# Sick kitty; upset owner. **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [December 8, 2010, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sick-kitty-upset-owner/563413 "2010-12-08T15:10:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Mint\_Julep](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/bc79bd/32.png) [@Mint\_Julep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mint_Julep)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2010, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sick-kitty-upset-owner/563413/1 "2010-12-08T15:10:05Z")
So I took my sweet kitty, Ralph, to the vet this morning. I have been putting it off and trying to convince myself that it was nothing serious, but he has been throwing up alot in the past months. He has started have runny poops and they are never in the litter box, and the vomitting has gotten worse. He has lost a good bit of weight and probably dehydrated a bit, but he seems happy and not in pain. He is eleven-ish years old so he is not as playful as he used to be but I figured it was just age. He still has an appetite and otherwise seems ok. But the vet called about 30 minutes after I left to say that Ralph is bing extra hateful today and wont let them look at him. (He is always a bad patient and I am pretty sure they have devil horns drawn on his chart after his first nail trim experience) So now they are going to keep him over night and sedate him and run tests tomorrow. I am just scared and sad and dreading the bill for this and needed to share. I keep have quiet cries at my desk this morning and I am just trying to make it through today. ---
**Author:** ![phouka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c5a1d2/32.png) [@phouka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phouka)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2010, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sick-kitty-upset-owner/563413/2 "2010-12-08T15:19:19Z")
Deep breath. Relax. He has probably picked up a kitty intestinal parasite or other bug that’s making him so miserable. Vets know how to handle the angry kitties, and sedation sounds like just the thing. He will be loopy afterwards, which is both pathetic and hysterical to watch. When my last kitty, Raven, was still alive, I had to take her in for a urine sample. Only once did we bother trying to wait for her to deliver it into the litter box. She refused to go. Absolutely would not go. Until the vet tech reached in to pick her up. And then she peed on the vet tech. Apparently, they got enough urine from the tech’s lab coat for a good sample. Damn cat had been holding on to it all day, after all. After that, if the vet needed a urine sample, I just told them to stick her with a needle and pull it straight from the bladder. Over in ten minutes, and the cat could take her fury out on me. ---
**Author:** ![Mint\_Julep](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/bc79bd/32.png) [@Mint\_Julep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mint_Julep)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2010, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sick-kitty-upset-owner/563413/3 "2010-12-08T15:31:31Z")
Thanks **phouka** , I am hoping it will be something easily treated. This is the first time in his long life that he has really been sick, so I am just over reacting I think. I am just going to suck it up and get through the day and hope for good news tommorow 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![slightly\_askew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d07c76/32.png) [@slightly\_askew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slightly_askew)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2010, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sick-kitty-upset-owner/563413/4 "2010-12-08T15:45:05Z")
(((Hugs))) Don’t have much to add, but I’ve been there. Sending warm happy wishes to you and Ralph. ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2010, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sick-kitty-upset-owner/563413/5 "2010-12-08T16:01:49Z")
Thinking good thoughts and wishes for you and your sweet demon Ralphie. ---
**Author:** ![Yorikke](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yorikke/32/4335_2.png) [@Yorikke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yorikke)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2010, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sick-kitty-upset-owner/563413/6 "2010-12-08T16:11:59Z")
Any chance of a pic? Joe ---
**Author:** ![Dogzilla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e480ec/32.png) [@Dogzilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dogzilla)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2010, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sick-kitty-upset-owner/563413/7 "2010-12-08T16:40:59Z")
That sounds like some of the symptoms my kitty (Mr. Got Milk) was having before he was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. If it is that, it’s easily managed. My furry little man gets meds twice a day (now I’m squirting a gel into his ear which he doesn’t seem to mind at all) and is pretty much good to go. There’s a more expensive treatment option, but I am not dropping $1500 to irradiate a fucking cat. He’ll be fine with the ear gel thing. At any rate, if that’s what Ralphie has, he’ll be right as rain in a couple days once you get his meds sorted out. ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2010, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sick-kitty-upset-owner/563413/8 "2010-12-08T18:19:12Z")
Those symptoms you describe could be so very many things that it’s hard for you or your vet to know for sure right now. Not knowing is hard. Hang in there… ---
**Author:** ![Mint\_Julep](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/bc79bd/32.png) [@Mint\_Julep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mint_Julep)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2010, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sick-kitty-upset-owner/563413/9 "2010-12-09T16:04:31Z")
[![](https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v646/paigewatson/ralph-1.jpg) ](https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v646/paigewatson/ralph-1.jpg) It has been so long, **wheresgeorge04** , since I attached a pic to a post here…so sorry I did not imbed it properly! My apt felt so lonely last night without Ralph, but I know he needs to be checked out. I talked to the vet yesterday before 5pm and they said they will be doing the sedation and check up around lunch today. I am really hoping it is something like Mr. Got Milk has, and it is treatable. I will try to post an update this afternoon if possible. Thanks to you all for your kind words. I am just hoping for good news now. ---
**Author:** ![Dogzilla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e480ec/32.png) [@Dogzilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dogzilla)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2010, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sick-kitty-upset-owner/563413/10 "2010-12-09T16:18:33Z")
Aw, who’s a sweetie widdle fuzzy butt? Yes he is… :: scritches Ralph under his chin :: Hang in there. You’ll have your little guy back today! ---
**Author:** ![Yorikke](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yorikke/32/4335_2.png) [@Yorikke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yorikke)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2010, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sick-kitty-upset-owner/563413/11 "2010-12-09T16:45:39Z")
Fingers crossed… Joe ---
**Author:** ![Rushgeekgirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rushgeekgirl/32/3715_2.png) [@Rushgeekgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rushgeekgirl)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2010, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sick-kitty-upset-owner/563413/12 "2010-12-09T16:57:20Z")
> [@Mint\_Julep](#): > > [http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v646/paigewatson/ralph-1.jpg](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v646/paigewatson/ralph-1.jpg) > > It has been so long, **wheresgeorge04** , since I attached a pic to a post here..so sorry I did not imbed it properly! > > My apt felt so lonely last night without Ralph, but I know he needs to be checked out. I talked to the vet yesterday before 5pm and they said they will be doing the sedation and check up around lunch today. I am really hoping it is something like Mr. Got Milk has, and it is treatable. > > I will try to post an update this afternoon if possible. > > Thanks to you all for your kind words. I am just hoping for good news now. I think I see the problem right now. Apparently he has a foot growing out of his head. That must be awful for him! No really he’s a cutie. I hope he’s feeling better soon. My Wonton had vomiting issues too until I took him completely off dry food. I hope it’s something simple like that for your Ralph. ---
**Author:** ![Mint\_Julep](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/bc79bd/32.png) [@Mint\_Julep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mint_Julep)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2010, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sick-kitty-upset-owner/563413/13 "2010-12-09T17:13:49Z")
> [@Rushgeekgirl](#): > > I think I see the problem right now. Apparently he has a foot growing out of his head. That must be awful for him! First laugh all day, Thanks **Rushgeekgirl** Had a missed call from the Vet about an hour ago, my heart nearly beat out of my chest. They were just calling to offer to trim his nails and update his vaccines while he was out…Still no results though. ---
**Author:** ![Beware\_of\_Doug](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/278dde/32.png) [@Beware\_of\_Doug](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beware_of_Doug)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2010, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sick-kitty-upset-owner/563413/14 "2010-12-09T17:47:38Z")
> [@Dogzilla](#): > > Aw, who’s a sweetie widdle fuzzy butt? Yes he is… :: scritches Ralph under his chin :: A formidable purrsonality, clearly. Be well Ralph, and don’t draw any more blood than one must to defend one’s dignity. ---
**Author:** ![Mint\_Julep](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/bc79bd/32.png) [@Mint\_Julep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mint_Julep)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2010, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sick-kitty-upset-owner/563413/15 "2010-12-09T20:52:25Z")
Hooray! Ralphie is going to live! Just talked to the vet and the blood work is ok, he is slightly anemic but not enough to worry, Kidney, Liver etc looks good. She did find excessive bacteria in the intestines and gave him antibiotics for that. She also thinks his thyroid may be out of whack but we wont have the results on that for a few days. I am just happy to hear he is relatively healthy and will be coming home today! ---
**Author:** ![Mint\_Julep](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/bc79bd/32.png) [@Mint\_Julep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mint_Julep)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2010, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sick-kitty-upset-owner/563413/16 "2010-12-09T21:04:26Z")
> [@Dogzilla](#): > > That sounds like some of the symptoms my kitty (Mr. Got Milk) was having before he was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. If it is that, it’s easily managed. My furry little man gets meds twice a day (now I’m squirting a gel into his ear which he doesn’t seem to mind at all) and is pretty much good to go. There’s a more expensive treatment option, but I am not dropping $1500 to irradiate a fucking cat. He’ll be fine with the ear gel thing. At any rate, if that’s what Ralphie has, he’ll be right as rain in a couple days once you get his meds sorted out. I think you may have been right about my kitty too…Fingers crossed for hyperthyroid! ---
**Author:** ![Dogzilla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e480ec/32.png) [@Dogzilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dogzilla)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2010, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sick-kitty-upset-owner/563413/17 "2010-12-09T21:06:42Z")
Yea! Give him a big kitty kiss for us! Sounds like he just had a really bad upset stomach. If his thyroid is out of whack, here’s some other symptoms to look for: • Recent weight loss, like a lot. (Half-pound or more in a cat is a lot.) •Heat seeking, like a SCUD missile – hard to tell in winter, but Mr. Got Milk will find the warmest place he can in 90º heat. Most cats like to nap in the sunbeam, but most will eventually move from the spot. A hyperthyroid cat will plant his ass in the warm spot and not move all day. •Eats constantly, acts like he’s starving to death even when you just fed him a couple hours ago. •Vomiting and/or diarrhea. • Fur problems – coat looks dull, or fur falls out in weird patterns/places. Mr. Got Milk always loses a patch on the back of his neck when his levels are out of whack. Skin might be flaky or itchy and irritated. • Excessive thirst (cats don’t usually drink much). •Irritability or nervousness. My guy would trip out and attack his own tail every night about 9:30. When his thyroid is managed properly, he’s curled up in a ball in my lap at 9:30 every night. I was giving two pills a day, then we changed that to a liquid that I could squirt in his mouth easily. Now that’s been changed with this gel stuff I squirt into his ears and rub it in. He thinks he’s getting an ear rub and the medicine has stopped! He has no idea he’s still being medicated. There are other options, but they are too spendy for me, so I will just give the ear gel. ---
**Author:** ![slightly\_askew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d07c76/32.png) [@slightly\_askew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slightly_askew)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2010, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sick-kitty-upset-owner/563413/18 "2010-12-09T22:01:54Z")
Hooray for good news!!! Scritches all around! ---
**Author:** ![Yllaria](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yllaria/32/3452_2.png) [@Yllaria](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yllaria)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2010, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sick-kitty-upset-owner/563413/19 "2010-12-09T22:35:24Z")
Glad to hear he’ll be OK. Now click on the picture and picture this title: “See these? These are for vets.” ---
**Author:** ![Mint\_Julep](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/bc79bd/32.png) [@Mint\_Julep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mint_Julep)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2010, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sick-kitty-upset-owner/563413/20 "2010-12-09T23:48:04Z")
> [@Dogzilla](#): > > Yea! Give him a big kitty kiss for us! Sounds like he just had a really bad upset stomach. If his thyroid is out of whack, here’s some other symptoms to look for: > > • Recent weight loss, like a lot. (Half-pound or more in a cat is a lot.) > •Heat seeking, like a SCUD missile – hard to tell in winter, but Mr. Got Milk will find the warmest place he can in 90º heat. Most cats like to nap in the sunbeam, but most will eventually move from the spot. A hyperthyroid cat will plant his ass in the warm spot and not move all day. > •Eats constantly, acts like he’s starving to death even when you just fed him a couple hours ago. > •Vomiting and/or diarrhea. > • Fur problems – coat looks dull, or fur falls out in weird patterns/places. Mr. Got Milk always loses a patch on the back of his neck when his levels are out of whack. Skin might be flaky or itchy and irritated. > • Excessive thirst (cats don’t usually drink much). > •Irritability or nervousness. My guy would trip out and attack his own tail every night about 9:30. When his thyroid is managed properly, he’s curled up in a ball in my lap at 9:30 every night. > > I was giving two pills a day, then we changed that to a liquid that I could squirt in his mouth easily. Now that’s been changed with this gel stuff I squirt into his ears and rub it in. He thinks he’s getting an ear rub and the medicine has stopped! He has no idea he’s still being medicated. > > There are other options, but they are too spendy for me, so I will just give the ear gel. It is as if you have been watching my cat and describing his symptoms in detail. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sick-kitty-upset-owner/563413.md?page=2)