OT- Very sick cats

[goinback]

Hi-We live out in the country and we have a good number of cats. We have recently lost 3, and one is very sick. They are farm cats that have never been to a vet, but have been healthy. The ones that died got sick within a few days of each other. They refuse food and water and are very lethargic. They also smell bad. I can't really think of a good way to describe the smell. We really love our cats, and don't want to lose anymore. Does anyone have any thoughts on what could be doing this? Do you think we should have a vet do an autopsy?

 

[Feralpeg]

Is is possible they got into some antifreeze? It sounds like some type of poisoning. I'd immediately take them to a vet or you may loose them all. So sorry to hear this.

 

[HappyDznyCamper]

If they have never been to a vet and never been vaccinated it could be any number of things. The one that comes to my mind first is Distemper(aka Parvo)in kittens it is almost always deadly in older cats, with supportive care(IV fluids) it can be survived, it is very contagious and the virus can live for a long time in the ground. In a ferel population feline lukemia is also a chance. In any case, the vet is the one they need now.

 

[dcforbreakfast]

Feline leukemia is pretty common in farm cats....you're going to need a vet...or yes, sadly you'll lose all your little buddies because it's contagious. I'm sorry.....

 

[krystalleigh1]

It could be so many things. Like the pp's have all suggested, poisioning, or a contagious disease. If you don't take them to a vet you'll never know. And if it is poisioning-it could affect all your animals or even your kids. It's not something to wait around and see with.

Also, while at the vet you should check into spaying and nutering your cats. There are many free/low cost programs out there. With a lot of farm cats the possibility of them getting a disease is high. Controlling the cat population is IMO, part of being a responsable pet owner. There are just so many cats out there that don't have homes or aren't taken care of (not saying that's you at all, just that it happens a lot). But I know that's a little off subject from what you're asking so. . .

 

[tonilea]

Do they have a yellowish color - their urine might be orange? Gums and around eyes yellow? Do they die quickly after exhibiting symptoms? Do you have ticks in your area? If so, it could be "bobcat tick fever" or cytauxzoan (I think I spelled it correctly.)

Really, all anyone can do here is guess. Your best bet is to take one to the vet and see what is going on.

 

[Rustysmom]

If you love them, PLEASE take them to the vet as soon as possible. It can be so many things.

 

[goinback]

Just wanted to give an update. We took our cat that died last night in for tests. I have to know what it is because I am not willing to take any chances with my kids! We have an appt with the vet at 5 today, but the cat that is sick has run off....I think maybe I should take one of our remaining to get them looked over. The vet suspects distemper. Ya know, with them being farm cats, I did not think about shots and things, but I sure will from now on.

 

[Feralpeg]

Just wanted to give an update. We took our cat that died last night in for tests. I have to know what it is because I am not willing to take any chances with my kids! We have an appt with the vet at 5 today, but the cat that is sick has run off....I think maybe I should take one of our remaining to get them looked over. The vet suspects distemper. Ya know, with them being farm cats, I did not think about shots and things, but I sure will from now on.

I'm sorry to hear that one has run off. Sometimes animals go away to hide when they know the end is near. So sad. I'm glad you will find out soon what is going on with the others. Farm cats are particularly at risk since they often interact with wild animals. Vaccinations are a must.

I'm hoping that you other babies will be okay!

 

[Matt'sMom]

I did not think about shots and things, but I sure will from now on.

So sorry about your loss. I do hope it ends up not being anything too serious.

Just wanted to add that it would be wise to begin thinking in terms of getting your remaining cats their vaccinations... especially against Rabies! I live in Southern PA, and Rabies is a very common threat in the valley where we live (with multiple confirmed cases among domestic 'pet' or 'farm' animals each year). I would assume it is not all that uncommon in our neighboring state of MD, either.

Farm cats especially are at high risk for coming into contact with wild animals who carry this deadly disease. If your cats are not vaccinated, then this puts your family at risk too. It's not anything I would personally want to fool around with.

 

[disney_me]

I myself have 2 cats Sorry to hear about your loss. ( thats for you) If you love you cats you should really take them to the vet. A number of thing could be wrong. I think the vet is the right way to go..

 

[HappyDznyCamper]

How did things go at the vet??