Dr. Steffen Runquist

What Cat Lovers are Asking this Week…

• Q:

  I have a cat about 1 year old. We have always left food down for free feeding, but this cat eats constantly. He will eat all the food and cry for more, if given more will finish that off also. He has eaten to the point of vomiting and then resumes eating again. I have had him checked for worms-nothing found. We have had him since he was a kitten, shares home with two other cats. All cats get along. The other cats feed normally. What's wrong with Simba?

  A:

  There are some cats that are constantly food motivated and Simba may just be this way. These cats do not seem to have an off switch to their appetite and require fairly careful monitoring of their food intake. With that said, it may not be a bad idea to have another stool sample checked. Internal parasites (worms) do not shed their eggs all the time so they are not always picked up on a routine fecal check. Alternately, you could see if your veterinarian may be willing to prescribe a dewormer to cover these bases. You may want to also consider baseline labs if Simba is losing weight or has any other symptoms of illness. From what you are describing though, I suspect that Simba is just a big eater!

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• Q:

  Our beautiful 17 lb. normally healthy, pure white cat Wilber has had a clear fluid draining from one of his eyes off and on for a couple of months. It seems worse today than usual (he's seems a little quiet and fluid is flowing more freely.) Any thoughts? My vet a few months ago wasn't concerned. But I am now.

  A:

  From your descriptions of Wilber's symptoms, my first thought would be that he may have the feline herpes virus. This virus can affect the eyes and we usually see an intermittent discharge in one or both eyes. The fluid is typically clear but can be more rust colored if it sits on the skin or green/yellow if infection is present. The feline herpes virus can not be cured but can be controlled with treatment. I would also consider any abnormality to the eye. If you are concerned about this, I think it warrants another trip to the veterinarian. If you are not receiving the guidance or attention you feel it warrants, you could consider a second opinion with another veterinarian or a veterinary ophthalmologist. Hope this helps and that Wilber's eye is feeling better soon.

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• Q:

  Have 15 year female cat. She used to be outdoors but now fully indoors. About two months ago noticed she had trouble getting around, as if her back aches. Sometimes she meows if touched in low back. X-rays show some arthritis. Blood work all good. I suspect she may have a slipped disc in her back but can't afford MRI. I am administering pain med as needed and this is helping. She is still eating/drinking and using the litter box. Any other suggestions on what I can do to help make her more comfortable?

  A:

  There are a couple things that may be treatment options. Some cats with arthritis may benefit from joint supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin. There are formulas that are made just for cats and dogs and can likely be ordered through your veterinarian. If you suspect a slipped disc, you may want to talk to your veterinarian about whether there is any evidence of this on the x-ray. In some cases we may see changes in the disc or on the disc space on x-ray. If a slipped disc is a possibility, an anti-inflammatory or steroid may be helpful. I'm glad to hear you are doing pain medication but it is important to remember that cats are very good at hiding pain. You may want to consider giving it more regularly so you are treating all her pain, not just the severe pain. It's also very important you keep your girl a healthy weight; any extra weight will exacerbate her arthritis. Last but not least, I would be sure you tailor your environment to your cat. I would try to minimize any jumping she does by using cat stairs or other objects near high areas. You may want to have all her necessities, like her food/water/litter on one floor so she doesn't have to do stairs. Hope this helps and you can keep her comfortable.

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