My cat doesnt eat anything, but vomits foamy substance.

Question
QUESTION: My cat used to be energetic until 2 days back. He got attacked by our neighbor's cat, the cat kinda grabbed my cat by the hind legs, but we managed to rescue him before serious damage I think. But now, my cat doesn't move around much, he just lies in the sun, hasn't eaten anything nor has he used his litter box. I tried to put some milk in his mouth using a straw but he vomited it. (He really loved milk)
I haven't taken him to a vet coz the doctor here is very bad. My previous kitten had the same problem, he had some infection I think, (His hind quarters lost all its fur, he was bony) Some time later, he started eating food, was getting better, I took him to the vet, he gave him a shot but the condition worsened suddenly and my kitten died 2 days later. (Not only this, but based on previous experience with that vet, I came to the conclusion)
So, now the current cat seems to have a small (tiny) patch of skin missing between his hind legs and I'm very worried. And there aren't any other vets around here. Please tell me what to do.

ANSWER: Hi Ren,

Without looking, it sounds like your cat is probably developing an abscess, which is a pocket of infection that has been sealed under the skin.  This is extremely common with bites and occurs after more than 80% of bite wounds.  Most times, because of how small the entry holes of bite wounds are, we are unaware that any bite has occurred.  But they penetrate deeply and deposit bacteria.  Because there is little room for the wounds to bleed, infection occurs easily, and the skin heals before we realize there is any problem.  Hair loss is one sign of a problem.  

When abscesses arise, the bacteria can spread and the cat is in danger of developing a condition called septicemia, or an infection of the blood.  This is usually fatal without treatment, so abscesses need to be treated with antibiotics.  The abscess should also be opened up and drained, when possible.

Unfortunately, I think in this instance, it would be best to take the risk and have your cat seen by the vet.  Your cat should only need antibiotics if an abscess is the problem.  If you like, you can write back to me with the antibiotic that the vet has recommended, and I can tell you if it's generally considered safe to give.

Good luck!

Jessica


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Here is what the vet gave:
Kalbend tablets (Thats what I read)
Verol drops (Amino acids & Multivitamin Drops) (Water miscible feed suplement for pets)
Is this good prescription? The vet said that the cat has allergies. Cat still hasn't eaten anything. He has lost most of the hair near his hind quarters and between the hind legs, thats where he had lost a small patch of skin.

He has started to drink water now. Before, he refused to drink anything.. Thought he would dehydrate. Is it a good sign if a cat drinks water..?

How do I make him stay inside the house? Our home has lots of huge windows and only one room where he can stay without being attacked by other cats, but it has poor ventilation. He has become very thin.

Answer
Hi Ren,

The Kalbend tablets are generally used to treat parasitic worms of the intestines, or rarely in the lungs or liver.  I'm not sure how long the vet told you to use them, but in some cats, it can cause the bone marrow to shut down after use for less than a week.  Your vet might be trying to get rid of worms that most cats have, to stop your cat's vomiting.  But if the medication has been prescribed for longer than 4-5 days, I would discontinue its use.  The risk is too great.

I would try to see how he does on the vitamins.  The amino acids should help if he is suffering from allergies.  Allergies can cause hair loss, but I have never seen them cause the kind of lethargy you are describing.  

I still would be suspicious that he could have an infection from the fight, so keep a close eye on the patch of skin that he's missing.  It sounds very much like the wound that results once an abscess finally ruptures through the skin.  Wash this daily with warm water and mild soap, and if you see any pus, gently squeeze it out.  It's very painful, and the cat will struggle.  To make it easier, use a warm, wet cloth to soak the area for a while to help draw out the pus before applying pressure.  If you have an antibiotic ointment like bacitracin, apply a thin layer to the wound.  It's encouraging that he's drinking.  Hopefully he's on the mend.

Unfortunately, it will be hard to keep him indoors in such an open setting.  If there is any possibility of getting a type of cage for him at least while he recovers, that would be ideal.  My cats stay indoors, but all my windows have screens on them.  I don't think there's any way to keep a cat inside unless you can place screens on the windows.

I hope he feels better soon!

Jessica