Other Panic

I went back to the office from site at 4am last Thursday and walked into a room filled with 10 hungry cats. I gave them some friskies and water, walked up the stairs, and watched Othercat breastfeeding some kitties (they're 4 months old but still go to momma sometimes) while I tried to sleep under my desk.

Woke up at 8am and freaked out because I saw Other panting and drooling on top of one of our cabinets. She had taken a dump about 3 times and was so weak she could barely stand.

We rushed her to the vet, and they placed her on an IV drip, and kept her for the day.

I found out that afternoon that Othercat has liver damage...usually caused by poisoning, anemia, and a bacterial infection.

We don't keep any chemicals in the office, and whatever cleaning supplies we have are locked in a cabinet....so I can only surmise that she was exposed to poisons during her earlier life as a street cat. I vaguely remember my officemate telling me a neighbor was threatening to poison the street cats, but I never thought much of it until now.

At first it was touch and go...her levels were severely elevated, and the doctor told me that I shouldn't expect her to get better.

But it seems she is a fighter.

After 4 days in the hospital she started eating and we took her home. She's eating a lot more now, and we give her some liver tonic daily. We also keep fresh water out at all times so she doesn't go thirsty.

We took her back for blood tests yesterday, and we're getting the results later today. I really really hope she is improving.

So guys, please, take care of your cats. They've got really delicate kidneys and livers - and you usually can't tell if anything is wrong until the situation is pretty severe.

FYI. Dont give your cat

1. chocolates
2. raisins / grapes
3. onions
4. acetaminophen
5. aspirin
6. other medicines unless prescribed by the vet

Some useful links.
Liver Problems in Cats
Cats and Poisonous Plants, including some First Aid
Ten Tips for a Poison Safe Household
Poisons in the Home

ETA:
The Blood Test showed a big improvement. Other's liver toxins were previously in the 480's (normal is the 60's!). They're now at the 160's. Still elevated, but much better. We're keeping her on her Liv52 Tonic for 3 weeks, then its back to the doctors for another test.