Back leg weakness

[Julie and Alice]

Hi,
Alice has been diabetic for around 3 years now. She is in quite a sorry state in that her back legs have become weak in the last few weeks and is having difficulty jumping up onto a chair now. I have some Solgar methylcobalamin 1000mcg which is a sublingual tiny pink tablet. Do you think its worth trying this? The Zobulin (spelling?) upset her a year or two ago. I think she has stopped washing herself too and has gone very thin indeed. Her teeth are dreadful but I don't think she could cope with an anaesthetic and gets so distressed going to the vets. She is now also quite smelly. Not nice but I still love her! Sadly I doubt she will be with us much longer. Any advice would be really welcome. Many thanks.
Julie

 

[Sharon14]

Hi Julie, I'm sorry Alice is having so many problems. I'm not familiar with the Solgar brand Methyl, but if it's sugar and artificial sweetener free it should be ok. I've never heard of the Zobaline upsetting anyone, what were her symptoms? The Zobaline has the methylB12 as well as Folic Acid which helps with absorption, so you may need to add FA to the Solgar. If you still have any Zobaline, I'd try that again first.
Since she's not washing herself you may want to start brushing her to help. Also a step stool near her favorite chair will help her get up to sit with you.

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

Hi Julie, sorry about Alice. You didn't say how old Alice was. We have been in the same situation with Jasper; bad teeth, dislike for cars. He had a neurological issue that was never resolved even after an MRI. We moved him into our bedroom and he was quite happy there. Jasper was also unable to clean himself and needed help getting into the litter box so after a while it was a question of dignity. Weakness in the legs could be any number of things and is best left to a vet. That was Jasper, not Alice. It could be something quite simple depending on her age so don't count her out just yet. Cats are clean animals and depression over not being able to do clean herself may play a part. Best of luck.

 

[Julie and Alice]

Many thanks for your reply Sharon
I don't have the Zobaline anymore, I passed it on. I can't remember now whether she had diarrhoea or vomiting. She does have a very, very sensitive gut.
I do have some methyl folate, 400 micrograms. How much of the B12 tab & folate should I give?
Good idea re stool although at the moment she does manage by putting her front paws on seat & then leap frogging her back legs up with difficulty. She's getting very wobbly though. She only weight about 2.5 kg now.
Thanks for help
Julie & Alice
Ps she does love to be brushed but hates brush on back half of body!

 

[Julie and Alice]

Hi Noah & Dickson,
Sorry if I got your name wrong. I appreciate your reply, thank you. Alice is approx 14-15 years old. I had her as a rescue cat 10 years ago and they did a rough guess at 5 years. I suspect she may have been younger. So I guess she is elderly now. She has suddenly gone weak in the back legs though, and generally much weaker and scraggy looking.
That is a new thought re depression. I don't know. She's a lovely gentle temperament and hasn't played for quite some time now. Her back left hip seems to bend out sometimes and then go back in. She's always had a 'clicky' hip. The vet once said couldn't see anything wrong with it. It doesn't seem to stop her walk or make her stop or growl or any indication that it is painful. I am getting some pressure from my husband who says its time to 'put her down' but I don't know that she is suffering. She sits and purrs on my knee and still has a go on her scratch post. I wish she were't so thin though. She is so intolerant of most foods that I have her on one only (Catzfine Lamb and buffalo). Even then she gets odd bouts of diarrhoea but so much better.
I have no idea why she is not cleaning herself and wonder if it is to do with her teeth.

 

[Sharon14]

Zobaline is 3mg methylcobalamine and 200 mcg folic acid. Be sure that anything you give her is free from sugar, including artificial sweeteners. Are you sure it was actually the Zobaline that upset her gut? If so, then I would think any methyl product may have the same problem, but I've never heard anyone having that problem. Did you mix it in her food or give it to her on an empty stomach?

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

Cats and dogs have a very high pain tolerance, don't take that the wrong way, maybe she's arthritic and finds it hard to clean herself. You said her teeth are dreadful, an abyss tooth can really smell bad. Is she defecating on herself? That's what Jasper did. He was a proud cat and to see him not make it to the box was very hard. I know what you mean about going to the vet. Noah has an enlarged heart so we wrap him in piddle pads and a towel, he can't be crated, and I'm afraid he'll have a cardiac event next time we go, so the next time will be his last. He's on heavy pain meds for his bad teeth and all his conditions are untreatable. It is the hardest thing to decide when it's time to go. If you can keep her clean and she's still mobile maybe give the old girl another chance. Did you have Alice before you got married? We're all pulling for you Alice. Please don't cry Julie.

 

[Antonio]

Julie, sounds like Alice is suffering from joints pain and can't turn around herself to keep her clean, it's usual in elder cats.
If the smell comes form the coat being uncleaned you can try with a soft wash with warm water and apple vinegar. Two or three spoons of vinegar in one litre of warm water, then with a cloth you can gently and softly wash Alice's coat. No need to put her straight into the water.
Using a rough sponge can help.
After washing her, rub her dry and if she's not scared by it, you can finish the job with the hair dryer.
I have done this myself a few times to my elder cat. She keeps peeing on herself while sleeping. I have to use training pads over her pillow to save the pillow. I change them up to four times a day. Usually I clean the cat with the refreshing wipes, but every now and then a bath as I described above is a wonderful idea. My cat loves the cleanliness sensation after it, Alice could love it too.
I fully understand how you are feeling about Alice being close to her last trip, I am living the same tremendous situation.
All the best!

 

[Julie and Alice]

Zobaline is 3mg methylcobalamine and 200 mcg folic acid. Be sure that anything you give her is free from sugar, including artificial sweeteners. Are you sure it was actually the Zobaline that upset her gut? If so, then I would think any methyl product may have the same problem, but I've never heard anyone having that problem. Did you mix it in her food or give it to her on an empty stomach?

Hi,
I apologise for the delay in reply, it was my birthday yesterday & I didn't get a minute to reply all day!
I tried the methylcobolamin after I read your post thanks. You were right, she didn't tolerate it well so perhaps it is the methyl part of it?! She was off her food all day and her blood glucose was unexpectedly high. I did mix it in a small amount of food. It was a bit confusing as my hubby gave her insulin while Alice stood up and tried to walk away, so I'm not sure if it was a 'fur shot' or just coincidence but her glucose shot up really high unexpectedly. I thought the B12 was sugar free but it had mannitol in it but it must have been only a tiny bit as the tablets are tiny any way. Because Alice is so sensitive it is hard to be sure what is doing what! I'm not sure we can get Zibeline in the UK. I would be tempted to give it another try.
Thanks again,
Julie & Alice

 

[Sharon14]

Happy Belated Birthday!
I always mix the Zobaline in Colin's breakfast. If you can't get it, or it upsets her stomach, maybe ask your vet about an injectable methyl B12.

 

[Julie and Alice]

Cats and dogs have a very high pain tolerance, don't take that the wrong way, maybe she's arthritic and finds it hard to clean herself. You said her teeth are dreadful, an abyss tooth can really smell bad. Is she defecating on herself? That's what Jasper did. He was a proud cat and to see him not make it to the box was very hard. I know what you mean about going to the vet. Noah has an enlarged heart so we wrap him in piddle pads and a towel, he can't be crated, and I'm afraid he'll have a cardiac event next time we go, so the next time will be his last. He's on heavy pain meds for his bad teeth and all his conditions are untreatable. It is the hardest thing to decide when it's time to go. If you can keep her clean and she's still mobile maybe give the old girl another chance. Did you have Alice before you got married? We're all pulling for you Alice. Please don't cry Julie.

Hi again
Thank you for taking the time to give your help. Yes she may be in pain although its not possible to be sure. I wished I'd had her teeth done before, I'm afraid she wouldn't be up to it now. She sometimes messes her fur up a bit after going to the toilet. I have caught her washing her face the last couple of days but no where elsewhere.
No, I had Alice after we had been married for a while. I think my hubby is tired of the restrictions Alice causes, as we cant go away etc. He does help with the night monitoring. I do unto 4am and he does after that.
Its nice to know aren't alone

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

Hi again
I think my hubby is tired of the restrictions Alice causes, as we cant go away etc. Its nice to know aren't alone

Restrictions??? Who here has had a week long vacation lately? We must really love our cats.

 

[Antonio]

I think my hubby is tired of the restrictions Alice causes, as we cant go away etc. He does help with the night monitoring. I do unto 4am and he does after that.
Its nice to know aren't alone

There are no restrictions when one of our pet is sick. It's pure love!
I haven't had more than four hours for myself in the last 8 months, I wake up early, go to bed late, in the middle there are only attentions for my cats, I even skip lunch at work everyday because I have no time for that, I have to rush home to feed my cat who can't eat on her own, and then rush back to work.
I'm doing this for them as I did it in the past for another cat.
One day you will both amazed of yourselves, you won't believe how strong you have been in these hard days!

 

[Elizabeth and Bertie]

Hi Julie!
(Belated 'Happy Birthday' to you )

There may well be ways to get Alice feeling more comfortable. 14 - 15 years isn't that old for a cat these days. She may well have time ahead of her. But I agree that quality of life is absolutely key.

I think she has stopped washing herself too and has gone very thin indeed. Her teeth are dreadful but I don't think she could cope with an anaesthetic and gets so distressed going to the vets. She is now also quite smelly.

Julie, do you know why Alice has lost weight?
Has the weight loss been sudden?
Do you think her teeth are affecting her ability to eat and wash?
Has she had any blood tests done recently? And if so, did she have her thyroid checked....?

The fact that Alice is 14/15 shouldn't stop her from being able to have a dental. A great many dentals are done on older animals. Lots of folks here have had cats far older than that sail through dentals with no problem at all.
If she cannot have a dental, and is in pain, then it may be possible to get her on some pain relief (and/or anti-inflammatory) so as to make her more comfortable.
Pain meds may also help her back legs...

Are her blood glucose levels generally high? ...Just wondering if it is actually diabetic neuropathy she has, or whether it's arthritis or something else.
Low potassium can also cause back leg weakness. A blood test would be needed to test potassium levels, but if it's too low it can be supplemented.

If she cannot wash then you can help her with that. As suggested above, you can use a warm wash cloth to wipe her fur. And I've often used 'pet wipes' with my cats when they've been ill. Cats can seem to feel much more comfortable when their fur is clean.

Regarding the Zobaline, if it upset her system before then I'm guessing the same could happen again..? (Are you sure it was the Zobaline that caused the problem..?)
Zobaline is quite expensive to buy from the US now. But some folks in the UK use Dr's Best Methylcobalamin, and some also add in 200mg of folic acid per 3mg of methylcobalamin.
Note: B12 is a relatively 'safe' vitamin to give because, being water soluble, any excess should normally be excreted in the urine. But cats with kidney problems may have more difficulty excreting the excess (and so require a lower dose). There are also mixed opinions about whether cats with cancer should be given B12. (Did Alice ever get a firm diagnosis on her intestinal problem..?)

Keeping fingers and paws crossed here that we can get Alice feeling better very soon.

Eliz

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

There are no restrictions when one of our pet is sick. It's pure love!

You're right Antonio, we do it because we want to.

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

Julie, have you found out yet what kind of dental work Alice needs. I've said this somewhere else but Noah has dental problems, can't have the surgery, bad traveler. We have him on Buprenorphine for the pain and he's dealing quite well, even eats kibble every few days. He's getting older, a little more scruffy, keeps to himself etc. but at least he has kept up his weight and will always eat something on his 12/12 cycle. There are 3 different ways to give Buprenorphine; oral with a syringe, injection with syringe or in Noah's case he get's transdermal in his ears.

 

[Julie and Alice]

Happy Belated Birthday!
I always mix the Zobaline in Colin's breakfast. If you can't get it, or it upsets her stomach, maybe ask your vet about an injectable methyl B12.

Now there is a thought, thanks! I wonder if they would let me collect it from the vets and give it at home. Good idea, thank you.

 

[Julie and Alice]

Restrictions??? Who here has had a week long vacation lately? We must really love our cats.

Sure do, I'm dreading that final day and just pray it will be peaceful.

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

Sure do, I'm dreading that final day and just pray it will be peaceful.

It's the days afterward that can be the worst.

 

[Julie and Alice]

Hi Julie!
(Belated 'Happy Birthday' to you )

There may well be ways to get Alice feeling more comfortable. 14 - 15 years isn't that old for a cat these days. She may well have time ahead of her. But I agree that quality of life is absolutely key.

Julie, do you know why Alice has lost weight?
Has the weight loss been sudden?
Do you think her teeth are affecting her ability to eat and wash?
Has she had any blood tests done recently? And if so, did she have her thyroid checked....?

The fact that Alice is 14/15 shouldn't stop her from being able to have a dental. A great many dentals are done on older animals. Lots of folks here have had cats far older than that sail through dentals with no problem at all.
If she cannot have a dental, and is in pain, then it may be possible to get her on some pain relief (and/or anti-inflammatory) so as to make her more comfortable.
Pain meds may also help her back legs...

Are her blood glucose levels generally high? ...Just wondering if it is actually diabetic neuropathy she has, or whether it's arthritis or something else.
Low potassium can also cause back leg weakness. A blood test would be needed to test potassium levels, but if it's too low it can be supplemented.

If she cannot wash then you can help her with that. As suggested above, you can use a warm wash cloth to wipe her fur. And I've often used 'pet wipes' with my cats when they've been ill. Cats can seem to feel much more comfortable when their fur is clean.

Regarding the Zobaline, if it upset her system before then I'm guessing the same could happen again..? (Are you sure it was the Zobaline that caused the problem..?)
Zobaline is quite expensive to buy from the US now. But some folks in the UK use Dr's Best Methylcobalamin, and some also add in 200mg of folic acid per 3mg of methylcobalamin.
Note: B12 is a relatively 'safe' vitamin to give because, being water soluble, any excess should normally be excreted in the urine. But cats with kidney problems may have more difficulty excreting the excess (and so require a lower dose). There are also mixed opinions about whether cats with cancer should be given B12. (Did Alice ever get a firm diagnosis on her intestinal problem..?)

Keeping fingers and paws crossed here that we can get Alice feeling better very soon.

Eliz

Hi Eliz!
Good to see Bertie is still going! Here goes.... Alice is so freaked by travel and vets I was trying to save her that. Hence I find it very distressing too - we both cry all the way to the vets! Amazingly for ages after the last time we went she hid if I wore the same coat! Her teeth are badly covered in plaque and so smell - horrid. It doesn't seem to stop her eating. I get the feeling that she may be too frail for an anaesthetic.
She has been loosing weight very steadily. The problem is that she is soooo sensitive to EVERY food except for Catzfine lamb and buffalo. She tolerates Hill's M/d but we just use it as a 'rescue' if hypo as it just terminates her insulin & her glucose shoots up.
Generally speaking her glucose control has been quite good. I now manage to get her quite low for periods of time. Occasionally we miss it and find her sky-high though.
Her weight loss has been gradual but back leg weakness relative recent. Her front legs are a bit shaky too. What would make her potassium low? She does get diarrheoa but not too often now and rarely vomits although that used to be quite frequent in the past.
I do brush her regularly, its hard to give her back hard a good brush as she dislikes it and goes away!I will try to sponge her down as was kindly suggested with apple vinegar? Or pet wipes (not heard of those). Anyway, I am on Cat watch right now and have to go and check her again! Oh for a night's sleep!!
Nice to hear from you Eliz, thanks (& also for your birthday wishes!).
Juliexx

 

[Julie and Alice]

Julie, have you found out yet what kind of dental work Alice needs. I've said this somewhere else but Noah has dental problems, can't have the surgery, bad traveler. We have him on Buprenorphine for the pain and he's dealing quite well, even eats kibble every few days. He's getting older, a little more scruffy, keeps to himself etc. but at least he has kept up his weight and will always eat something on his 12/12 cycle. There are 3 different ways to give Buprenorphine; oral with a syringe, injection with syringe or in Noah's case he get's transdermal in his ears.

Thanks! I was told a while ago that Alice would need an anaesthetic and would then have each tooth 'probed'. Her food is so limited, I fear she wouldn't eat after surgery. She is so skinny but I can't find ANY other food she can tolerate and believe me, I have tried! Its not obvious that she has any pain as she is not "pawing' her mouth and eats ok. Thanks for info.
Julie xx

 

[Yong & Maury GA]

Pet wipes are essentially baby wipes / wet wipes that are safe for fur babies. I have used unscented wet wipes (not specific for pets) on Maury and even the Vet said that is ok. Some times he messes his fluffy tail on car rides to the Vet because he's scared . For the brushing, since she's gotten thinner you might want to try a soft baby brush instead? Or a grooming mitt? Regular brush might be too rough right now on her back.

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

I second that, the mitts are great and for some reason our cats don't see you coming at them with "That thing." Who knows what they're thinking.

 

[yygms1978]

Zobaline is 3mg methylcobalamine and 200 mcg folic acid. Be sure that anything you give her is free from sugar, including artificial sweeteners. Are you sure it was actually the Zobaline that upset her gut? If so, then I would think any methyl product may have the same problem, but I've never heard anyone having that problem. Did you mix it in her food or give it to her on an empty stomach?

my sugar baby also got upset stomach from zobaline...

 

[Antonio]

Pet wipes are essentially baby wipes / wet wipes that are safe for fur babies. I have used unscented wet wipes (not specific for pets) on Maury and even the Vet said that is ok.

I am very suspicious about those wipes.
My cat had a very bad disease early last year and was so weak she couldn't reach her litter tray, so she would pee in her willow and sleep on it. I had to clean her very often, more times a day.
Because she was weak and sick I didn't want to further stress her with a bath so I chose to use those wipes. I used them for two or three months. She also used to groom herself when she felt like.
Now she has a mouth cancer and I blame those wipes for being the reason of her cancer. I have read the list of substances in those wipes and they are all chemicals. I asked the vets whether there could be the chance that I was right, they told me that I could be right, that an occasional use might be acceptable, but a frequent use could be the source of problems as in my case.
I won't ever trust those wipes again!

 

[Yong & Maury GA]

I am very suspicious about those wipes.
My cat had a very bad disease early last year and was so weak she couldn't reach her litter tray, so she would pee in her willow and sleep on it. I had to clean her very often, more times a day.
Because she was weak and sick I didn't want to further stress her with a bath so I chose to use those wipes. I used them for two or three months. She also used to groom herself when she felt like.
Now she has a mouth cancer and I blame those wipes for being the reason of her cancer. I have read the list of substances in those wipes and they are all chemicals. I asked the vets whether there could be the chance that I was right, they told me that I could be right, that an occasional use might be acceptable, but a frequent use could be the source of problems as in my case.
I won't ever trust those wipes again!

I feel like I've been scolded for the suggestion of pet wipes. I did not intend to suggest using them on a daily basis but more so just for this cleanup time. Was just trying to think of things to help without stressing Alice out too much. I should have added that when I have to use them on Maury (average of maybe twice a year) I follow up with warm water on a towel to "rinse" everything. If it is a bigger mess, then I do give his toosh a bath but make sure not to run water. That is the part that really scares him, he's better if it's shallow water and his back feet are standing in it while I clean him.
I'm sorry to hear about your kitty, Antonio. I'm not trying to promote any method. Just trying to help others since I get so much help here

 

[Antonio]

I feel like I've been scolded for the suggestion of pet wipes. I did not intend to suggest using them on a daily basis but more so just for this cleanup time. Was just trying to think of things to help without stressing Alice out too much. I should have added that when I have to use them on Maury (average of maybe twice a year) I follow up with warm water on a towel to "rinse" everything. If it is a bigger mess, then I do give his toosh a bath but make sure not to run water. That is the part that really scares him, he's better if it's shallow water and his back feet are standing in it while I clean him.
I'm sorry to hear about your kitty, Antonio. I'm not trying to promote any method. Just trying to help others since I get so much help here

I had no intention at all to scold you or anybody, be sure of this
Just like you, Yong, I was giving out my bit of help to others myslef and would like that others won't face the same horrible troubles that I'm having.
The idea to rinse the wiped part of fur afterwards is great. Of course a bath is much better and, of course, never wash a cat in running water and never allow water to run on his/her head or into the ears.
Thanks so much for your kind thought re my cat, I am experiencing a terrible nightmare at the moment and I will do anything so others won't have to do the same.
Still friends?

 

[Yong & Maury GA]

Oh phew . Yes I've never given a bath under running water, I meant if I left it running with him nearby . Like while I still have him in the tub or sink. I used to bathe my other boy twice a year. Could've been Maury's brother

 

[Antonio]

Oh phew . Yes I've never given a bath under running water, I meant if I left it running with him nearby . Like while I still have him in the tub or sink. I used to bathe my other boy twice a year. Could've been Maury's brother

Some cats might like to be washed under running water, not mine and a general rule most of cats don't like.
My other cat would surely kill me should I even think of putting her near the water

 

[Julie and Alice]

Thank you Antonio & Yong. I appreciate your advice and know that it is given from both of you with the intent to help me. Pooling information is helpful. I did get some 'sensitive' scent free wipes. I started wiping her 'upper' end and was surprised that she let me. I am still to do the rear! I take on board what you said about not over doing it because of the chemicals and so when I manage to do her rear (!) I will rinse over again with just water on a cloth. As much as I would love to give her a good wash and soaking I know she would hate it. She is very smelly. I think it is partly her teeth and breathe but she is smelling of urine & 'other' it really is bad and somewhat embarrassing if visitors! I noticed her front leg looked like she had been washing as it was a bit wet and I have seen her clean her face after eating (so cute!) but I think that is it, just her face that she washes. I am still considering the vets re her teeth but I'm just not sure its a good idea. Quite a gamble I think and I just don't want to put her through the horror of that.
Thanks again and all the best with your lovely pussies too xx

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

We use something from the vet called Waterless Bath. I can check tomorrow to see what's in it. Mostly we use warm water and paper towels for everything from pads to bums to goopy eyes.
THIS NEEDS CLARAFICATION I 've heard of people getting a cat wet and then brushing corn starch through their fur. Anyone else?

 

[Antonio]

I did get some 'sensitive' scent free wipes. I started wiping her 'upper' end and was surprised that she let me. I am still to do the rear! I take on board what you said about not over doing it because of the chemicals and so when I manage to do her rear (!) I will rinse over again with just water on a cloth.

Julie, may I ask you why you're not rinsing her front paws and upper end now that Alice let you wipe her?
Her paws are the first thing she'll touch with her mouth when she wants to groom her clean, and those chemicals might be ingested.

She is very smelly. I think it is partly her teeth and breathe but she is smelling of urine & 'other' it really is bad and somewhat embarrassing if visitors! I noticed her front leg looked like she had been washing as it was a bit wet and I have seen her clean her face after eating (so cute!) but I think that is it, just her face that she washes. I am still considering the vets re her teeth but I'm just not sure its a good idea. Quite a gamble I think and I just don't want to put her through the horror of that.
Thanks again and all the best with your lovely pussies too xx

In my case the smell of "whatever she had on her coat" was transferred to anything she was lying on, the couch, the chairs, myself (), so the house was a bit of a mess if I wasn't quick enough to wipe her clean.
To be honest I'm still using those wipes lately, but because my cat has a mouth cancer and she had her tongue removed about two weeks ago, she's not able to lick and groom herself anymore, there's no risk of ingesting any harmful chemical. In the last weeks she started peeing herself again during the night. I have to lay training pads over her bed and change them once or twice a day

 

[Antonio]

We use something from the vet called Waterless Bath. I can check tomorrow to see what's in it. Mostly we use warm water and paper towels for everything from pads to bums to goopy eyes.
THIS NEEDS CLARAFICATION I 've heard of people getting a cat wet and then brushing corn starch through their fur. Anyone else?

I used to use a foam to dry bathe my cat, but I found it rather useless because the results were poor. She was still smelling bad.
I heard of people brushing their cat's fur with wheat bran.

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

I 've heard of people getting a cat wet and then brushing corn starch through their fur. Anyone else?

I've heard of using corn starch ....you sprinkle it on, rub it in good and then brush it out....it works best just getting rid of excess oil though.....and you don't mix it with water, you just use it dry

 

[Yong & Maury GA]

I've heard of using corn starch ....you sprinkle it on, rub it in good and then brush it out....it works best just getting rid of excess oil though.....and you don't mix it with water, you just use it dry

Kind of sounds like a "dry shampoo"

To be honest I'm still using those wipes lately, but because my cat has a mouth cancer and she had her tongue removed about two weeks ago, she's not able to lick and groom herself anymore...

Antonio, I'm sorry for what you and your kitty are going through. Sending caring vibes

 

[Julie and Alice]

Julie, may I ask you why you're not rinsing her front paws and upper end now that Alice let you wipe her?
Her paws are the first thing she'll touch with her mouth when she wants to groom her clean, and those chemicals might be ingested.



In my case the smell of "whatever she had on her coat" was transferred to anything she was lying on, the couch, the chairs, myself (), so the house was a bit of a mess if I wasn't quick enough to wipe her clean.
To be honest I'm still using those wipes lately, but because my cat has a mouth cancer and she had her tongue removed about two weeks ago, she's not able to lick and groom herself anymore, there's no risk of ingesting any harmful chemical. In the last weeks she started peeing herself again during the night. I have to lay training pads over her bed and change them once or twice a day

HiAntonio,
To be honest, I hadn't thought about washing her paws. Its only a recently new idea to me as I only just realised she isn't washing herself although I have seen her wash her face after eating. I suppose I presumed the smell was both her breathe from her teeth and from the rear. I have difficulty holding her still for more than a minute as she only just tolerates that. It tends to be when she goes in the back garden and as she walks in I catch her in the kitchen with a couple of wet pieces of kitchen paper as I hold her across her chest with one hand. I have the same difficulty clipping her nails, one or two at a time, the back ones being the most difficult. While she's on my knee I did use the wipes but have stopped since your post on the chemicals. I suppose I need to 'focus' and try again. Perhaps if I get a little bowl of warm water and a clothe with her on my knee. Its just seems like 'wetting' her though rather than 'washing' her. Ideally a good shampoo and rinse in a bowel would help but there's not a chance of that!
I appreciate your interest. I am so sorry to learn that you pussy had to have such dreadful surgery. She's blessed to have you to look after her. I hope all goes well. Julie xx

 

[Islandmomma]

I'm thinking the teeth are the source of all your problems. Glen had dreadful teeth and I think that was the start of all of his problems. In the matter of a month he stopped cleaning himself, jumping on furniture, his arthritis was terrible and he got diagnosed with diabetes and he stopped eating his favourite foods.

I got his teeth done. He had a total of 13 teeth removed. And now Glen is like a kitten again. He's jumping up on the furniture he's cleaning himself and is coat is amazing! I saw him run the other day and I had to take a double take to make sure it was him! Glen is so good now, that he's off the juice!

I did order some some Zobaline from the states. I'm in Canada, but my friend lives really close to the US border. So she was able to go over and pick it up for me. I never ended up having to use it because Glen's neuropathy improved (pretty much non-existent) significantly after his sugars were under control. I do have a bottle of Zobaline here. It's opened but not used. I'd be willing to ship to you for cheap if you are interested?

 

[JanetNJ]

I've heard of using corn starch ....you sprinkle it on, rub it in good and then brush it out....it works best just getting rid of excess oil though.....and you don't mix it with water, you just use it dry

I used the cornstarch on my cat and it worked very well... just be sure to comb as much out as you can since it's a carb.

 

[Julie and Alice]

I'm thinking the teeth are the source of all your problems. Glen had dreadful teeth and I think that was the start of all of his problems. In the matter of a month he stopped cleaning himself, jumping on furniture, his arthritis was terrible and he got diagnosed with diabetes and he stopped eating his favourite foods.

I got his teeth done. He had a total of 13 teeth removed. And now Glen is like a kitten again. He's jumping up on the furniture he's cleaning himself and is coat is amazing! I saw him run the other day and I had to take a double take to make sure it was him! Glen is so good now, that he's off the juice!

I did order some some Zobaline from the states. I'm in Canada, but my friend lives really close to the US border. So she was able to go over and pick it up for me. I never ended up having to use it because Glen's neuropathy improved (pretty much non-existent) significantly after his sugars were under control. I do have a bottle of Zobaline here. It's opened but not used. I'd be willing to ship to you for cheap if you are interested?

You could well be right I regret now listening to a friend who advised me to leave her teeth alone. I wish I had gone ahead now. After reading about Glen I think I will put one foot in front of the other and take her to the vet to see if they could take her bloods and advise if they think she would survive the anaethesia and surgery. Even her front legs are a bit 'shakey' at times. She is definitely going down hill.
Thank you for the offer of Zobline. I will bear it in mind and if it seems it is a nerve damage I will possibly take you up on your kind offer, thank you. I have tried a tablet before though and suspected it upset her but it was a while ago and it might have been coincidence. I am away next week so once back I will take her to the vet - absolutely hate it as does Alice!! I hate the way they check the blood sugar too - shave a leg and just use a needle and poke it into her leg, two staff holding her down!
Thank you for your post

 

[Julie and Alice]

I used the cornstarch on my cat and it worked very well... just be sure to comb as much out as you can since it's a carb.

Ok I'll consider that thank you. I wondered earlier this evening though if a couple of bowls of warm water, one with some of my Green People scent free liquid soap in it and a rinsing bowl of water and use old clean pieces of towel to wash, rinse and dry with...... we will see!