What's wrong with my cat? Experienced cat owners, please help!?
I adopted a cat 5 weeks ago - my first pet ever and I'm 41 years old! She is about 10 months old. Up until today she had been following me around everywhere, being very playful, letting me pick her up and cuddle, etc.
But this morning as I was getting ready for work she did not follow me around. She didn't even come downstairs when I left. When I came home from work, she was waiting at the door as usual and I thought things were back to normal. Wrong. She barely ate her dinner - when she didn't eat what I first put out for her, I gave her something else, and she didn't eat much of that either. She is usually very playful but tonight neither the laser pointer nor the fishing pole toy could interest her. Normally she can never get enough of them! She hasn't been following me around. I tried to pick her up several times but she yowled and didn't let me.
Not sure if this is normal - maybe she is growing up and is becoming more independent and less playful? Or is there something wrong? I looked around the house but didn't see any vomit anywhere, and she is still using her litter box appropriately.
I have taken her to the vet twice, once when I first got her and again two weeks ago for more shots. He said she was doing fine.
Not sure if I should take her to the vet again or just wait it out.
Any advice? Thanks!
2009-11-03T13:58:25Z
Thanks everyone! I took her to the vet and they couldn't find anything wrong with her! The vet said she may have bruised herself or something. They gave her a painkiller shot which should last for 24 hours. Also some nutrient-rich food, but she didn't each much of that either. If she is still not back to normal soon, I'm supposed to call back and bring her in for blood tests. I'll keep a close eye on her.
blondie2009-11-02T19:52:53Z
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Welcome to the wonderful and sometimes frustrating world of pet parenting! It really is frustrating when you can't figure out what's going on, isn't it? But that's what vets are for. Something I've learned through many years of having pets is that if there's any change in behavior, energy level, eating or drinking patterns, or litter box habits, or if things just don't seem "right," then a vet visit is warranted. So I think you should take your kitty to the vet. It sounds like she might not be feeling well, and since cats can go downhill very quickly when they're sick (depending on what's causing the illness), you need to get her to the vet's office for an exam as soon as possible. Hopefully, you'll find out that it's nothing serious and can be treated easily.
I know others have mentioned this, but I'm going to repeat what's been said. Raven isn't a vet and her answer makes no sense. Asking if a female cat has been neutered is like asking if a woman has had a vasectomy! Whenever I run across anyone who claims to be a vet, I always check their profile. Usually, just by looking at their questions and answers, you can tell if they're legitimate or not. So if you ever see any answers here by people claiming to be vets (there are actually a few real vets here, but they don't show up very often), check their profiles.
Hi, As far as I am concerned any out of the "ordinary" behavior requires a vet visit. I had a problem with a cat a week after vaccines..would not eat and was not acting normal...turns out she had a very high fever. I don't want to be neurotic but the truth is that a cat that doesn't eat for a few days can get very very sick. For a few dollars take her to the vet and let him examine her and MOST important take her temperature..that will give a clue to if she has some kind of infection. I have 6 cats and i always rather be safe then sorry. That's how a good pet owner should think!
To the vet, even make a call tonight to describe the symptoms to a vet, who can also tell you what else to look for. Your regular vet may have a recording telling you where to call for emergency care after office hours, or there will be an emergency vet in the phone book. Take a credit card, they can be expensive.
First clue to a cat not feeling well is very often a change in behaviour or attitude, as I learned to my cost when I ignored a subtle behaviour change in one of my cats until it was too late to save him from cancer. Not to scare you, but I keep a close eye on whether my cats are behaving as usual and have taken one to a vet with no more to say than "he's not himself". Best of luck, hope it's not anything hard to sort out.
It sounds like she is ill. Lethargy + appetite loss are two big red flags that something is wrong. The fact that she yowls when you try to pick her up is even more concerning. I would get her to the vet as soon as possible.
**Added** Please do not listen to Raven. Some kids think it's fun to come on here and pretend to be vets or doctors or whatever else. No veterinarian would say that it's normal for a cat to suddenly stop playing and eating, nor would they refer to a spay surgery as neutering.
Do not wait til morning. Please try to get hold of a vet tonight. Your vet will have an emergency # on his office recording.
It is not normal. Whenever you notice an abrupt behavior change it is time to call the vet.
Before you call the vet check out the litter box to see if she has been urinating and defecating normally as the vet will want to know. Then call! Don't delay!