Help, I’m really stressed and don’t know what to do. My cat, Mittens, was treated with doxycycline for some kind of infection from wounds the vet said weren’t from an injury, and now she's acting super strange. It’s been like two days, and she seems so uninterested in her food. Normally she’s the first to the bowl when I set it down, but now she just sniffs and walks away. I noticed her licking her lips a lot more, and she even tried nibbling at her favorite treats but stopped after one bite. Has anyone else dealt with this before? I’m worried sick seeing her like this, especially since she’s usually such a foodie. Any advice on how to handle this or is it something with the meds?
I completely understand why you're worried about your cat's difficulty with eating after starting doxycycline. It's not uncommon for antibiotics like doxycycline to sometimes cause an upset stomach, leading to a reduced appetite or queasiness in our feline friends.
One potential reason for your cat's reduced interest in food could be gastrointestinal discomfort, which can sometimes accompany antibiotic use. This might manifest as nausea or even mild gastritis. It's important to ensure your cat stays hydrated, so encourage water consumption or offer some chicken broth (without onions or garlic) to entice them.
To help your cat's tummy settle, you might try offering smaller, more frequent meals. Easy-to-digest foods like plain boiled chicken or a bit of canned tuna (in water) can sometimes be more appealing.
Keep a close eye on any additional symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, severe lethargy, or signs of dehydration, like dry gums or decreased urination. These could indicate a more serious issue that needs immediate attention.
In the meantime, it's a good idea to book a video consult with one of our vets through Dial A Vet to discuss your cat's symptoms in more detail. This way, we can tailor specific advice and ensure your kitty is on the road to recovery.
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