I really could use some advice here. My cat, Luna, just got back from the animal hospital after a pretty rough week. She's been through a lot, and honestly, she's not herself at all. Her fur is sticky and matted, and there's this really strong, unpleasant odor coming from her. I'm guessing it’s from whatever treatment she was getting, but it's overwhelming. To make things worse, her sister, Bella, has been hissing at her non-stop since she got home. They used to be inseparable, but now Bella won't go anywhere near her. It's breaking my heart seeing them like this, and Luna looks so miserable and confused. I’ve never experienced something like this before—do any of you have suggestions on how to help Luna feel better and get my two girls back to normal? Any advice is greatly appreciated!
Hi there! I'm sorry to hear that you're dealing with this. It sounds like your recently discharged cat might have some lingering smells and possibly sticky residue that could be related to their hospital stay. These odors might come from antiseptics or medications applied during treatment. Cats are incredibly sensitive to smells, which might explain why your other cat is hissing—it’s mainly because your recovering cat might not smell like themselves right now.
To help your cat, you can gently clean them with a soft, damp cloth. If they are cooperative, a bath using a mild, pet-safe shampoo can help remove smells and stickiness, but bathing can be stressful, so proceed with caution. Be sure to dry them thoroughly afterward to keep them from getting chilled.
While at home, monitor your cat closely. Watch for signs of distress such as poor appetite, lethargy, vomiting, or any change in behavior. These could indicate that something more serious is happening, and you’d want to address it quickly.
If you notice any of these serious signs or if things don’t improve, it’s a good idea to book a video consult with Dial A Vet. They can offer guidance tailored specifically to your cat's recent health history and current condition.
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