

We will always talk here too and offer 2 cents about updates.

Maybe you can contact your animal shelter about ways to handle really difficult cats and medicate them. People at shelters have made routines out of stuff like that, almost, from doing it so much. Maybe volunteer to help medicate their cats (shelters need help with this and you have experience!) and they can teach you things to make it easier on you at home. Give some and get some.

Just trying to think of some things to relieve a bit of burden. I can't imagine if Noodle, who I adopted in June, was having so many expensive issues right after I got her.

I really hope your baby starts getting better....

 

[Kflowers]

Whether you have to contain her in one room or not, she needs somewhere to hide to ease her stress. The best place for you and for her, is her carrier. Leave it in the room, with a cushion at least an inch thick and a couple of toys in it. To be certain the door doesn't close and keep her out of it, put a potholder under the side the door latch is on, the side the door opens from.

This makes her carrier the safe place and makes it a little easier to get her into it when needed.

 

[Kowif]

Guys, I am beside myself.

My cat has had so many health problems since I adopted her in Fall 2017. We have spent upwards of 5k on vet bills, mostly with help from family.

The emotional and mental toll medicating, chasing, and restraining my sick and skiddish cat has taken on me is high. She doesn't like to be handled and it's been hell. My husband and I are long distance due to his grad school so I am doing it all on my own.

I feel like I can't do this anymore. I am so torn. I am so angry that it has been such a hard road. I want to keep Binkie and I feel like I have spent all I can, asked enough family for money to help, and my anxiety is through the roof with the constant health problems and restraining, medicating, etc.

Years ago, I was interested in a cat and the woman at the shelter told me she was special needs, then asked if I had the resources and time to devote to the extra care. I said no, and moved on to another cat. I had no idea Binkie would be ill with one thing or another so often.

Please help...I am so sad, stressed, and depressed over this. Crying at work just thinking about it.

How are you doing now? I'm going to the vet tomorrow, if your cat is still having trouble I can ask her, maybe for some vitamins. I would appreciate a lot if you tell me what does your cat exactly have, VIH? Aleucemia? You can check that with a blood test.

 

[muffinz55]

Here is the last post for those who had not followed:
Can't Handle Chronically Ill Cat

Anyone who has been following knows I am emotionally, mentally, and financially exhausted with caring for Binkie in the 1.5 years I've had her. She is 7 years old.

I took Binkie to a cat specialist clinic. She got a vaccine update and also an antibiotic injection. Here were the recommendations:
-Dental work needed on remaining 5 teeth (she said they looked pretty bad already)
-Sedation needed to remove deeply embedded large chunks of ear wax
-Trial of hypoallergenic food needed
-Needs Zylkene 225 mg for anxiety/fear/nervousness
-We are awaiting the culture of her ear skin re: fur loss to determine if it is ring worm, or other issue.

Here are the problems:
-I have exhausted my pet fund and already borrowed from family, spending $5,000 in less than the past year. My husband and I went through financial hardships (after knowing Binkie needed extensive vet care) and we cannot save at this rate to rebuild our finances.
-She is an extremely difficult cat to medicate and has needed restraining for medication frequently.
-This has caused me near panic attacks because I know what's coming each time she needs medication - her reactions are so over the top, she even ran into a door and knocked a tooth out to get away from me giving her medicine. This has damaged our bond too because they only time I can get her is when she is calm and then I break the trust again by medicating her/holding her.
-I cannot afford the sedation for ear cleaning.
-I cannot afford another dental procedure (AND I am pissed off that the dentist did not just remove the last 5 teeth since they didn't look "as bad" - the extractions were 2 months ago and I suspect he knew it would get bad quickly again, but this way he gets another payment from me).
-I have to wonder if my recurring fungal infection is related to Binkie's chronic yeast infection she's had in her ears that I try to clean out every week (started around that time) - this has cost me multiple doctor visit, multiple medications, and I don't have very good insurance coverage.
-If she needs hypoallergenic food, which is only DRY per the vet, and she has teeth issues, how can she eat it? And if the Zylkene (if it even works) goes in her food, how the heck does it go into DRY food? She doesn't drink much water at all since I've always given wet food (Tiki cat mousse, NO turkey due to diarrhea from any turkey based food).

Here are possible solutions:
-Try Zylkene this week and see if there is improvement in her anxiety/ability to be handled.
-Wait to see if she needs anti-fungal medication for ring worm, and see if the Zylkene makes medicating her easier.
-???I don't know what else since I can't pay for 2 of the treatments or new special food she needs (not sure exactly how much it would be but glancing online it looked expensive)???

I called a no kill shelter by me and they have availability to take Binkie if I cannot continue to care for her. This breaks my heart - I have been crying on and off for the last few days imagining surrendering her. Binkie IS a very good cat; she was licking my arm last night, purring, getting belly rubs. Sometimes she is such as affectionate sweetie, which is why I love her and have been doing everything I can to make this work.

What else can I do??? Feeling very sad.

 

[FeebysOwner]

Hi. I really feel bad for you and Binkie. I will try to at least respond to a couple of things you are asking about.

First, I've provided an article about hypoallergenic foods - including wet - that you could compare with what your vet is recommending and see if there is a cheaper but appropriate alternative. At least some of these will require prescriptions, but can be gotten on-line at a lesser cost.

Best Hypoallergenic Cat Food 2019

I am not sure I followed (or, missed it, perhaps) what meds that you are having difficulty giving Binkie. Is this the Zylkene? If so, and it is in capsule form, have you tried to open the capsules and mix it with food? Or, perhaps you can do that when you find a replacement wet hypoallergenic food.

When will you know about the ringworm - re: giving her an anti-fungal treatment? If this is the case, find out what liquid forms are available. (BTW - use gloves when cleaning out her ears.) If this happens, can that help to delay ear wax removal?

Sorry for this being so long, just trying to help in any way that I can.

 

[Furballsmom]

Hi!
Although some cats without teeth don't seem to have issues eating kibble, you could add moisture to the dry food (just don't leave it out for hours due to fast bacteria growth), including water, tuna juice, liquid from low sodium canned green beans - which could also help regarding meds.

You could even try home-made Pedialyte for added moisture;
Kitten-Rescue.com

Also, try filtered water if possible both for safety regarding possible contaminants in the water as well as better flavor, and have bowls in unusual locations from her perspective, and even at different heights.

 

[muffinz55]

Hi. I really feel bad for you and Binkie. I will try to at least respond to a couple of things you are asking about.

First, I've provided an article about hypoallergenic foods - including wet - that you could compare with what your vet is recommending and see if there is a cheaper but appropriate alternative. At least some of these will require prescriptions, but can be gotten on-line at a lesser cost.

Best Hypoallergenic Cat Food 2019

I am not sure I followed (or, missed it, perhaps) what meds that you are having difficulty giving Binkie. Is this the Zylkene? If so, and it is in capsule form, have you tried to open the capsules and mix it with food? Or, perhaps you can do that when you find a replacement wet hypoallergenic food.

When will you know about the ringworm - re: giving her an anti-fungal treatment? If this is the case, find out what liquid forms are available. (BTW - use gloves when cleaning out her ears.) If this happens, can that help to delay ear wax removal?

Sorry for this being so long, just trying to help in any way that I can.

I can try using gloves but she shakes her head during ear cleaning and some "stuff" gets on me, even on my lips before. I should know about ringworm in a few days per my vet. I really hope it's not that...she is an indoor only cat so how could she even get it? Her fur loss has not worsened BUT not really improved.