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cat illnesses

13:27:49

Question
The only answer is about 3 weeks. Everything else is a no.The cat wants to sleep more than normal. He is about 12 years old. I have been receiving treatment for cancer since Sept. 2004. And my son went back to college in Sept. Our cat mostly sleeps in my sons room during the day and in our room at night or on my lap in the chair. I have tryed many differnt foods to get him to eat soft seems to be the best.He is  going to the bathroom as usuall.He doesn't want any treats either.-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
My cat is losing hair on his back legs and belly what can I do? He also doesn't want to eat only drink.
Answer -
Hello Sue -

I need to ask a few questions about your cat's condition before I can give you proper advice. Please answer the following questions the best you can an in detail.

Does the cat scratch?
Are their red bumps present on the area of no hair?
How long has this been going on?
Does your cat presently have ear mites?
Are they small patches (lesions) on your cats lips?
Has your pet eaten anything or been exposed to anything out of the norm?
Has the cat been faced with a stressful situation?
(IE: Did you move? Have a child?)
Does your cat go outside?

Please get back to me as soon as you can. In my current opinion it sounds like a skin allergy. I will get back to you with more information when I see the results of your answers. If it is a skin allergy there are a few natural treatments you can do to help your pet.

Thanks and I will be in touch soon.

Sincerely,
Sharon Hubbs, AHG
Certified Natural Health Consultant & Herbalist  

Answer
Hello Sue -

First, I am sorry to hear you have been receiving cancer treatment. My best of wishes and thoughts to you and your family.

You pet is experiencing high levels of stress. Given his age and environmental factors, he is suffering from signs of what humans call severe clinical depression. Cats especially are very sensitive creatures and have amazing sensory organs of smell and hearing.

From your response, he does not show signs of an allergy because their are no physical factors of bumps, lesions, scratching, mites, fleas and he does not go outside. It doesn't sound like his anal glands are irritated either because he is defecating fine as well. I will not recommend allergy treatment at this time.

Just as humans, the older cats and dogs get with age, the more they become set in their ways. You son left for college in September; you informed me your cat sleeps in his bedroom during the day. Your cat has a separation anxiety for your son. You will need to do "environmental correction", leave some of your son's clothing on the bed for the cat to smell. Try playing music at a very low decibel in the room. You could move his litter box and toys in there as well. You cat should begin to feel safe and welcomed again. When your son comes home from school have him spend some time with the cat. Have him play games and show the cat affection, be sure to have him leave a few pieces of clothes behind for the cat to have.

Your cat is snuggling with you at night because he is trying to comfort you. Cats are very keen with percetion and can read your emotion better then you can. He is falling asleep in your lap and cuddling with you at night to let you know, "its going to be ok, I am here". Show the cat the same affection he is showing you. He is stressed because you are stressed.

Here are some other stress factors to look out for:
Spraying, inappropriate elimination, pacing back and forth at perimeters of fences , loss of appetite, pulling out of fur, trembling, excessive meowing, will stop cleaning themselves, hair loss,long periods of sleep, hiding from the world, under beds, behind curtains etc and physical symptoms and illness. I have a natural remedy listed below, if your pet exhibits more then 3 (three) of these signs you may want to take him to a veterinarian. Your veterinarian will give him treatments (similar to human Valium) to help relax him and destress him. Honestly, I don't recommend these drugs, studies have shown they can be harmful to the pets kidneys. Given your cat's age, he may not even take to the conventional medication and may suffer from side effects that may be age induced.

As far as food, I recommend you try a "Senior diet" plan. There are many different brands of wet food out there which you can choose from for your pet. Without really having a good medical history I cannot recommend one for you. Again, he is not eating because of stress, if the wet food is working, keep him on it. Don't worry if he doesn't want treats, as long as he is ingesting some type of nutritional food and is drinking water, he will be fine.

The best natural remedy I can offer for your pet is Bach Flower Essences. They are by far the best remedy for all types of human and animal emotional and psychological ailments. I make many remedies for emotional disorders mixing the Bach Flower Essences and herbs and have had much success. I cannot give you specific Flower Remedies to combine yourself without learning a little more about your cat. If you would like me to help and formulate something for you, contact me at   wintersaurora@yahoo.com. You can research these yourself and make a remedy yourself, just research the various Flower blends online. If you have any questions, contact and I can help you. Animals take very well to natural and herbal remedies, a lot times better then humans. Personally, I would try this route first. The Flower Essences will not harm your pet or cause any side effects. It will take about 2 (two) weeks for your to see results but a positive result will be there.

I would like to help you further. If you are interested please email me at   wintersaurora@yahoo.com and I will send you a catalog and set up a consultation with you.

I hope this information has helped you and your pet. Please contact me anytime if you have further questions. As a cat owner myself, they can be puzzling creatures.

Thank you and best wishes to you and your pet.

Sincerely,
Sharon Hubbs, AHG
Certified Natural Health Consultant & Herbalist