Chris will be ten in a few months and up until recently, he never went to the vet for a health issue. I think the first time was from an eye infection that Floki passed on to Frankie and Chris when we adopted Floki a couple of years ago. The next visit was a couple of weeks ago after The Catfight of the Century. Last week I reported that Chris had a cold. By the end of the week the sneezing and sniffling had mostly ended but then the vomiting started. All weekend Chris ate very little but threw up a lot. I called the vet first thing Monday morning and made an appointment for him that afternoon.
When we arrived there was a women there with a small dog that looked somewhat like a Pomeranian but not exactly. This dog was a major barker. She barked at me when we came in and then she discovered Chris in his carrier and started barking at him. I was annoyed so I can imagine how Chris felt. She did bring the dog outside for a couple of minutes but then brought her back in and the barking continued. Thankfully, we got ushered into an exam room before too long.
I immediately opened the door and let Chris out.
The vet tech then came in and asked several questions about Chris and then weighed him. He weighed 17.3 pounds. Down from 18 pounds two weeks ago.
The vet came in and asked several of the same questions and examined Chris. He couldn’t immediately tell what was causing the vomiting but he did point out that Chris’s teeth were inflamed and he would need to have his teeth cleaned and probably some would need to be extracted. He also said he had an ear infection. This was a different vet than the last one who also saw the problem with Chris’s ears. That vet cleaned his ears but she didn’t offer a plan to get rid of the problem.
I vaguely remember shortly after we adopted Chris a vet told us some cats are prone to these ear polyps and indicated there wasn’t much that could be done about them but gave us a cleaner for them. Since then we have been cleaning Chris’s ears periodically. I told the vet that the other vet said that it couldn’t be cured but this vet said that wasn’t true. I did just look it up and the first thing I read said it could only be cured with surgery so perhaps Chris has something different.
The vet wanted to do the same blood test over again and a couple of other tests along with a test on his ear bugs. I didn’t understand everything he was saying but I do remember one test was related to his pancreas. He left the room to work up a plan, so we waited.
After a while someone came in with a plan and I decided against paying for more blood tests that we just took. I did agree to the other tests and I said it was okay to give him a shot for nausea but I did not want to bring home pills for that. I have personally experienced cats going downhill after starting medication so I like to keep that to what is absolutely necessary. I did get a medication for Chris’s ears. If the vet is right and this could cure him then I think it is worth a try.
I asked if they could clean his ears and give him the first round of ear drops while they were doing their tests and they agreed. They took Chris away and it wasn’t long before I heard loud sounds of a cat in distress coming from the other room. The tech came back in with Chris a minute or two later and said they were only able to clean one ear and didn’t put in the medication because Chris was resisting too much. They sad they would clean his ears when he came in for the teeth cleaning.
We waited around for a little longer, for what, I don’t know.
We were then cleared to send the vet’s kids to college pay our bill. I did that and brought Chris home. I forgot to make an appointment for his teeth so I called and made it for next Wednesday.
When I got home I let Chris out of his carrier outside. I figured I would do something good for him after what he went through.
Rose was upset that I didn’t make an appointment for his teeth this week but the vet wanted to give him time to feel better. Plus all the test results are not back yet. Despite that, Chris has eaten almost nothing since returning yesterday so Rose called the vet to try to get him in as soon as possible. We are waiting for a call back from the vet who is probably in surgery this morning.
Rose’s sister, Felice, works for a vet and the two of them talked about Chris last night. Felice said that at ten years old Chris would be considered a geriatric cat and these teeth issues are quite common in older cats. I thought it was not uncommon for cats to live fifteen years or more so geriatric seems a bit premature to me. At least I hope it is. I do understand why these teeth issues are common though.
Some people believe that dry food is good for a cat’s teeth. Even the vet said so when I said I would need to try harder to get Chris off the dry food after his teeth are gone. He said dry food is good for their teeth. I don’t believe that. I think what is good for a cat’s teeth is what nature intended, chewing on bone. Unfortunately, since our cats don’t eat live mice, their opportunity to chew on bones is virtually non-existent. I suppose I could give them raw chicken wings (cooked bones are dangerous) but they have become such dainty eaters that I don’t think they could handle it.
I won’t lie, I am worried about Chris. I know anytime you give someone anesthesia there is a risk. I also know he will be given antibiotics which will kill off his good bacteria and cause problems down the road. I did order probiotics for cats so hopefully that will help when the time comes. In the meantime, I will try to look on the bright side and hope this is the beginning of Chris getting better, not worse.
Bad Cat Chris 
we hope all tests come back with good news for you and Chris… we send lots of POTP and big hugs to our hero and feline mentor….
Thanks. His pancreas test was ok. He’s going tomorrow for his teeth. I hope he starts eating again after that.
Ugh…I can’t even imagine a life without Chris in it so I hope that he IS on the road to recovery and not another situation like we experienced with Puck.
You and me both, my dear.
I sure hope all the tests turn out okay and that Chris feels better and starts eating again soon. It’s so difficult when the kitties aren’t feeling well!
Thanks. He’s going in for his teeth tomorrow so keep your fingers crossed.
dood….st francis’ blessings two ewe buddy; we R sorree yur knot feelin aye oh kay but due hope ewe will again soooper quik….letz hope ya just hada bug; N yur teeth iz grate…..pleez tell’yur dad ta tempt yur appa tite witha sardeen…noe joke…in water, noe salt ore oil, just a plain good ole sardeen, meat baby food, B12 injection, nutritional yeast powder…if dad haz knot hurd oh theeze yet, one mite werk ~~~~~~~ :)♥
Thanks. I tried several things but he won’t eat. He is going in tomorrow to have his teeth worked on so I hope that works.
Poor Chris! POTP. I think a vet should be professional and understand how to handle a cat who is afraid, but they are not and they say it´s cat´s fault. One of our cats bit a vet, because that vet was an idiot. We had to pay 20 € for biting.
I have noticed the same as you, medication makes quite often issues worse.
I really hope Chris is getting better!
Thanks. You have to watch the vet closely because they sometimes make the problem worse. That happened with our Puck and Tigger before him.
Hugs to Chris!
Dental procedures are always a bit worrying. Actually, AFAIK, cats aren’t considered geriatric until they are over 15 (which means Binga and Boodie are both geriatric!). They are seniors after somewhere between 8 and 11 years old – there seems to be some debate on that.
My human agrees with you about dry food not necessarily being good for a cat’s dental health. She compares it to telling humans that eating biscotti is just as good as brushing and flossing!
Your human is pretty smart. . . and funny. 🙂
I think you were very brave, C. Hang in there, little buddy. Mom and I said a prayer for you and your doctors. You will feel better soon.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
Thanks so much.
Poor Chris, we know what he is going through. I’m ten (Brian) and as you may recall I had to have half of my teeth removed. That Pancreatitis can be tricky to diagnose and deal with too. Purrs and prayers from all of us here.
Thanks Brian. His pancreatitis test came back negative.
Will he eat live yogurt? That works a treat after antibiotics. Ginger cats do suffer ear problems, keeping them clean helps. Fingers crossed he feels better soonest!
That is a good idea for now. He won’t eat but maybe he will lick a little yogurt off my finger.
Teddy came to us on adoption with ear issues and it took a while to get rid of that……I understand cats are considered senior at 8 but I’d say Chris is not at a “geriatric” age. I’ve heard a lot about pancreatitis and it is tough to diagnose – let’s just hope Chris feels better soon with the ear issue and begins to eat again and that it’s NOT anything serious. So sorry this is happening though – I truly DO know how upsetting it is to have one of our “kids” out of sorts for ANY reason! Sending POTP and saying a prayer.
Pam and Teddy too
Thank you so much. His test came back negative for pancreatitis so that is one good thing. He still won’t eat so that’s not good. He has an appointment for his teeth so hopefully that is the root of his problems.
Bad teeth or gums, etc. can wreak complete havoc on a cat’s health and wellbeing. Hopefully after the dental check, you’ll know what’s up!!
He actually seems a little better this morning. He hasn’t puked in over a day and I think he was finally looking for food but I can’t give him any because he will be put under today.
Those are good signs! Hopefully Chris is on the mend!
I think he is. I just need him to start eating now.
We cross our paws and hope you’ll get good results with those tests. We hope Chris feels better soon. Purrs
Thank you. The pancreas test came back ok. He will go in tomorrow for his teeth.
oh my heart goes out to you….I send you thoughts of comfort and positive wishes that all will be fine. Sadly, yep, cats ARE geriatric I believe from age 7 up (or 9)………praying all goes well for that poor little guy and for you too. I can imagine how nervous you have to be (((hugs))) to you and Rose
Thanks Caren. He is going in tomorrow for his teeth so I will know more after that.
We are so sorry. You know you can buy real live dead mice, right? Mommy’s lookin’ into it fur us. We’re not sure ’bout it, but hey, ‘pawrently eatin’ like we’re meant to eat is of utmost priority to mommy. We don’t eat kibble here as mommy believes like you ‘pawrnetly do. Truthfully, me doesn’t miss it and Raena’s never had it, least not since she’s been with us. We’re sendin’ hugs and purrayers.
Luv ya’
Dezi and Raena
Thank you. I have seen that you can buy frozen mice. Unfortunately, our cats were raised on cat food and it would probably be difficult to get them to eat mice. Just transitioning them to homemade raw food was a very long process.
Yeah, we think mommy may be bitin’ off more than we will chew, but she wants us to try. MOL Big hugs
Luv ya’
Dezi and Raena
It is certainly worth a try. I am interested to know how it works out. Good luck.
unfurtunately, me has a feelin’ we’ll be repurrtin’ it on the blog fur the world to see. MOL Big hugs
Luv ya’
Dezi and Raena
🙂
Sending Chris healing purrz and PoTP. Have you tempted him with baby food? I agree about the kibble.10 is senior NOT geriatric for a cat. I wouldn’t trust that guy. Dunno where you live but it sounded like you took him to Hoboken Animal Hospital. When they bring the cats in the back for anything other than xrays, you should go with them if for nothing else but to calm them. Oh, and even I let Dr. D. clean my ears so high paws for Christ.
I tried everything, including whipped cream, but he won’t eat anything.
Thanks. I am going to have to leave Chris with them tomorrow. I don’t feel good about it but they have to put him out to do his teeth.
Purrayers and POTP for Chris to feel better and come through all the vet business well.
Thanks so much.
I will be praying for Chris. And the Tooth Fairy will send him toys.
Having just finished treating my cat Dougy for an eye infection, I can appreciate your fears and concerns for Chris. Best wishes for improvement in his condition and a timely teeth cleaning. I hope the probiotics help with his digestion issues, too. Poor kitty! Give him some friendly “scritches” from me.
Thanks so much.
Chris is a meaty boy! Louis Catorze is only 7lbs! 😆
Chris was 9 lbs as a young adult.
Poor kitty! You are probably right about the mice. Snoops chows on them, but she was outside before she ended up in the shelter. Kommando thinks they’re toys
Chris and Floki have trouble with large pieces of meat. I have to break them a very small or they won’t eat them. I think Frankie was an outside cat but I don’t know his backstory. He would probably have no trouble eating a mouse.