Cat Won't Eat After Enema

[Barry'sMom]

My cat Barry quit eating on Friday, so I took him to the emergency room on Saturday and they said his blood work was all great, but he was severely constipated. They said he had been through the ringer and all I could think was he is going to be starving when he gets home. Nope. He didn't eat anything all day and he threw up bile at around 6pm Sunday, so they told me to bring him back in. They did another x-ray and said there was nothing left in his colon, so they gave him anti-nausea meds and fluids again and this time an appetite stimulant. I should mention that it took 5 people to hold him down and he was heavily sedated both times This time they gave him something to come out of the sedation. Well, he literally laid on the bed flat on his stomach with his arm hanging over the edge that night. They said if he had not eaten by morning, to follow up with his regular vet. Again, he would not eat - even the A/D food that is supposedly irresistible. I got him in to his regular vet and he was stumped. He said it may be IBD considering his history, so he gave him a 12-hour cortisone shot, anti-nausea and I gave him buprenorphine on his gums for pain last nite. He is doing a fair amount of hiding since he obviously no longer trusts me but he would be affectionate and roll and purr too. I gave him some catnip and he ate that and was his usual self. I even tried putting it in his food, but he wouldn't eat it I had a bunch of food out including the new royal canin they gave me, but he would walk to the many bowls and do his pretending to bury the food he doesn't want. I thought maybe he would eat last nite since I had been spying on him to see if he would eat and he hates that, but he was curled up beside me this morning as usual and still hadn't eaten

He is at the vet today and they did another xray which they are also sending to a specialist cuz they didn't see anything. He is having another blood panel to see what has changed and they are giving him another longer lasting steriod which they didn't want to give since it has bad effects, but something has to be done They have not suggested force feeding to me since they know I live alone and am unable to give him pills by mouth, but I will get help if I need to to force feed.

He is not even 7 years old and I will do anything to save him. I don't care about cost because I have pet insurance. I don't have money by any means, but since the cost is covered somewhat, I can use my credit cards (which I have been doing already). Any advice is surely appreciated. I had to come to work today so I don't get fired and can afford his treatment, so I may not be able to respond right away

 

[furmonster mom]

Maybe try chicken/turkey baby food... Look for a brand that does not put "spices" in the ingredients (some use garlic, which is no good for cats).

Baby food has the advantage that it is easily digestible, and also can be watered down a bit and used in a syringe if needed. It is, however, not nutritionally complete, so should only be used for a short term until he starts eating normal food again.

Another thing you may want to consider is switching to a grain free, higher protein, canned food. I had a cat that became severely constipated once and after examining the cause (a high corn & grain filled kibble) I decided to switch to homemade raw food. I understand that's not an option for everyone, but there are some decent better quality foods out there. Also, generally speaking, canned wet foods are easier on the digestion than kibble.

 

[duckpond]

Will he not eat the food he ate before? my cat would not eat the A/D either, my vet said all cats normally love it. mine did not.

He does need to eat, any food at this point, wet, dry, baby food, anything he will eat. My best go too for my guys is rotisserie chicken. they love the stuff. And if they are really off their food i try feeding them on a spoon or fork. Sometimes they will eat if they don't need to bend over. Maybe nauseous?

Best of luck to you guys, sending you all my positive thoughts. Do keep us updated on him.

 

[1 bruce 1]

Sometimes if you take a bit of canned food or baby food or something on your finger, then wipe it on their foot or whiskers (or even their nose!), they'll clean it up, and the taste of food will make their appetite jump-start.
When he DOES start eating again, just make sure he's not allowed to gorge himself =)
It sounds like you've all had a really rough weekend =(

 

[Barry'sMom]

This actually may have been caused by high protein, no grain I switched to Dr. Easley's recently, but I always fed him the highest protein and no grain that I could find. I did try putting some food on his lip and he licked it off, but it didn't help The vet now thinks that he has very bad stomach upset from the switch in food, since they can't find anything on the x-rays or blood panels. He gave him the longer lasting more dangerous steroid today and more anti nausea medicine. But if he hasn't eaten in 24-48 hours they will try a feeding tube, but the vet said they have to stay in the hospital because the tube is in their nose and they will pull it out. He seems to feel that Barry would not be able to handle that since he gets so upset and traumatized being there. I kind of got the impression that he is thinking he will need to be put down. It is inconceivable to me that a cat that is not yet 7, who was perfectly fine on Friday morning, may need to be put down. His only health problem was his over-grooming on his belly and his anxiety. He did have a bad case of giardia when I got him as a kitten from the shelter and needed 2 rounds of antibiotics, but I wouldn’t think that would be it. I am going to try every type of food that there is tonite, but I am starting to feel hopeless. I put 4 types of food by him under the bed, where he was hiding when I had to go back to work since it will take awhile for him to come out again since this is the 4th day in a row he has been at the vet L

 

[1 bruce 1]

This actually may have been caused by high protein, no grain I switched to Dr. Easley's recently, but I always fed him the highest protein and no grain that I could find. I did try putting some food on his lip and he licked it off, but it didn't help The vet now thinks that he has very bad stomach upset from the switch in food, since they can't find anything on the x-rays or blood panels. He gave him the longer lasting more dangerous steroid today and more anti nausea medicine. But if he hasn't eaten in 24-48 hours they will try a feeding tube, but the vet said they have to stay in the hospital because the tube is in their nose and they will pull it out. He seems to feel that Barry would not be able to handle that since he gets so upset and traumatized being there. I kind of got the impression that he is thinking he will need to be put down. It is inconceivable to me that a cat that is not yet 7, who was perfectly fine on Friday morning, may need to be put down. His only health problem was his over-grooming on his belly and his anxiety. He did have a bad case of giardia when I got him as a kitten from the shelter and needed 2 rounds of antibiotics, but I wouldn’t think that would be it. I am going to try every type of food that there is tonite, but I am starting to feel hopeless. I put 4 types of food by him under the bed, where he was hiding when I had to go back to work since it will take awhile for him to come out again since this is the 4th day in a row he has been at the vet L

I hate those steroids, too. I actually have one of mine on it daily =( But for him, there's no other thing that has worked and his situation is severe enough that it can become life threatening in no time.
If he only has to have one or two steroid shots, be cautious and observe but don't let it stress you out too much.
Keep the food available and keep things quiet. I've had cats not eating come around and eat when TV's are off, windows are shut, radios are shut off and either they're alone or it's just us and I talk to them real quietly and maybe read a book. Sometimes petting helps them start eating (no idea why.)
Fingers crossed for you and Barry. He's probably stressed from all the necessary vet visits and sometimes, when stressed, they want to lay low and be alone for a while and only then will they eat.
We're all pulling for you guys.

 

[Barry'sMom]

Yah the steroid is the least of my concerns at this point I tried all the different foods tonite and no luck. The vet was not happy that he had been given anesthesia 2 nites in a row and I think he does need to lay low and not be bothered all the time especially for such an anxious kitty. They did the exact same tests today at my regular vet and didn't need to use anything. I wish he could just be left alone, but the not eating thing is finally taking it's toll. Tonite when I came home he was still under the bed (4 hours after the vet visit) and he wouldn't even look at me - I assume he was mad. I noticed that there was one treat missing from his bowl, so he must have eaten one. He came out about 10 minutes later to look at my food offerings other than the ones I left under the bed, but wouldn't eat any. He was being his usual affectionate self, but went and hid again when I tried to get him to eat. Then I laid on the bed and he jumped up and cuddled with me under the blanket. I had to give him his stupid pain med, which makes him lethargic and he is under the bed again It really breaks my heart that he is probably not going to make it just because of being traumatized from constipation treatment

 

[laura mae]

Was he eating before the enema? If it had been a few days of not eating he may be unable to eat due to fatty liver. But elevated liver enzymes show up on blood tests if a kitty is dealing with that. He would definitely have elevated enzymes if he had fatty liver.

The only option might be a feeding tube. And it might take not too long for him to get back into the swing of eating on his own. But the hiding does seem to say that he still is feeling pretty bad.

Did your regular vet do an x-ray? Is there any chance that the er vet injured him while doing the enema? Ideally I think vets try stool softners and super duper doses of miralax type medication to get moisture in the colon. It took 4 days for the er vet to get Booberry to poop with the drip. They were trying to avoid doing a manual extraction of stool because it hurts. So it could be that your kitty is sore and so doesn't want to eat yet.

There could be air in his intestines too from the procedure and that once he passes the air, he'll feel good enough to eat.

 

[Barry'sMom]

Yah apparently he doesn't have fatty liver yet since they did blood tests again today. My regular vet gave him x-rays again today and sent them to a radiologist who didn't see anything either. He was eating last Thursday but I am not sure how much he ate on Friday. I noticed him not eating on Saturday when I saw that he hadn't devoured his treats I gave him late Friday night. So I watched him all day on Saturday and he didn't eat any time he went to his bowl, so I took him to the ER. They said he was terribly constipated and that is why they did the enema. He gets very scared away from home and doesn't like people except for me, so he will hiss and become very aggressive. Apparently 5 people held him down and they still gave him anesthesia to do blood work and X-rays. I now am very sorry I took him back to the ER on Sunday, since they gave him anesthesia again to do another X-ray. My vet did blood and X-rays today and said there is no reason for anesthesia

It's odd because he did pass stool every day, but I did notice he had not finished all of his regular food (he's overweight, so I only gave him a certain amount each day). I assumed it was because I changed his kibble to an even higher protein content than the one he was on before (like Atkins, he needed less, but now I know he was becoming clogged up). He always has a can of wet food and I have been trying to get him off kibble, but he won't totally give it up.

I am pretty sure he is hiding because he is afraid he is going to the vet again Since it was 4 days in a row. Whenever I turn everything off, he hides under the bed. I am pretty sure he is just extremely upset, but of course a feeding tube will totally stress him out too, but I have to try everything since he is only 6 years old and isn't suffering from some disease. I am not trying to be selfish and make him suffer just to keep him around, but I don't think I can give up when the vet says he is fighting hard too

 

[furmonster mom]

Maybe he just needs a break from all the fuss.
With everything from enemas to steroids to car rides to the vet to pokes and prods... I wouldn't be surprised if he's just plain exhausted and overwhelmed.
I'd leave him alone, in a room with a bed, litter box, plenty of water and a bit of food (maybe some tuna?) for the night.

 

[Barry'sMom]

Yah I heard him get up in the middle of the night and crunch 5 times, so I know he ate at least 5 pieces of kibble. Maybe ate some wet. He was getting up and down from the bed quite a few times and seemed restless, but every time he does that he gets petted before he cuddles (was purring pretty loud), so I don't know if it is a good sign or not. I overslept today and he was still cuddling, but of course he went under the bed when I got up since I'm sure he assumed he was going to the vet. I am going to check on him at lunch time and call the vet with an update. I am more inclined to try force feeding if necessary at this point since he is able to eat. I have some hope today, but things could change

 

[duckpond]

Very glad you could hear him crunching last night! glad he is eating. Hopefully he will eat more today, and be feeling better!

 

[Barry'sMom]

I am not gonna lie - it was the best sound I've ever heard. I went home from lunch to make him new food, but he was under the bed since I'm sure he thought he was going to the vet after 4 days in a row. I don't think he ate anymore, but the vet said he was very happy he at least ate some and showed an interest in food. He thought it should only get better from here so fingers crossed

 

[duckpond]

sending him best wishes, and fingers crossed!

 

[furmonster mom]

After having an empty stomach for so long, it's probably best that he eats just small amounts for a little while... so I think it's positive progress that he's feeling up to munching a little.

 

[Timmer]

I am glad that things seem to be getting better.

I gotta tell you, I thought I was doing the right thing switching to grain free and my cats both got sick from it. One night I was in the ER with my cat and sat down next to a lady and we got to talking and our cats were both there for constipation. She said she had switched to grain free and that's what caused it. Grain free is a lot of hype in my opinion. Even my vet old me once in awhile a can of it is fine but don't make that a steady diet.

I've had several constipated cats and so I do have some experience. Do you know what psyllium husk is? You can get it at the drug store. It's basically fiber capsules. A couple of times a week I open a capsule and sprinkle it over the cat's food. Even over the dry food. She goes poop very well when I do that. I've also switched her to the Royal Canin Hairball formula. Dry. It has been a miracle for her. My cats would never eat the prescription food the vet gave me.

One thing about constipation is it usually means there's not enough water in their gut. That's why canned food is the best but barring that, how about offering your cat some tuna juice with some psyllium husk in it?
Another thing I have done over the years is mixed in Metamucil (unflavored) or Miralax into the food or tuna juice.
I don't think your cat needs pain meds anymore. In fact, that will make them lose their appetite. I could see giving it for maybe 24 hours after the enema but you shouldn't need it more than that.
Keep us posted.

 

[Barry'sMom]

Yah I know feral cats don't have grain in their diet, but they don't have kibble either. Maybe the grain is necessary to process the hardened kibble better? idk. the vet doesn't think it was the grain-free necessarily, but rather the food change, but he doesn't want me to use that brand anymore. The funny thing is, when I fed him Blue Buffalo, he had no over-grooming issues, his coat was sleek, etc. Vets think Blue is poison, so I stopped feeding it and I have had issues ever since When you say tuna juice, do you mean the juice from a regular people food tuna can?

 

[1 bruce 1]

I am glad that things seem to be getting better.

I gotta tell you, I thought I was doing the right thing switching to grain free and my cats both got sick from it. One night I was in the ER with my cat and sat down next to a lady and we got to talking and our cats were both there for constipation. She said she had switched to grain free and that's what caused it. Grain free is a lot of hype in my opinion. Even my vet old me once in awhile a can of it is fine but don't make that a steady diet.

I've had several constipated cats and so I do have some experience. Do you know what psyllium husk is? You can get it at the drug store. It's basically fiber capsules. A couple of times a week I open a capsule and sprinkle it over the cat's food. Even over the dry food. She goes poop very well when I do that. I've also switched her to the Royal Canin Hairball formula. Dry. It has been a miracle for her. My cats would never eat the prescription food the vet gave me.

One thing about constipation is it usually means there's not enough water in their gut. That's why canned food is the best but barring that, how about offering your cat some tuna juice with some psyllium husk in it?
Another thing I have done over the years is mixed in Metamucil (unflavored) or Miralax into the food or tuna juice.
I don't think your cat needs pain meds anymore. In fact, that will make them lose their appetite. I could see giving it for maybe 24 hours after the enema but you shouldn't need it more than that.
Keep us posted.

The problem in grain free foods seems to be grains are replaced with legumes, which are probably harder for cats to digest? I dunno.
Miralax is miraculous. It's so gentle, doesn't cause cramping and doesn't go from "cat doesn't have to go" to "cat is frantically rushing to the box to contain the impending explosion". We've used it with great success, even for cats passing small amounts of stool that is hard or dry-looking. It's also really easy to hide into canned food and even cats that can pick out a single drop of meds in a huge bowl of food seem to not care if it's there.
Our cat got a pain med shot after a complicated enema with no go-home meds, only told to call if he seemed in pain which he didn't.

 

[1 bruce 1]

Yah I know feral cats don't have grain in their diet, but they don't have kibble either. Maybe the grain is necessary to process the hardened kibble better? idk. the vet doesn't think it was the grain-free necessarily, but rather the food change, but he doesn't want me to use that brand anymore. The funny thing is, when I fed him Blue Buffalo, he had no over-grooming issues, his coat was sleek, etc. Vets think Blue is poison, so I stopped feeding it and I have had issues ever since When you say tuna juice, do you mean the juice from a regular people food tuna can?

It's doubtful feral cats that are good hunters have no grains in their diet, but cats that scavenge in bins probably do. Our barn cats have kept the mouse population to zero over the years but will still drag stuff off the compost heap no matter what it is (grain inclusive) and chow down. They're WAY pickier than dogs (they don't usually eat poop!), but they seem to pick and choose if grains are their thing or not.
I feed a raw diet, the diet of a good hunter cat that is wild, feral, etc., and one of my vets think it's poison, too
Blue has had some issues in the past, but if he does well with it, maybe consider re-trying it. Heck, our non-raw fed cat with IBD eats a Purina product that I don't feel is "great", but it's not terrible, he eats it, and hasn't perished from it.
FWIW, we had cats live into their 20's eating plain Purina cat chow, no additions. I feel diet greatly makes or breaks health, but that diet is only good if the cat will eat it, and will only happen if the cats genetic base allows it to.
Hopeful that you find a solution.

 

[Timmer]

Yes, I mean the juice from a human tuna can, packed in water. Not oil.