Sick cat... help!

[PeachyClairPumpkinPie]

My cat has been vomiting endlessly all day long. I have been too, could he have caught it from me? I have had flu like symptoms, but no-one else in immedaite family has. And if not, how long before I have to take him to the vet- I have absolutely no cash at the moment and am not on benefits so the PDSA wouldn't help.

He was fed tuna today as we ran out of his Iams and the local shop doesn't stock it, could that be a factor?

[KingPuff]

How is he in himself apart from the vomiting? Problem is, they can become dehydrated quite fast. Can you ask the vet if you can pay in instalments if he needs treatment?

[PeachyClairPumpkinPie]

He seems fine in himself. He doesn't have a vet- we moved here quite recently- our old one would have let us do that, but we really do not HAVE a penny... food money and petrol for dh to get to work, that's it until payday (a week away) obviously I wouldnt leave cat til then, but as long as he has water would Thursday do? Worst case scenario I guess I have to take him to a rehoming place or something? I'm not being mena, we got hit by unexpected bills which we paid out before this happenned... Ilove my cat dearly...

[serahscarer]

Approach a vet (or three) - tell them the situation and ask the question. My theory being that asking doesn't hurt. If none of them bite, book your cat in for thursday with the one you liked the sound of the most.

[BadHair]

Could be the change of diet. Is he drinking OK? Is he alert? Are his eyes bright? Does he seem hollow round his back end - round his hips at the base of his tail?
You did say that he seems to be his usual self so he's probably OK.
My cat occasionally has a day when he utterly gorges himself - constantly whining for food - then chucks up four or five times. Mostly on our bed. I don't know why as none of my other cats have ever really done that, but once he's done it he just goes back to normal.
If it goes on for another 12 hours I'd get in touch with a vet, though.

[BadHair]

Should add that if you're strapped for cash try your local Cats Protection League. Although you do have to be on benefits or a student to qualify, they might be able to point you in the direction of another charity, or a cheap, sympathetic vet, that can help.

[Mojomummy]

what are his eyes like ? usually if cats are ill you can see it in their eyes - they go very dark. I wouldn't recommended tuna (or iams for that matter, but that's just me). Can you get some white fish for him tomorrow ? something like the solid coley blocks for £2.99 for 4 portions. Poach one of these & offer half in the am & then the rest later if he eats it.

I'm pretty sure cats can't catch human flu.

Best bet is to ring some vets - we've paid later with no problems.

Hope he is better soon.

[KingPuff]

Do what serah suggests - I'm sure one would be ok about it.

Of course you love your cat! Vets bills can be a nightmare though. Is he too old to put on insurance in the future?

[Chloe55]

How is he today Peachy? In hindsite if a cat vomits you should remove all food in the house and not let him eat any solids for 24 hours - then start him on some white fish like Mojomummy suggested - tuna can be a bit oily. Definitely keep him inside too so that he can't eat anything from the garden etc whilst he is poorly. Has he got diarrhoea too?

He can't catch a cold from you.

How old is he?

[PeachyClairPumpkinPie]

Ni I know he can't catch a cold from me LOL, I wondered if it was some other virus.

He's 8 I think. we struggled with insurance because we rescued him and he had health issues at first (lots o stomach problems that needed an op).

However, he has been OK today and kept everything else down. he doesn't 'do' white fish, (any fish but tuna), chicken or anything like that- just iams, really. That's why we buy it.

I will follow up the Cats Protection league thing next time though- as I am a Student! Thank you for that idea.