Sugarplum’s sick.
The vet suspects hepatic lipidosis, or fatty liver disease, which occurs often in cats who were previously overweight who have lost a lot of weight in a relatively short period of time, especially if they’ve stopped eating. And considering that Sugarplum weighed 20 pounds on June 14, and weighed in at 13.8 pounds today, and that she stopped eating somewhere between a week and two weeks ago, I’d say she fits that profile. 
She’s even lost almost half a pound from a few days ago, when I started really noticing something was wrong and weighed her because I was getting concerned that she was looking a little drawn.
Somehow, the title of this post seems a little grim in retrospect.
I have to force-feed her for the time being, six times a day with a syringe and prescription food. I have been advised that often the force-feeding is enough, and that cats with hepatic lipidosis often recover quite well (then again, some get worse and never recover). Often, they have to be hospitalized and put on an IV because it’s hard for owners who work to do the force-feedings. I think I’ve figured out how to work it all in, as long as I cut back on my sleep for a couple of weeks. My work hours are flexible, so I could do feedings at 6, 8 and 10 am, go to work, come straight home, and then do another three feedings at 8 and 10 pm and midnight. As long as this isn’t a rest-of-my-life thing, it’s doable, and it prevents me from having to pay for the hospitalization.
She’s actually not too bad with the syringe. I mean, she growled the whole time, but she didn’t squirm, and she got it all down. I’m not scratched up, either. But now I watch her for signs of barfing.
With two cats, it’s not always easy to tell that one’s not eating, especially if the other one (*ahem*) polishes off all the food while you’re at work or asleep. Really, it was only because I’d taken this week off and spent a lot of time in sight of the food dishes and noticed that Sugarplum wasn’t going up there that I realized she was ill.
Aww, sorry to hear that. I hope that Sugarplum recovers quickly.
I’m going to wind up bringing her in to the vet to be hospitalized. She’s throwing up a lot, and the feeding is kind of traumatizing for both of us.
I’m concerned about the vomiting and that it means she’s not getting enough nutrition, or that she’s getting dehydrated. Better she’s at the vet if something happens than home alone. I’ve got some savings I can use to pay for the hospitalization.
So, so sorry. I hope Sugarplum recovers well.
Wow, that sucks. I hope she has a speedy and full recovery.
I’m so sorry she’s sick. Poor kitty.
Cats can really fake you out too — they’ll be deathly ill and insist on putting on a show of normality so convincing you don’t know something’s wrong.
Oh, poor kitty! I’m so sorry you have to have her hospitalized. I hope she recovers quickly and is back home with you soon.
*crossing my fingers for Sugarplum* Good luck to both of you! Scritch her for me.
I read your posts at Shakesville and decided to check out your blog tonight.. I’m so sorry. Hepatic lipidosis is SO hard to deal with. I haven’t had personal experience with it, but two friends’ cats have had it and one cat at a rescue I volunteer for was diagnosed with it a few months back. She had a very rough month, but pulled through, and is now happy and healthy. Most of them recover fully.
Has your vet considered the possibility of a feeding tube? Heres a link with a little more info.. http://www.catinfo.org/feedingtubes.htm
I wish you both the best. This may sound silly, but the thing that worked with two of the cats I know - Inky and and Chloe - was giving them lots and lots of love and attention, and telling them how wonderful they are. Chloe was nearly on the brink of death for a week and her foster mom just spent lots of time petting her and talking to her, and brought guests over to cuddle her.. and she regained her will to live again.
kit, my vets don’t like feeding tubes because of the risk of infection. They’d rather do the force-feeding, even though it’s a lot less convenient.
But see the new post; I wound up sending her to the hospital, and while she had a bad first day, she’s improving.
I feel so bad about this. I’ve had my fair share of sick kitties and liver problems so I know this isn’t a great thing to go through.
Here’s a virtual kissy on the nose for Sugarplum.