My cat that has been missing 3 weeks came home last night. She was very thin and weak. What do you think is wrong with her and what should I do?

-- Amy skinner (amymsb@hotmail.com), November 06, 2001

Answers

Response to poor cat

3 weeks,, and it just came home and its now thin?? my guess is it hasnt been eating too well

-- stan (sopal@net-port.com), November 06, 2001.

Response to poor cat

If she looks or acts sick, take her to the vet. If she just looks thin and weak, keep her in the house and feed her!

-- Cheryl in KS (cherylmccoy@rocketmail.com), November 06, 2001.

Response to poor cat

My guess is that your cat was locked in someones shed. If she was and in a shed and did not eat for three weeks she lucky that she is alive. Feed her a good high protien diet such as sardines and dried fish. She will get better in a short time.

-- lane bell (lanelynn@hotmail.com), November 06, 2001.

Response to poor cat

Your old cat was probably on a love trip. I had a old cat that roamed the woods when she was in the love stage. Every time she came home she was poor and all scratched up. She needs feed and rest.

-- jerry pope (jerrypope54@hotmail.com), November 06, 2001.

Give her plenty of attention, food and water, but if she begins to act sicker take her to the vet immediately! We keep all three of our cats inside and have had them all fixed. Our dogs are outside in a large fenced area. We don't let any animal roam any more. It's too dangerous for them and it's also dangerous for other animals they will try to eat. We have 22 rabbits, three cats, two dogs, and 25 laying hens and hopefully soon will have Angora goats....give the kitty lots of love!

-- Suzy in Bama (slgt@yahoo.com), November 06, 2001.

At the present time I have 28 cats living in my house. From time to time I will forget to let them all in. The tom cat is the one that usually gets out and forgets to come home for weeks at a time. I feel like he is just looking for some stray. Three square meals and plenty of sleep always cure him after a few days. Let me know if you need me to advise you in the future. Sincerely,

Ole Tom

-- Thomas Morris (kikicole4@hotmail.com), November 06, 2001.

If its been out that long it may be dehydrated so give it warm water (they drink more that way) and there is a good chance she may have gotten worms on her excursion (depending on your worming schedule) so give her a dose just in case. You can by it at Wal*Mart or any grocery or pet store.

-- Chandler (ProvidenceFarms2001@yahoo.com), November 06, 2001.

My cat was gone 10 weeks,,I gave up on him. He left because we moved to a new location and even tho I kept him in a short while,,fed him and showed him THIS was now home,,even sit in yard with him awhile,,,he decided to leave. Well, he was a sorry site when he roamed back to " SEE" if he could find "home". He was sooo skinny and weak and looked so pitiful,,meow-ing at me cautiously. All I did was pet him a lot and feed him all he wanted to eat,,plus milk and special treats,,needless to say he has stayed home every since,,Happy Ending,,,,,,He is neutered...Was just unhappy about the move.***Give your kitty lots of attention and love,,and I would suggest neutering him if he isn't. Glad he came back home to you,,,Take care,,,Patsy

-- Patsy, MT (cozyhollow-gal@care2.com), November 06, 2001.

Amy: Poor kitty, she sounds like she got herself into real trouble. First and foremost, give her food and water, and make sure she is eating and drinking enthusiastically, with no vomiting. Then take her to your vet to make sure she's really ok (inside). Some of these cats have been trapped somewhere without food/water, and some have wandered off due to serious illness. If she has underlying disease, the sooner you know about it the better. Good luck!

-- Gayle Robison, DVM (kestrel91316@aol.com), November 08, 2001.