Cat in renal failure must stay hydrated

him on an IV and kept him for the night. Now he will eat canned chicken, drink water and urinate OK, but he is still very lethargic and super thin; he does not groom himself.

He used to play and kept his coat clean. Now he sleeps most of the day. My dogs used to play with him, and they don’t even go near him now. We did try all- natural yogurt, and he seemed to feel a little better, but there is obviously something still wrong. — S.D., St. Louis

A: Your cat is awfully young to develop renal (kidney) failure, the acute nature of which your veterinarian was right in thinking a poisonous plant, such as any member of the lily family, could have caused. But the fever suggests possible infec- tion.

It is imperative that your cat keeps well hydrated. Make salt-free boiled chicken juice to encourage drinking, even using a dropper in the cat’s mouth if he will accept it. I would break open some probiotic capsules and add a couple to this liquid. Many cats will eat Gerber baby food (the meaty and fifishy kind), and a teaspoon or two of canned sardines will provide protein and benefificial oils. Your veterinarian may consider prescribing cyproheptadine to stimulate appetite. Regular gentle body massage will help stimulate circulation.