Domestic cats live long and do not differ in fragile health. However, if the animal does not feel well, you will need to treat it. A specialist will help to establish an accurate diagnosis, but you can take care of your pet yourself. Cats end up in stationary conditions on very rare occasions. Most of them recover safely at home.
The main thing is the diagnosis
For the treatment to be correct, it is very important to make the correct diagnosis. Do not do this yourself, contact a specialist. Cats may be unwell, but not show it. To catch an illness in a stage where it can be cured, pay attention to symptoms: lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath, fainting, unusual behavior, problems with the toilet. A one-time refusal to eat is not a problem, but if the cat does not eat all day, hides, avoids the litter box, this is a reason to contact the veterinarian.
Sometimes a diagnosis can be made only with the help of tests. For example, a complete blood count can help diagnose serious illnesses such as chronic kidney failure or diabetes. A detailed veterinary examination is also required in case of injury, poisoning or other accidents.
Treatment features
When a diagnosis is made, work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan. Decide what procedures you can do at home. For example, it is quite easy to master intramuscular or subcutaneous injections, or to give tablets and potions orally. Even drippers can be installed at home. The veterinarian will place a catheter in the animal's vein, which must be changed every three days. Moreover, such a simple procedure as an enema or gastric lavage can become a real problem for the owner. It will be better if the nurse in the veterinary clinic takes care of this.
Ask to clarify which medications are prescribed for the cat. Choose the appropriate form of the drug. For example, if a cat is constantly vomiting, instead of pills and drops, it is better for him to inject drugs subcutaneously or intramuscularly.
Often, along with antibiotics and other strong medications, doctors prescribe dietary supplements. If you do not consider it necessary to give them to your pet, you can refuse such additives. But you cannot save on important drugs.
Home hospital
Find a comfortable place for the sick animal. It can be a basket or a box covered with soft rags and waterproof diapers. They will have to be changed often - an unwell cat may not always be able to reach the toilet. In addition, she is unlikely to observe hygiene - you will have to take on this responsibility. If the animal is cold, you can put a heating pad or hot water bottle under the rag. Make sure that the cat does not lie in a draft - a weakened animal easily catches a cold.
Do not bother the cat, let him sleep in plenty. However, do not forget to do all the procedures prescribed by the veterinarian on time. It is very important to establish nutrition. If the cat does not eat for more than a day, this can become a big problem. It is not uncommon for animals to die not from illness, but from hunger. To prevent this from happening, the cat will have to be force-fed. Instead of dry food or homemade food with large chunks, give the animal canned food in the form of a paste. Even more convenient is baby meat puree - it is liquid, a weakened cat does not need to make an effort to eat. Note that the cat is more willing to eat lukewarm and fresh food. Place some mashed potatoes on a saucer and place on a stand so that the animal does not have to bend over.
Some sick pets prefer to eat from the hands of the owner. Let your cat have this little whim.
If the cat is not eating by itself, try sucking it out of the syringe without a needle. Dilute the baby puree with warm water and inject small portions into the cat's mouth. Don't give too much food at a time to prevent your pet from throwing up. Do not offer the animal sweets, fatty and smoked foods, this can also provoke vomiting. In addition to food, give your cat clean water.
