I think that Mimi has a problem
By scribe1
@scribe1 (1203)
United States
June 29, 2007 5:42pm CST
As many of you probably know from my older posts, I took Mimi in, a five-year-old cat, from my sister's co-worker friend. This friend's little boy is allergic to cats, so Mimi had to go. (The cat was going to be taken to a shelter.)
So since last Saturday, Mimi has sequestered herself in the closet. She does eat, ventures out occasionally, and uses the litterbox. And today, she took a walk to the other room as I worked at the computer.
She's neutered, been to the vet in December, and is basically healthy. I serve her fresh food and water every day.
Now, on Thursday, she had a little diarrhea that had a little blood in it. And tonight, her poo was soft and looked as though it had a tiny bit of blood in it. The problem is, I can't take her to my vet because she won't let me near her. She growls and hisses if I get too close. I was thinking of visiting the vet (who is well within walking distance) and explaining the problem and even bringing the cat's poo sample.
I feel as though I'm between a rock and a hard place.
4 responses
@moomincat (321)
•
30 Jun 07
It is more difficult for an older cat to adapt. As far as she is concerned she has been evicted from her territory. So you will need to show extreme patience. Dont try to hard just relax round her dont over do the coaxing she will decide. Let her make the first moves. She is obviously out of sorts and its a good idea to get help from the vet. Cats can act very aggresive if they are experiencing pain. Its a natural defense
@scribe1 (1203)
• United States
30 Jun 07
Yes, I hear you! I haven't pestered her at all, just talked to her and given her run of the house. I know that at night, she sits outside of the closet and even eats a little.
I'm very patient and at the same time, very worried. I feel sorry for her in this situation as well as her owner. I kept thinking how I'd feel, for example, if I had to give away any of my cats! I've even been tempted to send the owner an e-mail, inviting him to visit the cat. He's probably the only one who can get her out of the closet.
@moomincat (321)
•
30 Jun 07
If you have got other cats in the home that could be making her scared. It could take her a week or two to get used to them. It would be interesting to see how she reacts to her former owner, you would know then if she was pining.
@Katagiri (426)
• Brazil
30 Jun 07
She has parasites. Call the vet and ask for medication. They have generic medicine for parasites that should work. If you can call a vet to your home it could be better, you need to know how much she weights to give the right dose of medicine. My cats take parasites medicine every 6 months.
@scribe1 (1203)
• United States
30 Jun 07
I took a sample of her stool to the vet this morning, and the results were negative. I was told to continue monitoring the cat in the meantime, and if possible, bring her in to the vet.
It may be a few weeks before I can do so, however. She is still holed up in the closet. Her appetite and urine are normal. She also comes out of the closet at night and sits next to the closet door, although she probably prowls around the rooms late at night. Poor Mimi!
@Aurone (4755)
• United States
29 Jun 07
Have you had the cat long? She could still be getting used to you. As far as the health problem. You might go talk to the vet and take in the poo sample they can actually tell a lot from that. Explain to your vet the situation and the vet might actually be able to give you tips on how to tame your little kitty. Good luck and I hope there is nothing terribly wrong with Mimi.
@scribe1 (1203)
• United States
29 Jun 07
I will have her a week this Saturday (June 30th) and you're right. Mimi may still be getting used to me. She seems to be healthy otherwise. Her owner said that the cat growls at strangers. During her stay here, she's growled at Waffles and Columbus and kept them at bay. And I think that taking a poo sample is a good idea --- you're right about that too.
@AshleighT1985 (32)
• United States
30 Jun 07
I love animals and if I have learned anything about them is you can never be too cautious. I think it is a very wise decision to take a sample to the vet. I really dont believe this is a adapting problem, I have had a cat much like yours we called her the closet cat for almost over a month b/c it took her so long to adapt. If she was just having diarrhea I would say it might be the food change, but if blood is in the diarrhea it could be anything from parasites to viral infections. If it turns out to be something that your vet needs to see the cat for, I would try using food as a bait, something cats cant resist like tuna.
@scribe1 (1203)
• United States
30 Jun 07
I've got a poo sample and plan to take it to the vet this morning. And as for getting the cat out of the closet, all bets are off. She'll only come out to eat if it is quiet and no one else is in the room, although if I'm really desperate, I suppose that I could try using the catnip that her owner had been giving her. That catnip would serve as a last resort.
Here's hoping that the vet can help me and Mimi.
