posted 07-30-2003 11:20 PM           

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Dude is a barn cat. I don't know how old he is. He came here 10 years ago. About three months ago he quit eating regularly and lost half his body weight from 16 lbs. to 8 lbs. I took him to the vet. He said there was nothing wrong with him, just old, but his teeth were still good. He sold me $65 worth of special cat food which Dude will not eat. A week ago Dude quit eating. I've tried all manner of foods but he won't eat. He is very skinny and getting weak. What can I do to get him to eat? I'm open to any suggestions. Should I try to force feed him? I'm a retired rancher and Dude is the only cat I ever had. I always had dogs. I hate to see him starve to death.

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Posts: 22
From:Staten Island, NY, U.S.A.
Registered: May 2003

posted 07-31-2003 06:49 AM         

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You can try force feeding him but if you say that he hasn't eaten for a week, I think he needs to be seen by a vet again. A cat who hasn't eaten for a week can develop very serious problems. Try warming his food a bit or offering him some tuna fish. If nothing works then I think he needs to been seen by a vet. Good Luck.

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From:UK
Registered: Apr 2003

posted 07-31-2003 03:14 PM         

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I have to agree with Sparky, if a cat stops eating it is usually for a good reason, even if it is only 'depression' and he needs cheering up. Perhaps a few days rest and relaxation in the house instead of being outside might do him some good, with plenty of love and attention.

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From:Sacramento, CA, USA
Registered: Jul 2003

posted 07-31-2003 05:27 PM         

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I don't like the amount of weight he's lost. And I agree with Isis, if he's not eating, something is really wrong. It's time to go to a vet.

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