Since RouXy’s death Frimousse has eaten very little. And for two or three days practically not at all. Furthermore he has more and more difficulties in going up the stairs, and yesterday, a nightmare, step by step, with the help of his front paws. Exactly as RouXy did! We were totally disheartened yesterday evening, Frimousse now!
When I got up this morning I feared the worst. First, a look at Frimousses’s dishes: he had practically eaten nothing. I opened the cat flap and Frimousse immediately went round the garden, in a gusty wind. He seemed to adore. Then he went up the stairs to come inside, almost normally. Within half an hour he went in and out four or five times, going up and down the stairs each time. That brightened up our spirit, so we decided to call Frimousse’s doctor for an appointment. 11:30.
Frimousse was captured and put into the transport cage, in the way the French police would do, but with no telescopic truncheon – Frimousse’s Masters are civilized people… The Journey was brightened up by the efforts of King Kong to dismantle the door of the transport box. Finally, friendly welcome by the doctor’s own cats…
She put her ad hoc gloves and examined Frimousse, in the cage, the top of which we had removed… No blood test because, in the case of Frimousse, an anesthesia would be necessary. Very pink tongue, no anaemia, the heart and the lungs are well, the clinical examination reveals nothing particular. Then?
Then … Frimousse is old. The stairs? Probably a spell of degenerative osteoarthritis. Lack total of appetite? Depressive state due to RouXy’s death – refusal of food is the characteristic sign of the depression of cats.
We thus returned, much more in peace, Frimousse having understood that it was the way home. He ran in the garden, ate just a little and now he is asleep on the bed, while his Mistress is running by the Lake.
Treatment? Nothing. Except talking to him a lot.
Frimousse’s Master
Yes – talking to him is probably the best ! Love, love, love on him ! How good of you to take him to the vet and thus you are a bit reassured. Maybe he is too. Purrs
We are reassured, but is he? The vet gave a tin of critical care by Hills. He ate half a mouthful… Let’s try to give time.
I don’t know if Critical Care is the same as what’s called A/D over here – mine don’t like to eat it either ! Do you have cans of tuna – mix in a bit of the juice or some tuna. When I complained to MY vet that the stuff(A/D) is the consiistency of wet cement she said that is because it is designed to be mixed with water and syringed. It doesn’t sound like that is an option for Frimousse ! (Hurrah for him trying to tear the carrier apart !) Loving on him is the best for all concerned !
And yes – time ! Cats do NOT run on our schedules ! We want answers or results – cats do not bother with that !
Yes! It is the same as “your” A/D! “Wet cement”, indeed! Good idea, tuna, he loves it. We’re going to try. We have taken the habit of avoiding tuna because Tigri, who died 4 years ago, of Chronic kidney disease (CKD), was mad of tuna but it was to banned in case of CKD. But apparently Frimousse show no signs of CKD.
Yes! It is the same as “your” A/D! “Wet cement”, indeed! Good idea, tuna, he loves it. We’re going to try. We have taken the habit of avoiding tuna because Tigri, who died 4 years ago, of Chronic kidney disease (CKD), was mad of tuna but it was to banned in case of CKD. But apparently Frimousse show no signs of CKD.
When my Buddy was going into kidney failure and declined to eat the special diet, the vet said getting her to eat whatever she would eat was the most important. It is good to know some of the things he DOESN’T have !
I tried to delute the “wet cement” with some tuna and its liquid. It didn’t work…
He’s had practically nothing yesterday except a big shrimp (gamba) he ate to… please us.
Nothing this morning.
He purrs when we stroke him.
Outside it is raining. He’s not as brave as usually and stays under the balcony. But as long as he can go out an go in freely I think he is happy.
Let’s be patient.
I agree ! Mine sense changes in the weather/air presssure and that sometimes puts them off the food. It would be a shame to let that can of tuna go to waste – maybe serve it without the wet cement ! Purrs !
I tried. But with no success. Well, he’s not a skeleton yet!
Thunder, heavy rain, snow, gusty wind… He is purring in an arm-chair a metre away form me.
It’s possible he is suspicious because he doesn’t get it often. Or he is just being a cat – as my Mom used to say “to tease the family.”
It is good that he isn’t losing weight. Your patience with him is a blessing !
I think you are right. He is teasing us, unwillingly.
Poor guy, I feel so bad for him to be so depressed. Couldn’t the vet give an appetite stimulant or an antidepressant for a short time to help him through this difficult time?
She gave a tin of critical care by Hills. But since Frimousse is old, and in apparent good health, she thinks it is best to avoid any sort of medecine. Let’s stroke him!
I put Zulu on a antidepressant after his brother died- it sounds crazy but it did help! Showing him lots of love is the best you can do
We agree: “Showing him lots of love is the best we can do”. And letting him move about freely. He is not skinny so he can lose some weight without real problem. In a few days, if he goes on losing weight, I’ll contact the vet.
I hope everything is ok!!
“The Journey was brightened up by the efforts of King Kong to dismantle the door of the transport box.”…LOL! Chucky sings the song of his people, and when I try to soothe him by chatting with him, he simply sings LOUDER! Here’s hoping Frimousse finds his appetite again!
Frimousse’s health… a roller coaster… It will take time to stabilise. Let’ be patient.
Our Buddy Budd is 16 and may be older. He was diagnosed with lymphoma and pancreatitis in Dec . He is not as fast and no longer whacks Toby who was his nemisis but he eats and sleeps with Dad purring the whole time. Allow you old fellow to enjoy his twilight time as best he can!
Purrs and prayers for you Frimousse!
You are right. I do hope Buddy Budd will be with you for a long time.
PS
Love the photos
You are one handsome cat Frimousse
Frimousse is old now but still handsome. He has been in splendid health until recently.
hope all is ok!
Could be worse. He sometimes eat a couple of nibbles…