Stressed cat won't eat

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Crayzee_cat

Member Since 2016
Hi,

I am looking after my mum's 17-year-old diabetic cat, Dillon, at my house while my mum has gone on holiday. I am also looking after my sister's young cat (who Dillon hadn't met before).

Since arriving at my house yesterday, Dillon has not eaten or drunk anything. I am sure this is because he is (understandably) stressed by the change in location and introduction of a strange other cat.

I have kept Dillon in the living room with his food/water on one side of the room and his litter tray on the other side. The door is shut so the other cat can't disturb him.

Dillon seems to have calmed down lots and appears to be quite relaxed on the sofa. He is responding very well to cuddles and stroking (he is an affectionate cat and knows me well as I lived with him for many years) but he still won't eat or drink.

I have tried warming his wet food, tempting him with Parmesan cheese, feeding him with my fingers, etc but nothing seems to work.

I'm worried about his diabetes and I know it can be dangerous for a cat not to eat. I gave him his insulin injection last night but haven't given him one this morning because I understand it's not a good idea if the cat hasn't eaten.

I don't have a car so I would struggle to take Dillon to the vet. If anyone has any advice about how I can get him eating, I would be very grateful. I'm really worried about him and am feeling under quite a bit of pressure.

Thanks,

Cat
(Catherine)
 
Maybe try tempting him with some chicken? Cold cuts? Tuna water? Now that he's relaxing more hopefully he will stay eating for you. I think it was wise of you to skip the injection while he's not eating.
 
Not eating in a new environment is not unexpected. I have adopted many cats and worked at an animal shelter and have seen that. frequently. You are right in not giving an insulin show without Dillon eating.
Now I would offer different foods. If not eating tomorrow I would call vet/your mother for advice.
I have had to resort to syringe feeding in some cases.
 
Thanks for the advice.

I have managed to get Dillon to eat a bit of food. He won't touch his wet food (which he normally loves) but has eaten a tiny bit of dry food, some cat treats, and a few mouthfuls of sardines. He seemed to really enjoy the sardines but he didn't eat a lot.

Do you think it will be safe to give him his insulin injection this evening? I wonder if I should reduce the dosage as he has eaten so little?

Thanks,

Cat
 
What type of insulin and dose?
What type of BG does Dillon typically have before shots and what is lowest BG between shots?
Does you mother or you home test BGs?
 
Is there any way you can get something from your mom's house that will have her scent on it? That may make him feel more comfortable and start eating.

Try sprinkling parmesan cheese on his food. Sometimes that encourages them to eat.
 
Unfortunately I don't have a BG monitor and I can't get to my mum's house as I don't have a car and she lives over an hour away.

The insulin is called Caninsulin. I'm not sure what the unit is but on the syringe I have to fill it up to number 3 - presumably that's 3ml?

I did try the Parmesan trick and he was interested for a few seconds but then changed his mind.

Thanks again.

Cat
 
Elizabeth and Bertie said:
That's 3 units, Cat.

Oh, welcome to FDMB, by the way! :bighug:

Are you in the UK by any chance, Cat?

Eliz
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Sounds very much like it, Eliz... Cat, if you are in the UK can you tell us whereabouts approx (just in case we have a member near you who might be able to help)?
In any case, keep in touch here and keep asking questions. We're here to do whateve we can. You may find that Dillon starts eating more soon when he relaxes more.

Diana
 
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