Hello - I came here a little over a year ago when we lost our 6 year old cat Scooter to Kidney failure. Now, Fidget, only 4 had to go to the vet, for vomiting and weight loss issues. Gradually over time, he started losing weight, and we thought it was the weight loss food he was on. But, it became more pronounced with vomiting becoming more frequent. Fidget used to weigh close to 22 pounds, but is down to almost 15 pounds now. We had to wait for the test results to come back, and the diagnosis is Toxoplasmosis. Fidget is a totally indoor cat, and always has been,, from when we adopted him as a kitten. I have concerns because we adopted my sons two cats (indoor also), and wonder if Fidget may have gotten it from one of them. One of the cats, vomits up his food a few times a week, and always has since he was a kitten. He has thrived though, so far, and is 10 years old. So, his vomiting up his food, was just what he did and was considered normal (though probably not now).

We have 6 cats total now, and I'm so concerned because cats will use each others litter boxes. So, weekly cleaning with steaming hot water is recommended, from what I've read in articles about toxoplasmosis. My concern though is transmission to the other cats in the household. I don't see how I can just have Fidget using just one litter box. Has anyone else had this problem with their cat?

Another thing the test showed up was an abmormal Pancreas test. Not super high, but not in the normal range either.

The vet said we would start him on a certain medication, for about 4 weeks, and retest for toxoplasmosis, and his pancreas after 4 weeks of treatment.

My stomach is in knots, because Fidget is so sweet. Does anyone have any recomendations about how to keep this from being transmitted to our other cats? Or cleaning around the house/ shared food bowls, drinking water.? Any advice would be appreciated. I'm also concerned about the recovery and if it is possible.

My vet also said this could lead to chronic inflammatory disease of the bowels, and I'm just so upset right now. Need a shoulder to lean on please?

Shortrish,

I wish that I had some helpful information for you, but I don't. I am truly sorry for your kitty and you and hope that you find the answers and help you need. Seek everywhere on the net, I am sure that you will find some. I will send all the positive energy and prayers I have in hopes that they will help.

grieving
annie's mommy

Annies mommy - Thank you so much for your prayers, I am sorry for your loss, and know how awful the grieving process is. With Fidget getting sick now, it brings back the awful memories of when Scooter was diagnosed with kidney failure, and when we had to make the decision to let him go. I did go on the internet, and printed out some very good information about toxoplasmosis, unfortunately, that's small consolation for the fact that he caught this, and it is rare that an indoor cat did. I will keep you updated about Fidgets progress, and hope that I will have good news eventually. The treatment is initially for 4 weeks, then retesting is done to see how things have worked.

Again, thank you for responding, and for your prayers,

Fidgets Mom

I know you said you went on the Internet. Just wanted to add that my best sources came by using Google to search for phrases. I don't know how you searched but if you didn't try Google I would highly recommend it. Just try using different search words...like the disease and add "symptoms" "treatment" "cure", you may get different hits and get more information.

My prayers are with you also and hope all news is good news. These babies deserve that!

I wanted to add that your best source should be your vet with all the questions you wonder about. I read in my Cat Care book that it is a parasite that lives in a cat's bowel and usually doesn't make them sick but you do have to disinfect the litter boxes and should wear gloves doing it. I know you would hate to consider isolation from the others until the vet says it is okay but maybe that is also something to ask him. The only warning I really saw was for pregnant women to be extra careful. I hope the treatments get rid of that nasty bug quickly. Please get your vet to explain this all to you. I have just read about it but never been around it. Take Care.