Loss of Appetite/Syringe Feeding

Question
hi there,

I have a cat who has not been eating well for about a week. He nibbled last Sunday/Monday/Tuesday but decreased to practically nothing Wed/Thurs/Fri. On Thursday I thought he was coming around because he went for some deli turkey, but then he decided no more! He has been on antibiotics, so the vet switched thinking they were upsetting his stomach. Since yesterday I've been syringe feeding him a blend of chicken broth, water, canned food and a bit of rice because I am fearful of fatty liver disease. Once we get going he actually is drinking from the syringe and looking for more. However, he will not eat anything on his own. If I offer some of his shake on a dish, he takes only a few licks and then stops. He has been drinking a bit, too. He also still is peeing and pooping.

My question is: How much time is normally expected before he gets his appetite back? I don't mind feeding him. I also know he should go to the vet if there is no improvement. I am reluctant because I've been to the vet with him SO MUCH lately (he was hit by a car in Oct and has had some issues but generally they say he will be fine)and have spend A LOT of money. I don't want to fork out another $100 for them to tell me "in a few days."

Thank you!
Stephanie

Answer
Hi Stephanie.  How frustrating!  I'm afraid I don't have an answer for you.  Most cats get their appetites back within a few weeks after an illness or trauma.  I think the longest that one of my cats had gone off of her regular food and would only eat chicken was about 6 weeks.  That was because of an infection called calici, which caused sores in her mouth that made in insanely painful for her to eat.   And once the sores cleared up, her appetite came back.  I'm not sure what happened with your kitty a week ago or if any tests have been done.  I would recommend a full blood work up, though, if you haven't had that performed, to see if there are underlying issues that an antibiotic won't clear up.  Hope he's feeling better soon.