3month old Kitten VERY skinny-eats too little but vets don't know what's wrong

baechumom

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Apr 15, 2021
Messages
11
Purraise
9
Hello all! My kitten's name is Baechu and she's a lovely ragdoll girl. She was born on 1/5/21 and came home on 3/23/21.

Early March, I was told by the breeder she had coccidia. But she was never really "treated". The breeder gave her small amounts of doxycycline and she was back up and healthy. Gained the weight that she lost all back. So she was "treated".

All good, I got her home (she flew with me from Michigan to New Jersey). She was very playful, ate very well, and so cute! She was not shy when she got home. She roamed (but I kept her in my room for the first few days). She pooped A LOT of poop.. lol it was very stinky but the color was fine although it piled up to a poop shape like this 💩. And at this time she had meat on her so I just assumed kittens poop like that. And went to the vet the next day for her first checkup.

With vet#1:
Went to vet#1 on 3/24/21 and nothing bad. She was healthy and weighed 2.64lbs. But eventually, on 3/26 she started having diarrhea, which she still has. Since then, she is not eating well, lethargic. So I went back to the vet with her stool sample and turns out she had Giardia (Which is negative now after her medications). Also, I was told she had enteritis on 3/26 when vet#1 saw her stool under the microscope (overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine). She had Panacur for Giardia and Flagyl for enteritis. 2 weeks passed but she did not get better. Vet#1 also gave me some anti-diarrhea gel but it did not work. She seems hungry but she eats too little. So I went to vet#2 for second opinions.

With vet#2: 4/8/21
I tested her for almost everything. Her fecal exam, blood test, urine tests are all -okay. Not fantastic but nothing serious. Panacur was noticed as she had it for Giardia. No FIV/FeLV. A slight elevation in her white blood cells but nothing dramatic. But at this time, she has lost a pound since she came. (2.6lbs to 1.5lbs). The vet prescribed Fortiflora SA and Purina EN wet cat food which worked!!..for 3 days and then she was back with the mess. But it was the BEST stool I've ever seen and it seemed like she loved the food. But... again, she lost interest in the food and she wants her usual kitten kibbles which give her diarrhea (Purina ONE healthy kitten). But I just wanted her to eat at this point so I just gave her what she wanted.

Then on 4/14, at 3 am her diarrhea had slightly pink blood mixed in. And then around 4am, she wanted to eat so I gave her the Purina EN wet and some dry food. And I figured she only eats 3g at a time lol.. Then at 8am, she ate a bit (3g again) and then at 9am she threw up the water she drank. I don't know... I am waiting on her PCR fecal results to come in... but nobody really knows what's wrong with her. And she saw vet#3 yesterday, he gave her some dewormer although nothing was found. Just to see if it will work... He actually said she is very skinny but I did a good job in keeping her to eat? And she's not lacking nutrition...Umm.. I don't know how to feel about that lol. Anyways since then, I tried changing her dry food to with limited ingredients so I'm giving her Instinct LID Turkey flavor. The Purina EN can food didn't have chicken and corn stuff so just in case, I'm trying out food without those two. Her next stool was okay. It wasn't great but no water at least, it was skinny and piled up.

So in summary, All 3 vets said she's SKINNY but nothing majorly wrong. All are recommending to see an internist/get ultrasound. I have a friend who's a vet who also told me it seems she's in a bad condition but since she is still eating, she seems okay. Just... losing weight is not okay. And if things go wrong, again go see an internist. I'm also talking to the breeder who keeps recommending doxy, 3 drops a day for 10 days. Vets don't recommend it, but so far, it was the only thing that got her back up (back in early March) and had her gain weight. I'm thinking maybe that's why she's sick now.. since she did not get the parasite fixed completely back then. Or, she just needs it. Breeder's other kittens are doing perfectly fine. She had another kitten who had the runs which she fixed with the doxy. And he's big and cute.

Does anyone have similar situations or experiences? Please help me and the poor kitty. She's a beautiful cat and she's really all of my life. Thank you for reading this long long post. I hope there is something that can be done!! The photo is my cute girl when she was happy and "healthy"
 

Attachments

mrsgreenjeens

Every Life Should Have Nine Cats
Staff Member
Advisor
Joined
Aug 13, 2009
Messages
16,390
Purraise
7,127
Location
Arizona
I would seriously wait for the results of the PCR before making any more changes to food, etc. It's very possible she still has some parasite, and the PCR should show what it is. And I would NOT use Doxy unless absolutely necessary. One of my guys had an infection that only two drugs could cure, one was Doxy and my Vet advised strongly not to use that one. Don't get me wrong, sometimes it does need to be used, but unless that is a KNOWN factor, I wouldn't use it.

Too many food changes, too quickly, can cause diarrhea if she has a sensitive tummy. If it turns out the PCR is completely negative, then going to a limited diet may prove a good choice, but only if she will eat it with gusto. If that PCR is negative, I also agree with your Vet friend that you should see an internist.

She is adorable, BTW :loveeyes:
 

jefferd18

Ms. Jeff's Legacy
Top Cat
Joined
Jul 2, 2019
Messages
2,269
Purraise
2,067
It could very well be something like having worms and that certainly is treatable. I had a Himmi kitten that went through the same ordeal and he had tape worms. The blood in the stool can be a sign of parasites.
Your girl can not go on like this. She is absolutely precious and I pray that you get some answers.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #4

baechumom

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Apr 15, 2021
Messages
11
Purraise
9
I would seriously wait for the results of the PCR before making any more changes to food, etc. It's very possible she still has some parasite, and the PCR should show what it is. And I would NOT use Doxy unless absolutely necessary. One of my guys had an infection that only two drugs could cure, one was Doxy and my Vet advised strongly not to use that one. Don't get me wrong, sometimes it does need to be used, but unless that is a KNOWN factor, I wouldn't use it.

Too many food changes, too quickly, can cause diarrhea if she has a sensitive tummy. If it turns out the PCR is completely negative, then going to a limited diet may prove a good choice, but only if she will eat it with gusto. If that PCR is negative, I also agree with your Vet friend that you should see an internist.

She is adorable, BTW :loveeyes:
I started giving her carnivore care starting today. I know I shouldn't be changing foods but she won't eat.. She had 4 kibbles.. lol.
At least she finishes carnivore care! The direction says to give 3 tbsp for cats under 2lbs. She's had 2 tbsp so far. I'm also giving her some Nutri-cal. And I'm trying to keep it that way until PCR comes out..
It's such a dilemma because it's either she eats with diarrhea or eats a tiny bit with no diarrhea. Not sure which one is better and not sure if force-feeding would be better. I've fed her KMR because vet#1 suggested but she throws it up even when fed slowly.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #5

baechumom

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Apr 15, 2021
Messages
11
Purraise
9
It could very well be something like having worms and that certainly is treatable. I had a Himmi kitten that went through the same ordeal and he had tape worms. The blood in the stool can be a sign of parasites.
Your girl can not go on like this. She is absolutely precious and I pray that you get some answers.
Could she have worms but not shown in her stools? Or does tape worm not come out... She did get a dewormer yesterday but nothing special was shown in her stool.
 

Talien

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Oct 10, 2018
Messages
2,650
Purraise
5,131
Location
Michigan
The direction says to give 3 tbsp for cats under 2lbs. She's had 2 tbsp so far.
Her ideal weight is not under 2 LB, she is seriously underweight so she should be getting the amount for the next step up in weight.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #7

baechumom

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Apr 15, 2021
Messages
11
Purraise
9
Her ideal weight is not under 2 LB, she is seriously underweight so she should be getting the amount for the next step up in weight.
Omg! Good point. I thought I should give her where she is at. The next bracket says 6 tbsp for 2-4lbs. Thank you!
 

jefferd18

Ms. Jeff's Legacy
Top Cat
Joined
Jul 2, 2019
Messages
2,269
Purraise
2,067
Omg! Good point. I thought I should give her where she is at. The next bracket says 6 tbsp for 2-4lbs. Thank you!

You also need to be getting fluids in her, whether under her skin or intravenously because she is severely dehydrated and that will kill her faster than not eating.
Yes, she still could have parasites in her.
 

Mr. Meow

Special needs cat expert.
Super Cat
Joined
Dec 25, 2020
Messages
846
Purraise
2,630
Location
Ohio
As for the food that she eats and gives her diarrhea, try adding boiled chicken or pureé pumpkin to that food. Both are pretty good at making kitty more regular with her poops.
 

Juniper_Junebug

TCS Member
Alpha Cat
Joined
Oct 21, 2020
Messages
626
Purraise
1,844
Could she have worms but not shown in her stools? Or does tape worm not come out... She did get a dewormer yesterday but nothing special was shown in her stool.
My kitty had a stool test at about 6 months and it did not show any worms (though did show giardia), but she definitely also had tapeworms because I found a segment on her butt. I sent a pic to the vet and the vet agreed and we got her treated.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #11

baechumom

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Apr 15, 2021
Messages
11
Purraise
9
PCR results are back! and OMG ... she has Feline coronavirus...
Need to test if it's mutated to cause FIP but oh my god!
Any knowledge on this..? I'm just shocked. How did she even get this? Vet said if it's FIP then it is fatal...
I'm so worried...!
 

kittenmittens84

TCS Member
Alpha Cat
Joined
Sep 30, 2019
Messages
618
Purraise
601
A lot of kittens have FCOV, only a very small number of them have FIP. Did he mention what tests they were going to do to confirm?

Diarrhea/poop problems aren’t a common symptom of FIP. Lack of appetite is, but it’s also a symptom of a zillion other things as well.
 

jefferd18

Ms. Jeff's Legacy
Top Cat
Joined
Jul 2, 2019
Messages
2,269
Purraise
2,067
PCR results are back! and OMG ... she has Feline coronavirus...
Need to test if it's mutated to cause FIP but oh my god!
Any knowledge on this..? I'm just shocked. How did she even get this? Vet said if it's FIP then it is fatal...
I'm so worried...!



FIP only occurs in about 10% of animals with coronavirus, so please do not stress out. And treat those tests that were done with caution because they are not always reliable.
How did she get this? Unfortunately, it is very common.
 
Last edited:

IndyJones

Adopt don't shop.
Top Cat
Joined
Jan 13, 2017
Messages
4,016
Purraise
3,725
Location
Where do you think?
Feline coronavirus is highly contagious and can even be spread by contact with a dropplet contaminated surface it's so contagious that it's probably impossible to know where it came from.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #15

baechumom

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Apr 15, 2021
Messages
11
Purraise
9
A lot of kittens have FCOV, only a very small number of them have FIP. Did he mention what tests they were going to do to confirm?

Diarrhea/poop problems aren’t a common symptom of FIP. Lack of appetite is, but it’s also a symptom of a zillion other things as well.
FIP only occurs in about 10% of animals with coronavirus, so please do not stress out. And treat those tests that were done with caution because they are not always reliable.
How did she get this? Unfortunately, it is very common.
Contacted the breeder.. not sure how she got it. But apparently, it also comes from stress..
I'm glad to hear FIP is not as common. And I looked up some symptoms of FIP which are:
  • Loss of appetite she gets hungry but only eats small portions
  • Weight loss absolutely
  • Lethargy very! barely responses to toys,
  • Fluctuating fever that is not responsive to antibiotics no fever yet
I know this doesn't 100% mean she has FIP but still concerned.

Also, are there anythings I can do for her for FCoV
 

mrsgreenjeens

Every Life Should Have Nine Cats
Staff Member
Advisor
Joined
Aug 13, 2009
Messages
16,390
Purraise
7,127
Location
Arizona
AND, if it does mutate into FIP, now there are trials being run right now that are proving to be very effective against it. Currently people are able to obtain the drug via the internet even though it isn't yet approved. We've had a couple peole here on TCS who've used it to good success. It's quite pricey and days injections daily for several months, but seems to work well. But as pointed out already, Feline Coronavirus is pretty common and doesn't typically mutate.

The Doxy wouldn't have fixed this as it's for bacterial infections and Feline Coronavirus is a virus. You can only treat the symptoms. So for the diarrhea, antibiotics won't help, but adding in fiber like pumpkin as mentioned above might help. Giving her plain poached chicken might help if she will eat it. You could do this for a few days to help give her intestines a break, but if she won't eat it, then don't bother. Also, many people use slippery elm bark syrup to help with diarrhea. AND, at this point I would add in a probiotic like S. Boulardi. That one works really well for diarrhea. Some folks swear by it!

Here is some info on Slippery Elm Bark: Slippery Elm For Constipation
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #17

baechumom

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Apr 15, 2021
Messages
11
Purraise
9
AND, if it does mutate into FIP, now there are trials being run right now that are proving to be very effective against it. Currently people are able to obtain the drug via the internet even though it isn't yet approved. We've had a couple peole here on TCS who've used it to good success. It's quite pricey and days injections daily for several months, but seems to work well. But as pointed out already, Feline Coronavirus is pretty common and doesn't typically mutate.

The Doxy wouldn't have fixed this as it's for bacterial infections and Feline Coronavirus is a virus. You can only treat the symptoms. So for the diarrhea, antibiotics won't help, but adding in fiber like pumpkin as mentioned above might help. Giving her plain poached chicken might help if she will eat it. You could do this for a few days to help give her intestines a break, but if she won't eat it, then don't bother. Also, many people use slippery elm bark syrup to help with diarrhea. AND, at this point I would add in a probiotic like S. Boulardi. That one works really well for diarrhea. Some folks swear by it!

Here is some info on Slippery Elm Bark: Slippery Elm For Constipation
Thank you. The vet gave me fortiflora SA but... sometimes she LOVES it and sometimes she doesn't even look at it.. LOL
And thank goodness she doesn't have any food allergies. She did not have diarrhea after the Carnivore Care (chicken&egg based). Also another good news, aside from the slight blood in her first stool after feeding Carnivore Care, no diarrhea yet... Her stool looks exactly like #3 from the chart below but not residue left behind. No blood was seen the second time. My only concern is the color of her stool. It's not a dark brown.
But unfortunately, she doesn't eat the carnivore care anymore lol... But she eats kitten wet food. Although it's a little. And time to time she goes to get LID turkey kibbles.
So I need to think of how to boost her calories intake. I don't want to force feed her anymore.. Feels like she gets stressed even more.

I'm going try giving her plain chicken and she does love the pumpkin. But I'm afraid I'll give her too much so I give her only a little. Because vet#1 did say she is too young for that...? lol.

1618627757267.png
 

mrsgreenjeens

Every Life Should Have Nine Cats
Staff Member
Advisor
Joined
Aug 13, 2009
Messages
16,390
Purraise
7,127
Location
Arizona
If she likes eggs, you can feed them to her. They have extra calories, and extra protein, good type of protein too. Many people feed egg yolks for extra calories. You can feed the yolks either raw of cooked, but if raw, then don't give her any of the whites. If cooked, you can give her the entire egg. BUT, too many egg yolks can cause diarrhea so start slow. You might just scramble up an egg and give her some of it and see how she does. Don't use salt, but ok to use a little butter or oil.

As far as stool color, what color is it? Not all stool is dark brown. It really depends on what they are eating. Beef would probably result in darker stools. Chicken in lighter stools. But certain colors can denote specific issues.
 

jefferd18

Ms. Jeff's Legacy
Top Cat
Joined
Jul 2, 2019
Messages
2,269
Purraise
2,067
Thank you. The vet gave me fortiflora SA but... sometimes she LOVES it and sometimes she doesn't even look at it.. LOL
And thank goodness she doesn't have any food allergies. She did not have diarrhea after the Carnivore Care (chicken&egg based). Also another good news, aside from the slight blood in her first stool after feeding Carnivore Care, no diarrhea yet... Her stool looks exactly like #3 from the chart below but not residue left behind. No blood was seen the second time. My only concern is the color of her stool. It's not a dark brown.
But unfortunately, she doesn't eat the carnivore care anymore lol... But she eats kitten wet food. Although it's a little. And time to time she goes to get LID turkey kibbles.
So I need to think of how to boost her calories intake. I don't want to force feed her anymore.. Feels like she gets stressed even more.

I'm going try giving her plain chicken and she does love the pumpkin. But I'm afraid I'll give her too much so I give her only a little. Because vet#1 did say she is too young for that...? lol.

View attachment 376837
Okay, if her stools are firm you don't need the pumpkin because that is fiber and it will only bulk the stools up more. What does your vet suggest?
 
Top