Help with my cat.
@frenchcountry (134)
United States
January 19, 2009 6:26pm CST
Hi all I have a very spoiled male cat. He was best friends with our 14 year old Border collie who passed away in August since then he (BOOTS) has been losing weight being very moody and seems to be less active Although he is only 5 years old and was great before then even bypassing his litter pan to go potty outside. He now uses his litter box and a couple times had just plain peed on my kitchen floor.
Does anyone have any ideas?
Thanks so much for your help
Boots mommy
2 people like this
5 responses
@halynn (1809)
• United States
20 Jan 09
Hmmm..certainly sounds like he's depressed missing his buddy. have u taken him to the vet? He may be able to prescribe some vitamins or something to help him perk up. i'm sorry to hear about ur dog.
best wishes.
@frenchcountry (134)
• United States
20 Jan 09
I kind of was at the same conclusion. Our local vets are all large animals vets and they think cats belong in the barn with a life expectancy of about 3 years so they weren't alot of help.
And Zippy the border collie is still missed by all. My husband and I bought him when we moved into our first house.
Thanks for your input
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
20 Jan 09
It sounds like the poor guy is grieving. How sad!! Please by all means, take him to the vet and have him thoroughly checked out and if there isn't anything wrong with him then ask the vet about Amitriptyline. It's an antidepressant for humans as well as dogs and cats. I had to use it for one of my cats and it did wonders! It just might be the thing for your cat Boots. But be sure to tell the vet everything before suggesting the medication so to be sure the doctor rules out everything else first. Good luck!
1 person likes this
@frenchcountry (134)
• United States
21 Jan 09
THanks so much for your input. And thanks for the advise for Amitriptyline since my vets are large animal vets they really aren't much help in this area but maybe if I have an idea for them they will go with it. I have told them everything but they think cats belong in the barn with fleas and a life expectancy of 3 years . Did you cat gain weight back after starting that is one thing that worries me so he just picks at his food
1 person likes this
@tammytwo (4298)
• United States
23 Jan 09
I'm not sure what you could do about that. I have two cats and on occasion one of them will get mad at us and go to the bathroom in a place where they shouldn't. It only happens when one of us has done something that could make her mad though. Otherwise she uses the litter box rather well. Is the cat neutered? I hear this helps to keep them from using the bathroom in other places. But not really sure if it is true. Hope you can get some help with this. I know it can be frustrating.
@frenchcountry (134)
• United States
10 Feb 09
Thanks so much I had never considered the fact that nuetering him may help. I will definitely check into that one. thanks again for a great response
@frenchcountry (134)
• United States
20 Jan 09
i have been trying to spend more time with him but with all we do hear on the farm and my job i am run ragged already. I have brought him a cat but they didn't get along she was much more rambunctious then he ever was i am worried though since he wont go outside
thanks for your input
1 person likes this
@StephyJ_83 (158)
• United States
20 Jan 09
I would definitely recommend more play time with him. Does he like to chase the string? Sometimes having more one-on-one time can help pets with depression, so try to set aside time for Boots at the same time every day, and make it his time. I would also recommend taking Boots to the vet for bloodwork and a urinalysis, just to make sure it really is just depression you're dealing with, and not an illness that is just now showing itself.
Let us know if he perks up. Good luck.
1 person likes this
@frenchcountry (134)
• United States
20 Jan 09
He really doesn't like to chase the string , he did used to chase a golf ball back and forth with Zippy maybe I should try that. Our local Vets are large animal vets no small animal clinic within 50 miles. They think cats belong outside and average life span for barn cats is 3 years they told me. but Boots has never been a barn cat born in the house lived in the house. they said wow no fleas or ticks , he is still eating drinking and pooping so he is fine i am worried since he doesn't go outside any more and has lost weight. but he still sleeps next to my bed on his stand . I will let you know if he perks up
Thanks for your input
1 person likes this
