Sick cat . . . any advice?

Question

This is an outdoor barn cat. She is not my cat, and the owners are not going to put any money into her cuz she is just a rat catcher. I know "call the vet" is the advice you're going to give me, but that's not an option, so please give me other suggestions. Thanks.

Monday night 9PM the cat was running around, totally normal. Tuesday morning 5AM she's laying around, lethargic, seems to have a fever, not eating. I gave her water from a syringe several times throughout the morning to keep her hydrated. She disappeared around 1PM and didn't show back up until around 8PM. She ate a little bit of food and was walking a little bit, seemed somewhat better. I put her in the house overnight. Don't know whether or not she ate and drank. This morning (Weds) she is lethargic again, not standing, still feels hot, not eating. I gave her water in the syringe again and someone suggested vaseline on her nose so she would l**k it off and help lubricate her system a little bit. I have not seen her go to the bathroom at all, but like I said, she was missing for 7 hours yesterday, so I don't know if she did anything. What else can I do? What do you do to get rid of a fever in a cat? I know nothing about cats - I'm a horse person, so even basic advice is welcome.

And I'm not sure exactly what happened to her- she doesn't have any visible bites or anything like that, so I'm thinking she ate a frog or skink or something. Help?

Thanks :)

Answer 1

Any poison around the barn?  Reads to me like she got into something she shouldn't have.  If you can't bring her to the vet, you're in a sticky situation.  Try palpating her abdomen gently, and see if she screams or exhibits discomfort.  If hydration is a concern, try giving her some of the electrolyte powder (mixed with water, of course) you doubtless have in the horse barn.  You can also mix water/electrolytes into her food. You can ascertain if she's dehydrated by gently pinching a bit of her skin-if it 'tents' (doesn't go back down right away), then she's dehydrated.

I don't suppose your horse doctor would be a pal and take a peek at her without raking you over the financial coals?

Here's another notion-is she fixed?  If not, are her teats enlarged? Could be she's having kitten trouble.  Try to figure out where she disappears to.  

Best luck! I'll say a prayer for the purrball!

Answer 2

By the sounds of it, she could be expecting kits, watch for any more of these sign or of course, her getting "fatter". Be sure to keep watch for other cats that could possibly be un-neutered males that seem to be hanging around. And yes, she could have just eaten something.. but keep a close eye on her.

Best wishes and Good Luck :)

Answer 3

You obviously have a heart of gold and care about all animals. :)

Unfortunately there is not much you can do without knowing what has happened to her and chances are you may never know.  Without having blood work done - she may have so many things going on ie: feline leukemia/aids, an abscess brewing...  Is she spayed? - how old is she? - If not, and she is older, does she have an infected uterus (pyometra)...   She could have been kicked by a horse and have something internal bruised.  OR ingested something toxic.  Blood work is the only way to confirm or narrow most of these things.

I know you said you can not call a vet.  Can you consider speaking to your personal horse vet for some advise?  Sometimes they will talk to their clients because they care to and understand where you are coming from.    

As for what you can do now, keep kitty inside.  Feed anything soft and stinky to entice.  Try some pedialyte. Cats will not eat if the fever is high.  Rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball placed in between the feet pads and rubbed in the ears will help drawl out some heat as well.   Do not let her l**k it though.  Other than that, try to call any vet for stronger advice.  I really do wish you both well.  I hope it all works out and she feels better soon.

Answer 4

When a cat has a fever, her ears are either cold or hot.  So feel her ears.  Watch her as much as you can and make sure she goes to the bathroom.  One of my cats had gotton a urinary tract blocked, and almost died because he could not go to the bathroom.  So make sure the cat is peeing and pooping.  

You are doing well to give the cat water.  Keep her hydrated.  There really is no way to bring down a fever in a cat without a vet's help.  Human medications do not work and can be deadly.  

Also, if she's not eating much, get some gerber baby food chicken. (mashed up chicken) and feed it to her through a syringe.  Whenever our cats are sick, that is something that they enjoy eating.  It is also very easy on the stomach for them.  

Hope I helped.  Any other questions, email. me.