+- The International Ragdoll Cat Guide and Forum (https://ragdollcatguide.ca)
+-- Forum: Ragdoll Cat Forums (https://ragdollcatguide.ca/forumdisplay.php?fid=8)
+--- Forum: Ragdoll Health (https://ragdollcatguide.ca/forumdisplay.php?fid=12)
+--- Thread: Update Don't know what to do nothing works.. (/showthread.php?tid=726)
Update Don't know what to do nothing works.. - HelenMac - 12-19-2023
Well its over 4 weeks I know still early days but Zimba is so sad breaks my heart to see him like this...I'm finding it so hard as now got no cat to cuddle and relax with and I crave it so much.. All my baby does is eat cry and sleep. I only see him when he comes out for food rest of the time he's either behind the couch asleep or in the cat carrier in the bedroom..He doesn't even sleep on the cat towers any more. Its like I have no cats now. He's lost interest in going into the enclosure all he does is go out first thing in the morning to nibble on the cat grass then comes straight back inside. Doesn't want to play doesn't want to snuggle doesn't even watch the birds when I feed them.. After a month the feliway has run out personally don't think its made any difference. I wake up to his crying and go to sleep with his crying. I got Shadow's blanket and rubbed it over all the cat towers. Even put the new cat tower got for the entrance way week before Shadow passed and put it next to my chair hoping that he would lie on seeking comfort from me but no he jumps up on it asking me for treats which I give him then he jumps straight down and goes behind the couch to sleep.
I rang the vets to see if anything else can try to find Gabe the vet finished last week . Personally I don't trust the other vet had bad experience with him so now have to find a new vet. I know every one says it takes time but this is so gut wrenching to see him so miserable and makes my grieving worse as I can't comfort him.
RE: Don't know what to do nothing works.. - MUM_of_FLUFFY - 12-22-2023
Oh Helen...my heart is breaking for you and Zimba as you both grieve the loss of Shadow...
Sending both of you all my love and (((HUGS))) xoxox
RE: Don't know what to do nothing works.. - Smudge's Mom - 12-23-2023
Sad situation. I think time and your gentle care will eventually bring him around. Would another cat possibly be the answer?
RE: Don't know what to do nothing works.. - HelenMac - 12-23-2023
Smudge's MomSad situation. I think time and your gentle care will eventually bring him around. Would another cat possibly be the answer?
Possibly as he always wanted to play with Shadow. Just no way can I afford another ragdoll unless I can find one that needs rehoming as kittens are out of my price range and think Zimba would be a bit rough on a kitten as he always wanted to rough and tumble with Shadow but Shadow couldn't do it anymore. . Just scared it would traumatize him more but also scared I get another sickly cat.
RE: Don't know what to do nothing works.. - Smudge's Mom - 12-23-2023
I don't know if it available where you are, but here, we have many rescue groups that do a Senior to Senior Foster Program. Basically, senior cats are paired with senior caregivers but the rescue organization retains ownership and financial responsibility. That way a difficult to place older cat always has a safe shelter to come back to if things don't work out or if health issues with the human arise. If the senior caregiver can contribute financially to the care of the animal, great. If not, the rescue provides food, health care and even transportation to the vet's office. Granted, the chances of getting a purebred are practically nil, but I have seen a lot of nice Ragdoll Wannabees over the years.
RE: Don't know what to do nothing works.. - HelenMac - 12-27-2023
Zimba has lost heaps weight so miserable I know its cause all he does is sleep. I bought some salmon kibble which I sprinkle on his wet food his coat has never been so shiny and lush. I am hand feeding him have to hold the bowl but who cares I talk to him and stroke him and he eats so I know he gets a good feed of wet morning and night and leave the kibble out 24/7. Rang the boys breeder to ask if she had any advice and guess what we might be getting a 1-2 year old female from her. She has a couple ready to go soon and feels a female would be best for Zimba so praying we get the right companion for him and me.. Keep watching this space.
RE: Update Don't know what to do nothing works.. - Smudge's Mom - 12-28-2023
So glad to hear that Zimba is getting a couple of meals in. Will be looking for updates about the possible young lady.
RE: Update Don't know what to do nothing works.. - HelenMac - 01-20-2024
So for now we have put Zimba on kitten wet food to try get more calories into him still pretty much have to hold the bowl patting him and talking to him to get him to eat. He is eating 2 wet sachets a day so thats good and I still sprinkle some of the smaller kibble on top.. He still has the adult dental biscuits to graze on and treats when he asks but he's not eating much of them. He has lost 800grams of weight in 9 weeks. Poor baby is fading away. He's been checked out everything is fine except he's depressed and badly grieving just shows what a close bond my boys had together. I know how he feels. I can't stop crying both for Shadow and Zimba feel like my world has been doubly torn apart have gone from constant cat cuddles to no cat cuddles.. I do make sure when the tears hit I don't let Zimba see I take off into another room. My poor boy gets up has breakfast I sit on the couch with him and pet him which he enjoys purrs rolls on his back for belly rub then when he's had enough he hops off and goes behind the couch to sleep.. Gets up at tea time has dinner then we repeat the same process few pats then usually hops on the couch to sleep. He still doesn't want to play with the wand I do try couple times a day. When he's awake he wanders round crying looking for his brother. Its almost a relief when he goes to sleep but oh man I miss my baby. I can't get to him behind the couch but I do look over the top and call him to try to get him to come out half way thru the day but he just looks up at me meow's puts his head down and goes back to sleep. Every night I take him to bed with me but he only lasts about 5 minutes then gets off the bed and goes into the lounge behind the couch to sleep.. Hope we can get a companion soon before its too late I'm so scared I'm going to loose him too.
RE: Update Don't know what to do nothing works.. - MUM_of_FLUFFY - 01-21-2024
Oh Helen! I think about you and Zimba every day, wondering how you're doing. It doesn't surprise me that poor Zimba is grieving for his brother so much. Zimba doesn't know where Shadow's gone. Gosh it's still hard for me to accept that Shadow is no longer with us, so I can't even begin to imagine how Zimba is feeling right now.
Grief can be so consuming.
I was glad to read you do have some cuddle time with Zimba and belly pats after breakfast.
I'm so sorry things are so tough for you and Zimba right now. Also - I'm very grateful that you let us know how you're doing. My heart goes out to you and darling Zimba. Please keep posting updates...
Lots of Love and (((Hugs)))
Pam And Fluffy xoxoxoxoxox