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How to Tell If Your Cat is in Pain
Cats Hide Their Pain Exceptionally Well
Holly, a seventeen-year-old domestic short-hair cat came to see me for weight loss and not wanting to eat for 3 days (we call this symptom anorexia in veterinary medicine, but I prefer the term inappetence, because it does not resemble the psychological and physical disease many people suffer by the same name.)
She gradually lost weight over the past 6 months. Holly was 11 pounds in June, and only 5 1/2 pounds when this picture was taken in the hospital.
Holly died the following afternoon.
I do not mean to be melodramatic, but to illustrate a point. This cat suffered from pancreatic cancer for 6 months, without her family realizing she was sick until it was too late to help her or to ease her pain. Many, many people can miss the signs of illness and pain in a cat, because cats hide their pain from us. (Look at the first picture above. Holly knew I was visiting her, so she "faked it." Many studies have shown pets will do this to please us, and then quiver in misery after we leave the room, as proven by hidden camera technology.)
When Holly thought I wasn't looking, without opening her baby incubator I had set her in for warmth and extra oxygen, I snapped the following pictures:
(In case you worry that I let Holly suffer in pain, rest assured she received strong opioid painkillers. Unfortunately, certain types of painful conditions, like pancreatic cancer, still cause pain unless the patient undergoes anesthesia. Sometimes a constant rate infusion CRI of painkillers works.)
5 Signs A Cat is in Pain:
- Behavior change. Noisy cat is quiet, quiet cat vocalizes.
- Hiding, withdrawn, reclusive.
- Sitting hunched with back arched, paws gathered under the body, nose resting on the floor, eyes closed.
- Purring does not mean a cat is happy! Some cats purr to comfort themselves when they hurt.
- Distant or faraway look to the eyes, like cat thinks about internal pain, instead of noticing the external environment.
5+ Signs a Cat Might be Sick:
1. Eating more or less. Or nothing. A fat cat can die if they refuse food for 3-4 days in a row (hepatic lipidosis.)
2. Vomiting.
Doc Truli summarizes recent thinking in feline internal medicine, "Vomiting hairballs is not normal for cats! Veterinarians used to believe hairball vomiting was a normal cat function; vomiting is abnormal. Something is wrong; see your vet!"
"Cats were desert animals thousands of years ago. They usually drink very little compared to dogs."
4. Losing weight for no reason. This can be difficult to appreciate when you see your cat every day.
Look for: bony hips, spine prominent, shoulders visible, ribs visible, temples atrophied and gaunt-looking.
"If your cat is not on a weight control diet, and his or her exercise has not increased significantly (like you moved to a gigantic house), then weight loss is a sign of illness."
5. Diarrhea, Coughing, Sneezing, Yellow or green discharge coming out of anywhere on your cat.
6. Signs of pain like hiding, change in verbosity, change in voice, eye pain like blinking and tearing, and squinting…
Get Your Cat to the Veterinarian You Trust With Cats!
If you know your cat is ill, and the question is more about quality of life, see Doc Truli's Pet Quality of Life discussion.
See How to Tell If Your Kitten Is in Pain for more pictures and symptoms to watch out for!
New! on VirtuaVet: How Do I Know If My Cat has Breast Cancer?
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Alia permalinkJuly 24, 2018 1:35 am
My 10 year old male cat has recently lost interest in playing, has urinated on my clothes and carpet which hes NEVER done before, has extreme thirst and requires fresh water in his bowl 2-3 times a day as well as drinking out of toilet, and he still has appetite but there's been significant weight loss and vomiting after he binges with food. I've noticed he's losing claws, whiskers, sheddiny more.
I know something is wrong but i do not have the funds to have him tested and dont know what resources can help him.
He's my best friend. I know something is wrong but what am i supposed to do?
What do you tell people on fixed incomes(disabled, veterans,etc), or full time single mom still in the process of education. Or just someone down on their luck who makes sure their furry family has shelter love and food but no way can afford the $80 visit plus $300-600 in testing just to start.
Mark Vachon permalinkMarch 6, 2017 9:55 pm
My cat seems to be trying to tell me something. She is leading me to the bedroom where she had her babies almost 2 years ago and two were still born. She has one that she has been constantly cleaning her and they are sticking together like glue which hasn't been normal in the past. She's been very vocal. She throws up her food now and again but not everyday. Could it be fleas because I do have to treat them its been a year since they have been treated. She's an indoor cat along with her baby. I do have another cat that does go outside though. I'm going to treat them this week. It started last night and she's doing it today too. Its not like she had another litter , she hasn't been outside. I can't figure out what it could be. She wants to be in her room with her baby on her bed. Please let me know if you know anything on what she could possibly be going through. I don't think its pain she's not hunching over with nose to the floor or anything.???
Mark Vachon permalinkMarch 6, 2017 10:01 pm
Ps…She is about 6 or 7 years old. Short haired. Black n white. She's the runt of the litter she was born from..her baby is the runt of the litter she had. So they aren't very big cats but they aren't too skinny or anything.I don't know what she's trying to tell me.
Sara permalinkOctober 14, 2016 7:23 pm
Dr. Tulli,
I just rescued a stray cat two days ago. I have been feeding him dry food and a little wet food for the past few days. I only refil the dry food bowl when it is empty and feed him wet food twice a day. He seems happy. However, I noticed that he burps after he eats. He purrs often, and does so while laying on his back, which he tends to do often. I'm not sure if he has an upset stomach now that he had a regular diet. Or, if there is something wrong with the food.
Sara Thompson
Jan permalinkSeptember 4, 2016 10:44 am
My cat has been diagnosed with pancreatitis. He eats intermittently without the vigor he once attacked food with. He has thickening of the intestinal walls and rests a lot, lays on his side after eating. Today he has thrown up twice, clear pink fluid, but has eaten a 1/2 cup of Rad Cat, with brewers yeast, because he and his buddy have fleas, his are worse because he is sickly and older, 15 y.o., also added nutritional yeast and Aunt Jennys Probiotics. Vet suspects lymphoma. She has added Standard Process Pancreatrophin PG, Feline Immune Support, and added Feline Cardio Support pills due to his bellows breathing.
He gets SubQ fluids once a week and B12 supplements to help with anemia and as an appetite stimulant. His fur is soft, eyes bright, with some yucky stuff occasionally at the corners but usually clean, occasional sneezes. He always weighed 16 to 17 pounds, dropped to 12 over the years, now is back to 13 pounds. For the first time, when a cranky cat housemate attacked him, as he does when food isn't coming fast enough, the sick cat followed him out of the room and put him in a head lock. Never seen that behavior from him before.
Stools have been runny for about 2 years and one recently had blood in it, sort of topical not really in it, but like it was from the sides of intestinal or rectal walls.
Anyway, I'm working with my vet and am attempting to limit his diet to foods that do not have carageenan, xanthan gum and guar gum because it is thought that these substances coat the intestinal walls blocking nutrient intake. His shoulders are boney and his haunches are lean but he still has ok spinal muscle coverage. When he was about 9 months old, most of his housemates, except him and 2 other cats were exposed to FIP, wet type, and FeLV. Within 2 months of worming by a vet, of 7 cats, 4 of them died from one of the 2 diseases. He and a younger and an older female survived, the younger cat dying at 3 y.o., the older one dying a few years ago at 18 y.o.
I'm writing all of this to organize my own thoughts, and to ask if I am missing something from his protocol, or doing too much to this poor cat? Do you have any suggestions or comments? Is nutritional yeast good or bad for cats? I can't find anything on the Internet but my cats love the stuff.
Is this inflammation beatable? Is lymphoma the beatable? What can I do to help him?
August 17, 2016 7:19 pm
I've had my cat for years now. I got a new bed the other day and since the day after that he's been acting jumpy and sniffing everything, even things I've had since before I got him. Just today, I came home from school and heard a scratching noise. I looked down and he was hiding under my bed with his right paws on the side of the bed and his left forepaw stretched across his chest. I got off the bed and knelt down to look at him and he just kept staring at me and trilling. After a while, he ran at me, smacked my foot with his paw, and ran out of the bedroom. I've never seen him do anything like that before.
Katie permalinkAugust 3, 2016 11:58 pm
Hello my name is Katie I am about 35 weeks pregnant. My cat Moo is about 9 months old. She has been hiding the last 3 days. I took her to the emergency vet last night they did blood work and everything was normal. She is still hiding and not eating or using the litter box. She also has no fever. I am so overly stressed because I know there is something wrong with her usually she is by my side 24/7. She is a very playful loving cat. She even growled at me when I was holding her. Idk what else to do. They told me to go see a internal medicine Doctor which I am going to if she is not herself in another day.
June 7, 2016 10:03 pm
Hi my name is jennifer i have a 10 yr old white and black short haired cat named chaose. Within the last 2 month chaose is worrying us he went from being a fat happy cat to skin and bones. He still eats but hes always sleeping . he whines when u pick him up 3 wks ago he has a seizure plus hes been coughing . anyone recommend what we should do.
May 17, 2016 11:26 pm
Hi I have a quick question that ive scoured the net for answers for without much luck. Hoping somebody on here may be able to shed some light! I have a 10yr old cat who is in good health. However he has this eye twitch/head jerk deal he does while he is awake. There isnt any meowing prior to it…no sickness or any other symptoms ive read that are related to this. The eye deal happens several times a day and is like somebody is trying to tap his head real fast and hes jerking back from it. It only lasts a few seconds. Then other times out of the blue he will have this violent head jerk back…then done! Keeps on about his business like it doesnt even phase him. I *have* noticed the eye ones have become more frequent so im a bit concerne over what it could *possibly* be?!
James permalinkApril 23, 2016 1:30 pm
My name is James my two year old tabby her name is tiger got out the house the other DAT stayed gone for about 3 days came back she does not want yo eat or drink water she is walking around in circles and has gone blind she can not see me and she looks like she is in pain could she have been poisoned
Julie permalinkMarch 27, 2016 9:55 pm
I took my female 11 yr old indoor domestic cat to vet 2 weeks ago due to bumps n cogh. She was given a shot of steroids n anti biotic. Well it helped abit. 2 weeks later I took her back with cogh n hair loss n swollen shut eyes n mouth n nose n not eating n lethargy n blood in her nose n sore on her paw that she liked till it bled. The vet xray ed her n did blood work on her n scheduled 4 biopsies on her but that's to be done tomorrow. But would the blood work not say if she had cancer. I don't want my cat being butchered with biopsies if she has cancer. So will the blood work confirm this. I'm devastated. N heart broken. Thanks
March 12, 2016 1:32 am
My cat Penolpe is playing normal, I did get her a new brand of food, but she is eating. She is just all of a sudden following me around everywhere so I've been watching her closely. She is yawning more lately and has thrown up twice in 2 days but also is shedding like crazy because the weather has changed dramatically from winter to warm. Is she ok? I've held her a lot lately and havnt noticed and pain spots or fleas or anything. Just the sudden extra attention and maybe yawning.
Helene spear permalinkMarch 8, 2016 10:36 pm
My cat is 12 half diabetic insulin twice a day. Nephropy of his both back legs. Dosent eat his diabetic food anymore so now we are feeding him what he likes because of the insulin. I have him on main level now liter box bathroom catbed behind couch. Hallway food kitchen so he won't have to walk far. He sleeps alot easily arousal follows you with his eyes walks liter box back kitchen lies by water bowl. How do I no when to let him go. Don't no if he's in pain still cuddles when I go to him. I don't no to say goodbye or hopefully he goes in his sleep this is not our buddy anymore we love him so much don't no what to do
Anne permalinkJanuary 1, 2016 6:09 pm
I just adopted a cat that I was fostering from the spca. She came to me with stomach issues, two weeks ago we found thyroid issue but she still vomits occasionally. I believe she is much older than 6. Holds her back arched at times as if in pain, very vocal. I take her to my vet on Monday to discuss quality of life.
Juan permalinkDecember 26, 2015 9:58 pm
Hello so i have a 6 month old kitty and normally she is pretty quiet. She only really talks when she gets in the car but all of a sudden today she has been around a certain area of the house and she keeps trilling. At one point she started meowing very very loudly. So i went to go see what was up because she never ever meows in the house. When i went to pick her up she didnt want to be held upright so i held her sideways and she kept her legs stretched out and claws out. Then i set her back down on a nearby couch and she kept laying on her side trilling away continuously. Then she finally stood but she kept the front of her body down and kept her rear end in the air and wouldnt put it down at all. Any ideas on what it could be?
July 31, 2015 3:15 pm
My cat is 4 months old and he acts normal eats fine plays but I was petting him and I noticed a small yellow bump on his lower stomach and his stomach feels like something movie idk if that's normal in just want to make sure he's okay but I don't have the money for the vet
tanya Cardenas permalinkJuly 11, 2015 8:49 am
Hey…my is tanya….we have three cats..we are some cat lovers…lol…my older cat "mowe"..it's his name is alot older then the other two….we have had him longet then the other two…i woke up this morning and the first thing i do…is fill there food trays and give them fresh water…its the same time every morning
…there use to it….so there usually waiting for mommy at there bowls all three…except mowe he was wasnt…mowe heard the bag came out fom under neath the kitchen table and just started moweing really loud and it look like it was hard for him to walk…he walk to the living room under neath the coffee table….still there…normally when i talk to moew he answers me back and he didnt….so i know there is something wrong…if anyone reads this can you help me out….maybe you may know whats wrong with my cat…thanks….my email:firstname.lastname@example.com
Colleen permalinkMay 25, 2015 10:11 pm
Can anybody help me? My cat is 10 years old. He's a orange short hair and all of a sudden I noticed his head was dropped and he was only looking down and looking very weak. It almost looked like a neck problem..it is 10pm and no vets are open and I'm afraid he won't make it thru the night😞
Janie permalinkSeptember 13, 2014 5:27 pm
I have an older kitty, rescued him about 2 yrs ago from a shelter. He was found starving on the street and suffering from a horrible tooth infection – the damage was so bad they ended up having to remove all of his teeth!
But that's all behind him now he's a family cat & knows how to take care of himself lol, He's a great kitty, always quite and keeps to himself but I noticed a few days ago his arms, face & belly seem to have swelled. It feels like water all around his stomach and arms and around his chin.. His back legs & tail are the only parts not swollen looking/feeling. It's mainly squishy on his face, upper arms and chest.
I don't know what could be the cause could be, I'm taking him to the vet but am trying to find out what I can do to make sure he's comfortable and not in any pain in the meantime.. Thanks for any tips! Gene (my kitty) & I thank u 🙂
Krysta permalinkJanuary 8, 2016 1:44 am
Hi, Janie. I know I'm late in replying but I was in here reading up on another condition when I read your comment. To me, it sounds like it was fluid retention, possibly systemic. I hope that your vet got down to what was causing it and I hope that Gene is doing much better! Any type of swelling on a cat's body is abnormal and should always be evaluated by a veterinarian. To everyone else, never home treat an ill or ailing cat beyond the basics (comfort, warmth, rest, hydrate, observe, first aid if necessary). Giving a cat medication of any type is a recipe for disaster, as many meds can cause liver and/or kidney toxicity/failure, or at the very least make them extending ill. Kitties bodies are so different from ours and from all other animals, their systems are unique in how they metabolize food and medications, and their systems are extremely sensitive. Let your vet do the prescribing and treatments and do what you do best, love on them! ☺
September 10, 2014 11:26 pm
Just had my 3 yo cat to the vet yesterday for FELV/FVRCP vaccine, 1.50 Drontal Tablet for worms and given 1 Capstar Blue 2-25# fleas. He was fine before going to the vet yesterday and yesterday afternoon.This morning he seemed fine. Then this evening he was becoming more verbal and growling a bit, moving slow and lying on the slate floor like it made him feel better. Tonight after getting home from our Wednesday night Bible Study, he was extremely vocal and growling loadly at times. He is walking gingerly and I notice he has passed ferocious gas a couple of times, which seems very painful because he lets out with a load howl. Should I call the vet tonight, or wait to take him in the morning? He is breathing rapidly, too. Bottom line he seems to be in pain for some reason. Could the worming med be contributing to it, his he possibly trying to pass a worm?
Candra Willie permalinkSeptember 7, 2014 1:37 am
Im trying to get answers for myself and I don't seem to get the right answer.
I have a kitten who I got from a friend, who was taking him to the pound, right now he's probably about 6 months or less. He keeps Rolling around meowing like he's in pain n I was wondering what pain he's in or where he's feeling the pain internally. In other words what is wrong with him.
Ludie permalinkAugust 29, 2014 11:46 am
Hi, I've seen that some here have found answers to their cats' issues. I have a cat named Jesse that I found outdoors, she was part of a stray litter, when I found her she had a high fever and a upper respiratory infection. I brought her inside since it was hot, she seemed to do better but later that night I found her circling around in circles and eyes darting back and forth. She was brought to a vet who wanted to put her down. We said no, and she was sent home with antibiotics, I did have to syringe feed her until she got her strength back. She has since recovered and been spayed. Only thing is when she gets scared she runs in a circle and is a bit off balance. What do you think happened? She is an indoor kitty now. Only thing I could figure is due to the high fever she had a little nerve damage, she eats and plays fine, she's spayed too. The Vet can offer no explanation, only she is disabled. She has come a long way. Blood tests have come back normal as well. She is a great cat and she is happy, plays and eats well. I am just wondering if you had any idea as to what really happened to her.
Krysta permalinkJanuary 8, 2016 1:56 am
My only guess is that it either may be neurological or something called vestibular syndrome. It's basically the sames thing as vertigo and it involves the inner ear. In no way am I making a diagnosis, just stating what I think it might be. I would go get a second opinion from another vet as the one your cat is seeing now seems apathetic, from what you said when you first brought her in and the first thing he suggested was euthanasia, rather than trying to actually treat her first.
Please keep us posted on what you find out!
January 21, 2016 5:01 pm
Hi Ludie,
We had a male cat who had a severe fever when he was a kitten and for the rest of his life (he passed away at 14 years old due to kidney disease and cancer) he was always wobbly and it almost seemed like his back end worked independently from his front end. He wouldn't circle, but he definitely always tilted to the side in a semi circle when excited or scared. The theory is that the fever damaged his cerebellum, but other than his wobbly walk and balance issues, he lived a normal, pampered cat life. Not sure if that helps! Best of luck, and I'm glad you didn't agree to euthanasia right away!
Tidoug permalinkMarch 17, 2016 6:03 pm
Ludie, sounds like your cat has cerebullar hypoplasia. My cat is the same way. It doesn't affect their house in any way they just walk funny.
August 28, 2014 9:21 pm
thanks for being so nice charlie i really appreciate that he was a cool fat cat we miss him very much
August 29, 2014 1:01 am
I'm so sorry for your loss! I lost my cat Wolfie earlier this month. It was very hard but I know he's not in pain anymore and I did all I can, just like you did! Xo
August 28, 2014 5:41 pm
just found out my kitty didn't make it 😥
Charlie permalinkAugust 28, 2014 6:20 pm
Very sorry. Hang in there.
August 27, 2014 6:52 pm
kitty not back its been two days he has kidney damage and internal bleeding they stopped the bleeding. Hopefully he is ok and hopefully he can come home tomorrow can yall pray for him please
August 25, 2014 5:50 pm
took my kitty to the vet they said he had a clot near his kidney they got it out but we don't know if he is going to be ok he has to stay for two nights he might have kidney damage
August 24, 2014 9:44 pm
he now can't even use the litter box he trys but can't and he was even panting he has been drinking alot and is still not eating thats weird cause he loves to eat (he is a big cat )hope he is ok till morning when we can get him to a vet
August 24, 2014 5:09 pm
ok i know i kind of told you a bit before but my cat moonie is not acting himself the other day he was fine then yesterday he wasn't acting himself he ate but was walking very slow and laying down alot he looks like he is having pain near his back end (mabe his kidney but i don't know) he meows whenever i try and pick him up like it huirts him and he is peeing or something because when i lifted him up there was something wet the and he may be having discharge comeing out of him today he hasn't eat he is still drinking and using the litter box i don't know whats wrong my vet is not open and we can't take him tonight but we will take him in the morning what do you think it is??
chris permalinkAugust 28, 2014 10:40 am
i am no expert at this,but once at the vets a with my cat,there was a lady,and her cat was almost doing the same as yours,i asked her what was this due to,and the vets had told her because she fed her cat a dry diet only that this could have been the cause of the problem,i am sorry to hear of this with your cat,and i do hope moonie fully recovers,if he has been on a dry diet try frozen chicken strips £2,50 from icelands or farmfoods,add hot water to it to unfreeze,they love it a lill warm,so mix your4 cats diet up a lill,i do hope i really do that your mind is at ease as i see ur other 2 posts above,and i hope moonie is on the mend,
August 24, 2014 1:04 pm
i don't know that we can get him in a vet today i think we have to wait till morning
August 23, 2014 6:20 pm
hi my cat has been acting weird he did wake me up like he usually does he finally eat and has been in the bathroom and when i try to move he meows in pain and he is peeing or something cause when i lift him up he has wet stuff under him and i think he has yellow discharge coming from him my vet is not open what should i do?
Hannah permalinkAugust 21, 2014 7:51 am
Hi Dr. Truli,
My not-quite-2-year-old ginger kitty Gambit has been a bit unwell. Gambit appeared fine on Saturday. Sunday morning I woke up to find that she had puked a little, v liquid with some grass. Food bowl was half empty so I refilled – she was acting sweet and affectionate as normal – and went to work/out for the day. Came home at midnight to find food barely touched. Odd but I thought she was being fussy about stale food so I threw old stuff out and gave her fresh. Monday morning – food looked as though she'd eaten some but v little, less than 1/4 of the bowl. She was drinking water, no change in behaviour. Went to work. Came home in eve and same – no food eaten and no behaviour change. Monday night woke me up at 3:30am by puking on the bed: all bile, some grass in it too. Gave her water and phoned emergency vet who recommended no food at all. She was still being her usual self, maybe a little less energetic (tho I could be noticing it more bc I was worried/looking for it), spent rest of night next to me sleeping & purring.
She was taken to the vet Tuesday morning, couldn't find anything immediately wrong – said her kidneys were a little small, and that she'd lost a fair bit of weight since her last check up in January. The vet took a blood test and told to call back the next morning. On Tuesday she started eating plain boiled chicken and fish and seemed to have her appetite back.
I called the vet Wednesday morning and she said the blood test results were normal, that she was a tiny bit dehydrated but that was normal for having not had any food/drink for 24hrs and that she suspected gastroenteritis and to expect diarrhea in the next 24hrs or so. Gambit has been acting fine – eating lots, drinking, playing – although a bit grumpy as she has not been allowed out of the house and she's an outdoor cat. The only issue is she hasn't used her litter box at all since I stopped her from being allowed out on Monday at 3am. She tried to go this morning but nothing happened. Obviously I know and you know that this is not a good thing. I am also worried about the weight loss. She's eating normal, healthy amounts of food (boiled fish & chicken) and drinking, especially as I pour the water I boiled the fish in over the chicken to make sure she's getting fluids and she drinks ALL of it.
I did notice yesterday she was sitting hunched a lot and not stretching out as she normally does. She is very affectionate and loves attention and was cuddly as usual, I noticed some hiding from her on Tuesday but she seemed better yesterday. She has another vet appointment this evening but I am worried that the vet will not take my concerns seriously as her blood panel was normal and there is nothing 'wrong' that we can see. I had a bad experience previously with our family cat and a different vet that made some awful mistakes/didnt communicate/listen to us, that resulted in her having to be put down needlessly.
I'm just stressed out and could use some advice – what to ask the vet, potential things to look for – so that I know my cat is receiving as much care as I can give! I hate not knowing what's wrong.
Thanks so much
August 5, 2014 2:10 pm
Hi Dr Truli, Our Tango is an 11 year old American Shorthair. She's had some health issues in the past: feline vestibular disorder due to a severe inner ear infection, 9 bladder stones (she passed them all, bless her), and a mild skin allergy to scented litter. Recently, she's started laying flat out on her side on the laminate floor immediately after eating. She also had one episode of diarrhea and vomited four or five times in two days. We took her to the vet and they did a geriatric blood panel and found nothing. They also tested for pancreatitis, the first test showed her level at 4.6 and the second test less than 30 days later showed 4.7 which my vet says is only a slight elevation. We did a round of antibiotics, anti-nausea meds and antacids, famotidine. We also changed her diet from a urinary food to a G/I food with ISO index. She vomited a bit more during the food transition, but hasn't since then and seemed better. We are now doing 5 days of pain management (opiate cream rubbed on inside of ear twice a day). All her symptoms seem to be gone except the laying flat on her side, although it's not immediately after eating and she's not taking breaks from eating to go lay down then go back to the dish like she was before. Should we still be concerned about her laying flat on her side? If we go near her she sometimes flips over to her back and purrs for belly rubs… is this her normal way to lay down now?
August 26, 2014 11:28 am
Hi Dr Truli,
Here's an update on Tango – we changed to a G/I food that seems to cause her to lay down on her side for several minutes after eating, and it appears to give her gas as she makes burping and gurgling noises from her stomach immediately after eating. We changed from one G/I food to another, and still the same thing. We still had some urinary food left over and we mixed more urinary with the G/I and she didn't lay down on her side after eating. We think it's the food?? But if she does have pancreatitis, wouldn't we have to keep her on a G/I diet?
July 31, 2014 5:57 pm
I have 2 formerly feral cats that I brought inside. They have been to the vet to be spayed and neutered, and were checked then and found healthy. They also had shots and were dewormed. The female (approximately 4 years old) has since last night decided to go into hiding. I don't see anything wrong with her… her eyes are bright, coat soft and shiny, she's eating and drinking and using the litter box (though if I am right about whose poo is whose, she may be slightly constipated). She sometimes has a tendency toward hairballs, but I'm not seeing that, usually I just have to watch close when it's shedding season. The younger male (1 year) has lately begun following me everywhere like a dog; he has become more and more tame lately, which is nice. I'm just worried whether the female is just jealous, or if something might be wrong? She tends to get a flea allergy, but I checked today and though there are some bumps, only one or two look scratched at (by her ears). Is something wrong, or is she just being jealous? (They play together some, but do seem very jealous of my attention.)
July 31, 2014 6:43 pm
Oh, to add… she's not completely hidden out of sight, so I can look back and see her. When I do she's either grooming herself or seems to be resting comfortably. At times staring at me (which she does when she wants attention quite often… she won't come to me; I am supposed to apparently telepathically understand she needs a pat). So I'm thinking just jealous, but wanting an educated opinion…
August 2, 2014 7:45 pm
Took her to the vet this morning. I wish our doctors spent the time with us our vets do! Her sores have flared up again and her skin was infected. They checked and didn't see any fleas on her. I had seen one yesterday and changed her flea collar because I figured where there was one, there was more. It is one she's used before with no issues. So once her skin is healed,I'll be flea combing daily to make sure that isn't causing it to come back. If it turns out not to be the fleas, we'll have to run more tests and possibly look at food causes (though I don't change their food at all and this tends to be much better in the winter – not all the way gone though; fleas never die in south Texas lol). They checked her for FELV/FIV since she had a feral history to make sure it wasn't something wrong with her immune system, but those came up negative, thank God. She had a fever again and was dehydrated, so they gave her some fluids and I had them take care of her for ear mites while she was there (she's too wiggly for me to clean her ears well alone). They tried to get a stool sample, but there was nothing there to get. Gave her a B12 shot to help her immune system fight this off, and sent me home with antibiotics to give 2x daily (she's easy enough to give meds to) and told me to wipe her down well once a day with baby wipes to keep the skin clean. I did it this evening, but they must have done it at the vet's this morning because it was clean. We're hoping once we get her past this that we can find/ eliminate whatever may be causing it. If it's fleas and she's THAT sensitive, definitely going to have to keep both eyes on her for those. Anyway, just wanted to give you a follow up!
Kellie permalinkJuly 28, 2014 3:55 pm
my 3 year old cat jasper is throwing up twice (first was a hair ball) and had green loose stools (diarrhea)
He wont eat or drink or go out side.
he hiss at the other animals if they go near him.
and he stays in one spot unless he's bothered
when i first took him to the vet in june he had a fever and had to take antibiotic
Christie Fox permalinkJuly 26, 2014 11:46 am
what if your pet is ill, sounds like she would not live a couple years more, and you have no transportation or can get no transportation to the vet, or have no money to pay a vet who demands money when you get there. How to handle this type of situation.
Jonni b. permalinkJune 26, 2014 6:44 pm
Hi I have some questions ….. my cat been acting weird and has a lump on the side of his body I very worried someone please help me get me some answers =(
Tara permalinkMay 27, 2014 11:33 pm
HELP! My cat Roxy (7yrs old ) turned ill about three weeks ago. She was curled up in a ball, throwing up and would not move, eat or drink for a full day! She was in pain. Of course I rushed her to the vet where he took xrays amd blood work. Everything turned up negative. I syringed fed her for two days and she started eating on her own again but very little. I have taken her back to the vet twice more. more x rays done and again everything negative. She now likes to go into the bath tub (one that no one uses) and licks and licks! I am back to syringe feeding her. What else can I try as this crushes me to see her like this!
July 17, 2014 7:38 am
She could be diabetic. Loss of appetite and excessive drinking are signs. They will take a simple blood test. I have a diabetic kitty, his symptoms started out: loss of appetite, lethargic, and excessive drinking.
Denise permalinkApril 30, 2014 7:35 am
Squeakers is my 13 year old Tabby. Always has been on the little heavier side, but very solid. He went from 15lbs to 11lbs in just a couple of months. A couple of years ago, he was diagnosed with diabetes caused by prednisone. We got that under control to the point where he went off insulin after a month and a half. Fast forward two years beginning in December, he started drinking more and after testing, I noticed his blood sugar was high/low. It didn't seem consistent. I would give him insulin and it didn't seem to change. My vet just recently replaced his insulin from Lantus to Vetsulin. We are on Day 3 and his sugar level was 221 this morning. 1 unit twice daily. His behavior has changed a bit and I'm not sure if it's because we introduced kittens into the house 6 months ago. He'll eat a little out of his dish, walk away and I have to bring him back to eat. The kittens are in another room locked away so there is no distractions. It takes him over a half hour to eat a can of food. I feel like he forgets what he is doing in the midst of eating and walks away. He sleeps in the same spot all day and night. The other night he was howling really loud to the point where I thought he was in pain and ran downstairs. It's like he is delirious. I'm speaking with my vet twice a day on the readings but my gut tells me this is not diabetes and it is something else. Thoughts?
April 29, 2014 10:56 am
I have a nine year old cat who I love dearly. In January we took him to the vet because he was in obvious distress. He wasn't eating, he was hiding, and he lost a lot of weight. Through xrays the vet found a large mass near his intestines and thought it was a tumour, he started on prednisone and it was a miracle. He went back to normal for a few months. Then we had a very long distance move from Nova Scotia to Alberta, 52 hours of driving, that was the end of March. He's still on 5 mg of predinisone a day. About three weeks ago I noticed he was peeing on things, which isn't normal for him, then I noticed the pee was red. Back to the vet and onto a round of antibiotics. He stopped peeing outside the litter box but started throwing up his food again. He gets sick until it's just bile. Now today I've noticed he's again peeing blood. I'm not sure what to do, I don't know how long to keep him alive. I'm so conflicted, we've spent a lot of money on him, money we really don't have, but would still gladly spend to keep him healthy and happy. I'm not sure if now I'm keeping him alive just because I REALLY think he can be cured or because I'm just too sad and scared to live without him. When do you KNOW it's time to stop and let him go?
I write this in tears, because I'm so so sad and I really don't know what to do.
April 30, 2014 11:33 am
I took Woflie to the vet last night and she said she's concerned by his lack of muscles. He's beyond thin, it's worse than that. She did blood work and put him on pills to relax his urethra so he doesn't end up with a blockage and now we wait. She said she suspects it's either cancer moving more rapidly, diabetes, endocrine disease, or hypothyroidism. I will find out the results of his blood work in a few hours and then will have some decisions to make. I lucked out, the vet we were supposed to see had to cancel and we got this Vet. She's about a year and half out of school and is very keen and seems very knowledgeable. We had him into the same office two weeks ago and no one noticed his muscle loss. The poor vet techs really earned their money getting a blood sample.
Marie permalinkApril 19, 2014 4:44 am
Hello, my poor 5-yr-old Maine Coon cat quit eating for 4 days straight and kept throwing up clear yellow. He got very weak, dehydrated, and thin just in those 4 days. Sat in a hunched-over position and just stared at the wall. We took him to the vet and they found an obstruction in his intestine. Vet did surgery and found a large hairball lodged in the intestine, had to perform Intestinal Resection and Anastamosis + GIFB removal. My cat spent 2 days and one night there in recovery, receiving IV's / pain meds / antibiotics. Today is his first day home. He is acting very happy to be home, purring and rubbing against me and giving me kisses. Sleeping a lot but I expect that considering everything he's been through. Only concern I have is that he's not eating yet. I got him to eat only TWO hairball-control Temptation treats, but that's it. He approaches wet food and looks like he wants to give it a try, but then he almost acts as if he forgot how to eat. He's also looking like maybe his throat is sore, or maybe he's afraid of swallowing. Like something in his mind stops him at the last second and tells him not to eat. Am I expecting him to eat too soon after surgery? Surgery was performed exactly 48 hrs. ago…then he spent the next day and night at the vet for further follow-up treatment. I picked him up this afternoon. How long does it normally take (on average) for a kitty to start eating again after intestinal surgery? Thanks so much for any info/advice. I love this boy so much, he's my whole world. Thanks again!
Jessica permalinkApril 11, 2014 10:55 pm
Hi there!
My 11 year old female ragdoll was recently at the vet for a dental extraction which could not be completed due to her going into cardiac arrest on the table (she has a heart murmur and we did ultrasound and a blood panel prior and aside from high calcium levels (unknown why), she was given the all-clear), during the vet stay, they found a hard mass in her jaw/close to her throat (they could not get a tube down her throat). Unknown as to what it is and we chose to not biopsy or put her through any further stress. She has been on 5mls of metacam a day and an antibiotic for a week (now finished) and is eating (low protein canned food prescribed by the vet) ,she is still grooming, drinking/eating/litter box using etc..
She has been rather clingy however (even laying with our 7 month old son and letting him pet her, which is unheard of), and paws at her mouth frequently after eating, has such a sad look on her face (I know that sounds strange, but her eyes just look empty) and sleeps with her face to the floor. I am just worried she is uncomfortable and these signs are confusing me quite a bit. Her brother died of congenitive heart failure and it was VERY clear that he was done fighting. She is the sweetest cat, I just want to make sure we are not letting her suffer. Thank you for any advice or opinion! We love our old girl so much and want to make sure the rest of her life is pain free.
April 9, 2014 8:57 am
Hi Doc Truli, I have an indoor semi-feral cat which i got from an animal shelter nearly four years ago. They had assessed him as being around a year and a half old when i got him, making him at least over five years of age now. He has always been small and thin, with chronic discharge from his eyes. But otherwise healthy. Three weeks ago he began to drool and his breath stank. I took him immediately to the vets who noticed an inflammation of his gums. They made no diagnosis, but gave me anti-inflammatories and antibiotics and told me to bring him back in seven days. By the fifth day he had stopped eating, so i took him in to the vet and asked them to keep him and put him on a drip etc to get nutrients into him. They kept him for five nights. At first they thought he was recovering, and then said he was not responding to treatment. They returned him to me saying he was not eating and I therefore should put him to sleep. I brought him home and immediately he began to eat. Over the course of the week, he has eaten for himself some days, or has been happy to be syringed mashed-up high protein food into his mouth. Today he is still in pain, although drinking water from the bowl and taking small portions of mashed up food. He is quite miserable, and has now taken to sitting in the shower cubicle, presumably because it's cooler to sit on. He is still using his litter tray. The vet had him on Metcam for pain, but I am concerned that his losing weight is affecting the dosage and may be affecting his kidneys. I fear that he has feline calicivirus and stomatitis, but he is so weak that an operation to remove his teeth would be out of the question. The prospects seem quite bleak. Have you any knowledge of such cats pulling through after a couple of weeks, or am i prolonging the inevitable by just making him suffer a chronic problem? Many thanks.
Alicia permalinkApril 5, 2014 1:59 am
My cat Chance is 14 years old and over the past two years has lost some weight, to which back in 2012 I took him to vet and ran a blood test, which came out with nothing wrong. However in the past 2 months he's gotten worse. He was vomiting almost daily and got to the point of where he stopped eating and drinking, as well he was straining to go to the bathroom and had diarrhea. After the night I noticed he had diarrhea I took him to the vet where he was held for 3 days on an IV to get his hydration back up. We've had him back for 2 weeks now and he's on antibiotics, which seem to help. He has his appetite back however I haven't seen him drink much. The vet suspects IBS, (and therefore he's on low-allergen food), but what concerned me today was he started to rapidly shake his head and these past few days he only sleeps under my covers on my bed, or underneath my bed, which is abnormal for him. He doesn't lay down as much, more of that hunched siting position, however his head stays up, but he does seem quite out-of-it sometimes and has been sleeping much deeper. I was wondering if you have any opinions? They would be greatly appreciated! Thank you tons ❤
Tatiana permalinkMarch 28, 2014 10:47 pm
Hello, I have a 7 month old orange domestic short-haired male kitten named Jasper. For the last couple weeks, Jasper has been spending a lot of time hiding behind the bathtub and will often run away or yowl when we try to pick him up. I'm a bit worried about this. He's eating normally and his litter box habits are normal as well. I'm not sure if he's sick or injured, or if he's just avoiding my younger brother, Demetrius, who can be a bit overenthusiastic when it comes to playing. He stills seeks my parents and I out and will lay down with us and will urge us to pet him. Do you think he is sick or injured, or is he just afraid of my brother?
sarah permalinkMarch 28, 2014 9:47 am
there is a cat where i live and she was a stray. I took her to the vet and get her all her shots i got her spayed. I brought her an outside dog house because i have two very big dogs that dont like cats so i cant bring her into the house. Today she has turned up and is in her dog house laying in her bed, she wont eat or drink and if i try to pet her she hisses and bites. This not like her as usually when i go outside she comes to me and loves to eat her food, she also tends to really friendly..the thing is i cannot get her out of her dog house because like i said she bites (or scratches) when i put my hand in.
Jessie permalinkFebruary 26, 2014 2:28 am
I am writting because I'm concerned about my poor little cat. Recently I've noticed she lost weight, like her skin is alittle saggy but she doesn't have visible ribs or hips or anything of such. As far as I've noticed she eats heathly and quiet active and her litter tray is always used, she hasn't been going too little or to often. But she tends to wee around the house in different places , I figured this is only when she is season she does this I guess to place her sent around the house. She had her quiet days and she'd have her hyperactive mad cat moments where she runs around the house none stop for atleast an hour or so. But as I said she lost weight, sometimes very quiet and I've noticed she started licking her lady bits more often. When I stroke her she doesn't seem in pain, I tickle her tummy and give her quiet a thorough check for any lumps or bumps etc. I've noticed her left side between her legs is quiet swollen compared to the other side, when I touch it she doesn't sqeele, or meow so it doesn't seem to be hurting her or effecting her. But I am really worried I've read quiet a few source from the internet saying about kidney failure etc, but she not even one yet so surely she can't. She comes into season very often and her hair is molten quiet abit. Also like to add she's a house cat and never goes outside due to her little mini heart attacks everytime she steps foot out the door.I am so worried she's like my little baby, I am also exspecting my first child and I think she sences that I'm pregnant because she sits on my tummy. But might it be caused because of jealousy? Or something? Thank you in advance.
jack halley permalinkFebruary 17, 2014 4:39 am
I'm so mad at the veterinary profession I could just spit.after two and a half yr and over 8000 dolllars I finely figure out whats wrong with my cat and I can't get anyone to even look and see if I'm right or not because one of my last vets said she has lymphoma in her chest .two other vets and a vet school "miss state" wouldn't take a chance on Anastasia to do endoscopic surgery to try and remove a stomach full of hair.that is causing my cat to be in pain it's been over four months since she was diagnose with this cancer she'll die from organ failure do to malnutrition long before she dies from this cancer .to me this is animal cruelty.
Christine Giantsos permalinkFebruary 21, 2014 2:02 pm
Jack I am so sorry you had to go through that and that your cat suffered. I understand completely I was in the same position with my first cat. but after realizing the vet wasn't helping and taking all my money, found a vet that did the correct diagnosis and saved my cat. I was Lucky. You were not and I am very sorry for your loss
Martha permalinkFebruary 14, 2014 2:53 am
I ave a 15 year old beautiful sweet Cat,named Shiloe. She has been losing weight,for past 3 months and now is really thin, fur sticks straight up. Her physical 2 months ago, revealed nothing.Blood panel revealed normal thyroid functions, normal glucose level. I am concerned with large round soft feeling abdomen she had then and remains. At that time they prescibed antibiotics, but after one day she had loose stools, so I stopped giving them to her.
She is eating well, drinking well, but is starting to pee on floor in our bedroom. Occasionallly will use her liter box, which is cleaned out daily.
Starting to poop on bedroom floor also.
Is this a sign of something strange. She has always been in great health without medical issues or behavior problems, She is quite lovely in temperment, friendly and social, but now remains in our bedroom, doesnt want to come out too often, remains hunched on floor in our bathroom on our bathmat.
I am afraid she may have a tumor growth.
Christina permalinkFebruary 12, 2014 4:03 pm
hi i have an 8 month old male kitten, Lou, who has been acting a little weird lately. he is normally super active/hyper but this last week i have noticed he has been sleeping a lot and his body (mostly towards the head) has been twitching (as if he is cold or something) when he is laying down awake or asleep. also his tail is super twitchy!! i cant touch his tail at the bottom because it just starts twitching uncontrollably! he eats and goes to the bathroom normal. i have had him since he was a month old, and he wont drink out of a bowl but we leave one by his food anyway. every time someone turns on a faucet he jumps up and drinks water and i have recently found he likes drinking out of a coffee mug (i know hes weird.) but i think maybe he isn't getting enough water? and i noticed a couple times yesterday and today him sitting with his back arched and his feet gathered under him. he will still play if you get him to, but he doesn't on his own. i know there is something wrong and i have a vet apt. next week to get him neutered so i was going to wait until then to talk to the vet. do you think i can wait that long or should i take him now? and do any of these signs point to any kind of disease?
February 6, 2014 10:55 pm
Hi there – thank you so much for providing this information. I have an approximately 15 year old orange domestic short-hair male kitty named Maxx. Over the last 2 years he has lost a significant amount of weight. I first took him to the vet when I noticed the weight loss and his lack of interest for his hard food (he was never fed wet food). Blood work was conducted. All tests came back normal, no diabetes, thyroid or detectable kidney problems. He was put on a course of steroids and seemed to get a bit better. This past summer, however, he became incredibly sick, limp, unresponsive and had liquid stool. I took him to the animal hospital immediately where he was never officially diagnosed with anything, but kept for testing and observation for a few days. His ultrasound, however, showed thickening of the bowels, but was inconclusive. Once he came home he was back on steroids and put on the wet, novel foods diet. He hated the food and it kept his stool liquidy. Now he eats Friskies wet food only and he eats a lot, drinks a ton, but it seems to go right through him. His stool is now solid, but he is still losing weight. I'm particularly concerned lately because he has started to exhibit the posture you've described above (nose-down, arched up back) over the last couple of months, not all the time but more often recently.. He also falls asleep so deeply that he sometimes falls off of whatever he's sleeping on. Since his episode last summer his back legs generally seem much weaker and he is much less steady. His one leg, specifically is noticeably weaker. He still walks around and jumps, but is sometimes off balance and doesn't make it onto whatever he's trying to jump on. In the last week, his purring, which is normally very loud and plentiful has become very quiet. He still purrs, but its barely audible. He's starting on another course of steroids as soon as they're available. Any suggestions, recommendations? Should I take him back to the vet? He was just at the vet this past Tuesday to have his anal glands expressed, which proved successful. I love my poor kitty and want to prevent him from experiencing any pain 😦
February 6, 2014 11:02 pm
P.S. He is otherwise very interactive, friendly, and affectionate. His behavior has not changed at all. He still loves being snuggled and pet.
Blake martin permalinkFebruary 1, 2014 12:56 pm
I have a gorgeous yellow short haired cat and i cant tell if shes in pain or sick. She has had soiling the last week around the house on many different objects including my 2 living room couches absoloutely ruining them and i chaned her litter about 5 days ago and shes been going in there and i havent seen any problems since but when she pers i get nervous now and she doesnt have any eating dis orders or vomittin or drinking problems i have been doing alot to just prevent my parents from wanting to put her down 😥 is there anything else you would asvise me to do
Tina permalinkJanuary 29, 2014 3:52 pm
Hello I have an indoor 17 year old hyperthyroid rescue part Manx cat (was 13 lbs now 5 lbs) diagnosed a 15 months ago. I've had to change vets saw a vet that refused to treat my kitty because I refused rabies shot (previous vet had advised me of this & my own research). I called another local vet & asked what their policy was "receptionist" said they have several old, hyperthyroid cats that all get rabies shots and they are fine. I do live in a state that it's legal to not vaccinate for medical reasons.My gut 100% disagrees! Poor kitty just needs a prescription he's starting to vomit again. He still has much life in him. I hate that he's suffering that can be easily fixed with an affordable prescription!
I appreciate any thoughts and advise!
Thank you
Louise permalinkJanuary 20, 2014 7:50 pm
Hi, i have a rescue cat named Lottie, we arent sure how old she is but we think shes about 12. Shes been licking her back legs alot and has removed most of the fur there, our vet told us that it was stress but now shes barely eating or drinking and seems to be struggling to urinate. Weve taken her back to the vet about it several times but he doesnt seem overly concerned. She stares off into the distance and doesnt realise you are there until you touch her, she also sits hunched up with her nose to the floor and growls if you try to shift her (she likes to lay on my paperwork!) Im worried shes in pain and that our vet is ignoring our concerns.
Carolina permalinkJanuary 19, 2014 3:49 pm
My cat is 11 years old, he's had kidney problems for the last year or so, he has lost a lot of weight and his behavior clearly changed, he is much louder now than he was ever before.
We're giving him special food for his issue and now he started eating cranimals to try to improve him a little bit.
Still, we're really worried he might be in pain.
How could I know, and if so, how should I treat him?
cari m permalinkJanuary 18, 2014 8:00 pm
My cat Ella is 7 months old and when I left today she was happy and playful but when I got back she has been withdrawn from everyone.she won't let me hold her touch her or get near her, our other cat eli who is 9 months tried comforting her and she hissed and tried to attack him. I'm not sure if its tummy problems or my neighbors dogs got a hold of her but I don't see any cuts or blood on her. what can I give her to help her?
Christine Giantsos permalinkFebruary 21, 2014 2:07 pm
I know from experience that if a cat is withdrawn and hisses or growls yes growls at you not to touch them "they are in pain"
January 13, 2014 3:28 am
My cat does this weird thing when i touch his back,if i touch it it will flinch and roll,if that makes sense, then if i scratch it he lifts his head and gets this intense look on his face,neck straightens and moves his head from side to side and after a while he smacks my hand to stop,normally he loves his butt scratched so i assume i found a sweet spot but ive been thinking lately and i wonder if i found a painful spot instead. what do you think?
Saybra permalinkDecember 18, 2013 2:30 pm
I have a buetiful cat Named Russell.He was always a boring cat, who ate anything.One morning I went to let him in before I went school.As soon as I picked him up,he began to cry in Pain.I softly put him down.He began to hiss.Itold my mom,and she said "it might be his Ribs"she says.I looked puzzled.Tht morning when I went to school.I asked my teacher he said.."Maybe someone was constantly kicking him or abuseing him"I thought to my self tht I would never hurt my Cat.I thought he might have broken ribs or buised ribs.The next morning I pulled on his tail while playing with him he began to cry louder.He been hurt in 2 different places for 3 days 😦 I really want to take him to the vet but a vet visit is a lot of money and its almost Christmas.Ijust need a lil advice so I can care for him.:( I hate seeing him hurt….
Joanna permalinkDecember 13, 2013 11:30 am
Hello, I have a behavioral question about cats. We adopted two cats when they were 3 months old (spayed and neutered), now they are 1.5 years old, named Ash and Misty. Since the beginning Ash has been a "scaredy cat". I don't know if it's because something happened to him in his first 3 months of life, or it's just his nature. He doesn't seem to have health problems, eats well, etc, but he is constantly agitated, or hiding somewhere, or starts jumping and running like something scared him, and is afraid of people. He used to be scared of everybody, but with time he got used to 3 people that spend most time inside, so he is not running away (he runs away from two others, though he is never abused in any way), but he still absolutely can't stand being picked up, he gets very twitchy and runs away immediately. I got a bit worried after reading the article, but other than acting paranoid, he does not seem to have any health problems. He is staring outside a lot, but will go out only if the door stays open. If he suspects that the door is going to be closed, he runs inside. His sister loves to play outside for hours. A few times, when he was left on a deck with the door closed, he dropped playing, stood on his hind legs and overall looked like a very agitated nervous person who is lost in a strange place. My question is – can cats be paranoid, like have psychological disorders? It's not like he can tell, even if I take him to the vet – Ash is not going to sit comfortably in a chair and tell all about some child abuse or whatever. I don't have any experience with cats other than these two, they are very different, and sometimes I have no idea if they act normal. I've read about cats, but I didn't see anything about cats acting weird just because it's a character trait. Is there an online source for it? Is it normal for a cat to hate being picked up? He wants to be petted, but he just cannot relax, he will start going away 2 seconds after somebody starts to pet him, and then he looks like asking for more, and walks away again… If a cat has been unable to relax since he is 3 months old (at least, or longer), with no apparent health issues, does he need to be checked for anything just in case? Thank you!
Cora B permalinkDecember 8, 2013 4:31 pm
Hi there
I just came across your page as I am very concerned about my Ragdoll. He's just over a year and has battled eye problems and feline acne since he was 7 months. Vet had prescribed prenisolone (5 mg) which he took on and off until the vet put him on a longer course of roughly 2 months. This is when his ears started to itch and vet thought the steroids would help combat itching as well. He didn't get better and we went for a second opinion where this other vet prescribed 'Orydermyl' which again didn't work. At this point we had also switched to Royal Canin Hypoallergenic. I tried contacting previous vet but he was ignoring my calls so someone recommended this other vet. And off we went. The ear problem had by now worsened and was black inside. We'd clean it but it would be black again by the next day. Vet deep cleaned his ears quite a few times and prescribed Onsior, Antirobe and has recently prescribed Betamethasone. The cone didn't quite help as the cat mastered the art of taking it off and scratching away thus infecting the ear. This has been going on for almost a month now and we're at our wits' end!
Fiona Kilburn permalinkDecember 1, 2013 6:54 pm
Hi my 17 year old cat Luke is not eating and is so thin and will not put leg down. His bloods have come back really good for his age but the vet thinks it is arthritis. He sleeps all day and night (but not confortably) and we have been given metacam for his arthritis. We tried to put it in his food but he really isn't eating anything and he needs to take it with food. Really worried now as he is obviously in a lot of pain and only goes a few steps on three legs before having to sit down.
November 10, 2013 9:01 pm
Hi my cat Camino is around 10 yrs old and seems to be in severe pain by some of the things you describe. He has a steroid gel applied daily to his ears and since coming to live with me has gained 2 pounds and is now up to 9 lbs. He constantly makes loud yelping noises that send chills down my back and arches his back. He sits like you described and his feces is liquid. He has been to the vet multiple times and has had an xray and the only thing they found was some calcified fat. He's always purring and that hasn't changed but I know he's been like this for a couple months. Any suggestions that the vet might not have thought of?
dawna lutz permalinkNovember 10, 2013 4:39 pm
I have an almost 7 yr old Ragdoll cat. Shes my little furr buddy, I took her to the vet about a month ago for a flea allergy to receive a shot to help her feel better. During Sassys exam, the vet found a huge mass on her kidney, they took a few xrays and confirmed their findings that her 1 kidney is twice the size of the other. She was not dehydrated at that time. I guess im looking for how to tell if shes in pain, her eyes arent bright and shiny, and the other day when I petted her, she turned her body towards my hand like it hurt. I plan to take her to the vet asap to see if they can give her a shot for pain, but I dont want to have her suffer from pain if she is suffering. A 2nd opinion will help me make the right decision of what to do and when to do it.
Colby permalinkNovember 9, 2013 7:28 pm
Hello, My cat and dog usually play together normally but recently when they were playing the cat made a meow noise kind of like a leave me alone meow. But that usually doesn't matter except she started acting well strange after they were done playing. The dog tends to "bite" the cat but not hard really softly, but maybe the dog hurt my cat accidently because for a minute or two it looked like she couldn't move he back like she was in this weird pose where she tried to get up and her back legs were up but the front side of her wasn't. And then she acted normal except for when I pat her near her tail. Her back kind of twitches. Is something wrong with her? she doesn't seem to look in pain but I did notice that she might have peed because I went to pick her up and she felt alittle wet. But She acts normal now, but please tell me anything that might be wrong with her.
Thanks in advance,
Lane permalinkOctober 24, 2013 7:36 pm
My cat has just gotten hurt. We think she was bitten but there are three holes on her skin above the leg. She is very noisy but now she is meowing barely. When she does meow, it is like a semi-meow semi-purr. Meurrrr. Like that. Is there something wrong? We cleaned it out with pet anti something. Does she absolutely need to go to a vet??
October 16, 2013 12:37 pm
Hello I have a rescued male cat, he is one year and 3 months already. He is around 2.5 – 3 kgs. He usually eats 4 small-medium sized fish. I cook for him, Then I tried to switch to cat food wet and dry. He sometime eat 1 pack of 85g of wet foot and 1 cup of dry food for one day. He is very playful and drinks water. Yesterday I've noticed he ate little of his wet food. So the next morning I gave him cooked fish and he ate it. Then later in the afternoon I gave 1 again but didn't eat. In the evning I gave him half pack of the wetfood and ate it. Is it normal eating habit? He is not, I think he is thin. He had a history of dehydration when he was 4 months old and the vet gave me some meds and he's doing fine. I am just concern about his eating habit. He is so picky or something is wrong?
Emma permalinkOctober 16, 2013 4:28 am
Hi, my cat was diagnosed with renal failure 6 weeks ago, they diagnosed him at stage 2, however last week they told me he had got a lot worse and is now at stage 4 ( end stage ). He seems very restless and cries a lot, especially during the night and he constantly follows me around, he still eats and cries for food, he still jumps and uses his scratching post, do you think I should continue with how he is or do you think he's in pain and needs help crossing the rainbow bridge?
Mary Ellen permalinkOctober 9, 2013 1:37 am
My 23 year old cat is now hard of hearing (very) now I don't know if he can see? How can I tell? He doesn't move eyes when I put things in front of them can't jump on bed or couch I have to put him on& very slow & getting skinny! He eats little but drinks a lot
Melinda permalinkOctober 17, 2013 8:13 pm
Hi Mary Ellen, My name is Melinda and I have put my beautiful Girl Bala who was almost 22 years old to rest yesterday. 17.10.13 She had some tumours (cancer) removed surgically about 4 months ago. Over the past month two new tumours have broken through her little face. We believe she also had early signs of memory loss.. Over the years I often would read and research data about conditions. Her breathing had become very laboured. Difficulty in sleeping. She received vit B shots and go in for the day to have IV fluids and antibiotics, but all her signs were not great. Yes she meowed, yes she ate two t-spoons of food twice a day, yes, she went to the toilet okay, bit of an effort. But not knowing what pain she was in and how many more tumours were just going to burst out of her face. I made the gruelling decision to let her have final rest, my greatest fear was confusion and pain.
I loved her with all of me, and am so so depressed, the vets said do it months ago, but she still had fight in her little weak body. My boyfriend was selfish and has attacked me yesterday for my decision that I have read up on, and observed her for 22 years. I have convinced myself in not knowing what her pain or suffering was, and NOT to allow my ego, or emotions make selfish decisions. I will not allow myself to have any regrets, but will always cherish every moment I ever had with her for the rest of my life, she was loved unconditionally. I can't stop crying my heart may never mend over this decision, but I will never stop loving her. She is to be cremated today and she will be brought home. Good luck with yours and remember it's not about you it's about puss.
Love Melinda in Sydney, Australia
averi permalinkOctober 8, 2013 10:47 pm
My cat slipped of my railing (2nd floor) and lay on the ground a few minuets getting up like nothing happened then she sat on that very railing for weeks and meowed like she was in pain ecspecially when I looked at her then right when we were about to take her to the vet she dissapeared and has gone for a week I've searched but I can't find her and I'm worried is there something seriously wrong with her?? Is she in danger???
Chris Bibb permalinkOctober 7, 2013 5:09 am
I hope you can give me some insight on my cats strange behavior. She is 16 years old and does have a thyroid problem. We have her on special food and on a little chewable "treat". It doe s not seem to be helping much. She goes to the vet every week for a b12 shot. The vet says she "might" have some arthritis. She seems to eat all the time but she is still losing weight. She drinks a lot of water however she does a very strange thing. When she leans over to drink, she paws at the ground like she is trying to get her footing. We have raised her dishes up a little bit in case she was struggling to reach the water. She doesn't do this to her food. She has lost some of her teeth so she struggles with hard food, so we give her soft food and baby food. She does get regular blood panel work done, and it is almost time for another. Can her health change that significantly in just 6 months? Thee vet said her pawing at her water was just a behavior change. Also, she is pulling out clumps of hair, especially at the base of her tail and around her hind legs near her back. The vet said she is in pain and we need to put her down. I am really struggling about this decision. She doesn't appear in pain, but I can't really tell' I know you can't diagnose her online, but I was hoping you could enlighten me about her strange behaviors. Thank you
aston permalinkOctober 5, 2013 3:12 pm
i have a one year old cat, quite a few days back she started murring alot in the nights and i think grew some belly, i thought she was pregnant and took her to vet, the vet checked her and negated what i proposed…
since last day she has stopped eating and wn t even drink water, am very worried, also since last days she is sitting a little ackwardly, not like she s used to…
she also hides under sofas and when i try to pet her, she runs away…..
what do uu think is the problem???
Diamond Rivers permalinkSeptember 22, 2013 5:09 pm
I got a new kitten name Kash yesterday he's about 6-7 weeks old. He used the litter box for the first time since I got him and right after he was done he started limping and meows as if he's in pain. I have no clue what caused it. Any help?????????!!!!!!!!!!!
Arlene permalinkSeptember 21, 2013 2:41 pm
I had left a comment about my cat who had kittens 8 weeks ago. She is definitely in pain, "around her abdomen" Notice it more when I pick her up to help her up and off of the bed. She is eating, drinking, using the cat litter box. But, doesn't want to play, isn't as talkative as she normally is. As I said before her tummy looks okay. Sutures were removed on time and the area looks fine, healed. Is it possible that she may have pulled a muscle from "jumping about" ? She's been playing with her only kitten. Unfortunately, she lost the other two. My cat's name is, Bella. Bella has a tendency to flip in the air, over backwards. She does not have a fever. Just not sure what is bothering her and would like to have an opinion of what it may be. Please let me know. Thank you!
Arlene permalinkSeptember 20, 2013 3:47 pm
My female cat had kittens 8 weeks ago by C section and she was spayed at that time too. She isn't feeling well. Possible fever. When picking her up she makes a noise "pain in her abdomen" I am suspecting an infection. The suture area is clean, healed well and sutures had been removed by us as instructed by our Vet. Would appreciate some insight. Thank you
September 17, 2013 5:49 pm
My cat LB who is a Tom, has just produced a beige colour liquid, he walks slow and hunched back he doesn't eat as much as he used to, he drinks water, and Hes always sleeping, he's only 2 years old, does anyone know what this is?
September 15, 2013 11:22 am
I would love some advice as my vet is no longer someone I trust (mine left and who is left working there, I'm not happy with). I am uncertain if I should at this point even switch. I have a 16 year old cat that had a horrible pancreatic attack over a year ago. Since then, she has continued to lose weight even though she eats like a horse (specialty food). She cries constantly, has water leaking from her eyes, has diahrea constantly, throws up about once a week, sleeps in the fashion you mentioned above. All her blood tests come back normal less her white blood cells, to which they just keep telling me, "she must be fighting an infection". There is no infection that would last close to 2 years. If this was pancreatic cancer, I believe she would have passed by now. I no longer know what to do as doing massive testing on a 16 year old who in my opinion seems to be dying from some type of cancer, seems pointless. I already had an MRI 1-1/2 years ago that showed her pancreas was inflammed, to which she receive the pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer diagnosis; they could not be certain which. After reading that sleeping like this means they are in pain, it kills me, she has slept like this for 1-1/2 years. :o( I have struggled with the thought of 'should I put her down', as her tests are NORMAL, how can I? Yet, how can I not? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated as I am at a loss as to what to do. I can't stand to watch it anymore and I also can't imagine putting her through various MRI's, etc., if she is on her last leg. They tell me I am doing all I can to keep her comfortable, but if sleeping like this means she is in pain, then I am not and I need to get all my kids out of that vet.
Rochelle permalinkAugust 31, 2013 4:40 pm
Hi! My cat is 14 years old and she never had any health problems and so forth she is always healthy with no problems, then recently a few days ago i saw she jumps on and off stuff and then it looked liked she struggled once or twice not a lot at all so i kept checking on her, but today when I got home I noticed she struggles completely . with her hing legs jumping on and off of couches, beds etc all of a sudden and when she walks it looks like her hing legs struggle. I have no idea if she got hurt maybe and or if it may be old age and that she may be going towards the end..? I am taking her to the vet on Monday though, cause that's when the better vets are back again.
Kristina permalinkAugust 14, 2013 8:59 pm
I don't really know if this is the place to ask this, but maybe you can give a bit of advice. I have a 16 year old female cat named Groucho who has diffuse lymphoma of the small intestine (I think small cell?) and she was responding well to medication, but she's been recently losing weight again. It's been about 10 months since her diagnosis. I'm having difficulty figuring out if she's in pain in order to maybe start giving her pain medications (veterinary ones, of course) or not. She isn't exhibiting the hunching behaviour that I have seen, or at least not often. I can see her right now sleeping on the floor and she's flopped on her side with her front paws tucked under her head. She's been more cuddly than normal, which is the only behavioural difference that I have seen. She is still eating/drinking/eliminating as normal. She hasn't been cuddling with her brother much, but they're usually within a foot of each other. Is this enough to go on, or should I just keep an eye on her and wait for more signs?
August 10, 2013 10:00 pm
My cat Sam is about 15 years old, and I am struggling with whether to put him to sleep. He was diagnosed with a thyroid tumor about 6 months ago, and although he has been on several different medications, he is getting worse. He eats fairly regularly, but can't seem to gain any weight (he should weigh 12 pounds – he only weighs 6). He used to be such a social cat, now he just stays in a corner in the basement, only coming upstairs to eat. He has pulled so much fur from his front paws and legs that I had to wrap them. He eats, but with difficulty. I want to keep trying different things to get him back to the way he was, but family members have suggested to me that this is cruel and that I am prolonging his suffering. I know he's not happy, but is that the same as suffering? If there's a chance that he can be made whole, shouldn't I see it through? He eats, has control of his bowels, but has no quality of life.
R. Said permalinkJuly 23, 2013 1:47 am
i was playing around with my cat and i accidentally kicked him when we were running around! he kept sneezing a lot, then when i picked him up to comfort him i noticed a smell. when i put him down there was this weird discharge all over my arm and shirt. it drove him crazy he kept cleaning himself and sniffing around and then he just walked around frantically like hes looking for something 😦 is that discharge normal when a cat is scared? or in pain maybe? or does it indicate an injury of some kind? thanks in advance
July 30, 2013 5:04 pm
If those things are not normal for your cat and they've just suddenly appeared, then yes, absolutely, get him to the vet! I am not a vet at all but I have had many cats and have never had them have discharge. The combination of things you've mentioned, smell, discharge, sneezing, odd behavior, all of that points to illness or injury of some kind, in my non-professional opinion. I'm not a vet nor do I work in the vet profession. But all of that points to something wrong, and my advice is get him to the vet pronto! They might say he's just fine but the saying "better safe than sorry" has been around for a long time for a reason. =)
Rasida permalinkJuly 10, 2013 6:58 pm
My cat is about 7-9 years now. I got her when my daughter was in 3rd grade, now she is in in 9th. My cat has always been playful & every morning when i open the door, she'd come running up to me and just purring & wanting me to pet her, she would go to the garage (where i put her food at) & she would just meow & ask for food, we would give her food, water & this friskie turkey gravy thing, which she loves alot. On monday she was still playful then on monday night i would hear cats meowing and fighting i didnt know it was her, because my cat hates fighting. then on tuesday her bottom eyelid had a red spot & she keeps laying down all day, she would lay anywhere, i gave her food and milk, & she denied it, but she loves milk, then wendsday came which is today, i gave her food and milk and she ate a little, right now she's laying down outside, and its very hot , i tryed picking her up tuesday to take her inside but she hissed, like she was hurt. 😦 and she never hisses at me! She's always nice. We cant take her to a vet because all the vets here are so so expensive. Help!
Ariel permalinkJuly 9, 2013 8:39 pm
Hi, I'm not sure what is wrong with my kitten. I came home and found him under the couch with a bloody nose and he looked like he had diarrhea. All he is doing is sleeping and when you touch him in certain places he jumps or makes this really weird noise. He hasn't eaten all day and he won't walk on his one paw. We think maybe that one of the dogs living in our house could have been playing with him and maybe was a bit aggressive but we can't really say that is the reason. I'm not sure what to do to help him or to figure out what is actually wrong with him. We've tried to apply for pet insurance but we weren't approved for it. So we can't take him to the vet. Any advice is appreciated.. Thanks
Kiki permalinkJuly 12, 2013 1:14 am
Give the kitty to a no-kill shelter or rescue- they will provide the vet care. Otherwise, the kitten is going to die. Please do what's best for the kitten and surrender him/her to someone that will get him/her lifesaving medical care. In the future, never leave a dog that likes to "play" alone with a little kitten.
July 5, 2013 1:08 am
Our mom's cat has been extremely constipated for months…we just moved in and have tried everything we can think of for home remedies to help him to poop: wet food, different kinds of food, a tiny bit of olive oil in his food(he wont eat it), a friend of her's, a nurse(although a nurse for people) said to try tiny amounts of milk of magnesia because that worked for her cat. Still same old thing; he lays on his side for 10 minutes or more while straining and finally he poops out a scat hard as a rock. He also sometimes vomits while doing this and sometimes just vomits. Barely ever poops, like maybe every 2-3 days or more. He still uses his box to pee. She seems to be in denial that there is something wrong, she says he has to be fine because he purrs, i know this doesn't mean he's fine, but she cant seem to get past it. She brought him to the vet like 4 months ago and they said he was fine but i don't think him doing this should continue for months and months. The last thing i want is for her to find him dead or something. Please advise.
July 4, 2013 1:09 am
Hi, My cat is 14-16 and He's generally very healthy. He's a got a thick, healthy coat and a good appetite (perhaps too good as he's a bit plump!) But tonight I noticed something a bit odd, I called him in and he didn't come. I popped my head outside and saw he was lying on the driveway. I opened a tin for him and he still didn't come. So, I brought him inside myself. But then I noticed he would only take a few steps, then lie down. I picked him up and he mewed a bit unhappily (as he doesn't like being picked up) but when I set him down, once again he only took a few steps then lied down. Now, It's very hot outside and this happened pretty late at night, So I'm hoping it's just that he's tired and maybe a bit overheated, but I'm worried nonetheless. Should I be?
July 1, 2013 3:51 pm
I have a 19 yr old cat who has renal disease (controlled with Azodyl) and hyperthyroidism. She was doing really well with her dosage for 5 months. Then, the vet told me to reduce the methimazole to 7.5mg. She began getting a little agitated and sprayed, so since we have pheromone diffusers around the house and use the spray, too, I figured I'd get her a calming collar to augment the other things. She became very groggy, almost drugged, and had problems walking. I took the collar off after about 7 hours, and the grogginess continued.She was having trouble with her back legs. Took her to the vet, they did levels on her, nothing changed, in fact she was doing better than before we lowered the methimazole. Couldn't tell me what happened and why. Maybe the collar made her woozy and she fell. Her right knee was swollen. They also prescribed Lactated Ringer, 150 ml every other day. I gave that to her in her THIGH area, 75ml on each side. She tolerated it the first 2 times, and she was getting much better, but then, after giving her a dose, she, could barely walk, even worse than after the collar. She fell completely over. Brought her to the vet and they think, again, it was injury due to either pain at the site of injection, or the weight of the water made her wobbly and she re-hurt her knee, which was more swollen than before. She's getting slowly better, but she's doing some of the thing you described, she sleeps with her nose down (only sometimes) and she's doing something very odd. When she sits up, she has her head back and her chest out, kind of like a seal. Not all the time, but sometimes. Any ideas? I go to a group of vets and no one seems to be able to find anything wrong with her.
Jo permalinkJune 24, 2013 9:47 am
My 17 year old tortie has a tumor in her mouth from January. We have been taking her for steroid injections, anti-inflammatory non-steroids, painkilling injections. To date we have been feeding her royal canins food that we make with water as she stopped eating normal cat food even pate consistency. She was taking this liquid food from a bowl but then stopped and we were hand feeding her. She is in a bit of pain when eating now. This has progressed even to liquid food. We have been giving her painkilling injections every 8 hours. She is not eating very much at all now. Apart from this she is content enough (when not eating), purring, not hiding or anything but we now feel it is time to let her go and be pain free but we are finding it extremely hard to do. We have had her since a kitten and she is part of the family. It breaks our hearts. My husband took her to the vet at the weekend and I said my goodbyes but he then came back home with her as he said he couldn't do it. Last year we lost our other cat but it was easier to make that decision because he had kidney failure and his body had given up on him but this time as she is still bright, alert etc. we don't know when is the best time to let her go.
Katie permalinkJune 19, 2013 6:22 pm
Hi, my cat called Rosie. Had a recent opp, she was recently attacked by a fox leaving her with just 2 legs. She has been home for about two days now (19th June) and I'm aware she is going to be in pain… I know this sounds silly but all she has been doing is sleeping all day and not walking anywhere, she eats a lot off food but she is not willing on doing much walking etc, I really need help? Is she going to carry on with this behaviour or is it just a faze??
Valerie permalinkJune 11, 2013 8:59 pm
My cat is between 12-15 years old. We know she is dying – the vet says there is some kind of growth behind/beneath her eye. For the past month and a half, she has been getting palliative care (steroids) to reduce the inflammation and hopefully offer her some comfort. For the most part, this has just looked like aging, but sped way up. Sleeping more and more and more, eating less. She hasn't eaten more than a kibble or two for more than a week. Except for the last 24-32 hours, she has still been getting up to drink water once a day, will jump up on the bed, purr and stretch out when being scratched and petted. Yesterday, Harriet spent 24+ hours in the same spot. Refused water. This morning she had a steroid shot, and while her eyes look much perkier and she had the energy to move from the bed and hop up into her favorite chair, she is still not interested in water. She can't be force-fed water, at least not by me. We have put off euthanasia because A) she is horribly traumatized by the kennel, the car ride, and the vet's office. It makes me heartsick to think of those being her last experiences on this earth. and B) we have read about allowing pets to pass naturally, in their familiar spaces, surrounded by familiar sights and sounds and smells.
I know you can't make a diagnosis without seeing her, but can you speak in general terms about allowing a pet to die at home? Is it painful for a pet to die this way? Of course, the last thing in the universe we want is for her to suffer – that's why we've made the choices we have so far.
I know there is a C) option – vets who make house calls to put a pet to sleep. I am prepared to do this – if it's the right thing for a kitty who is exhibiting no symptoms other than what I would associate with a human at the end of life: mostly sleeping, not eating or drinking.
Thank you.
Shishir permalinkJune 8, 2013 2:04 pm
Hi Guys,
We're in a big problem. We've a female cat and she is in her 10 months now. She is excessively meowing for few days. Her problem is in stomach. She had same problem 2 times before in every two months. This is the 3rd time. She was okay after few days when she had the problem. Firstly we thought that it may be happening for Worms problem and I searched for the tablet in several pharmacy but I couldn't find it.
I should tell you that I'm from Bangladesh and in here pet medication is not available every cities.
I'm telling you the symptoms. She is meowing and touching her belly and chest in the floor and keeping her nose to the floor. We can understand that her meowing is so painful. And also it is painful to us a lot 'cause we love her as a child of us. Please help us by advising what should we do right now and please tell us some medicine names for worms problem and others. It is a humble request to you.
We're waiting for your kind reply. It is 12.23 at night and we both are awake for her meowing and my wife is so upset. Please help us.
zach permalinkJune 10, 2013 5:15 pm
hey your cat is probably in heat! Get it fixed!
Kyle permalinkJune 8, 2013 2:53 am
My cat has been twitching her head for the past while now and I have no idea what is wrong. She seems to be all fine and happy but randomly has this little twitches were she blinks very fast and jerks her head back, sometimes somewhat violently. After that she doesn't seem to want to be pet and somewhat wants to be alone. What do I do, my family doesn't think its anything and doesn't seem to notice what I see daily and they don't want to waste a ton of money if its nothing… I have gone as far to try and record it but whenever I do my cat decides it freakin doesn't want to twitch or if I get it my parents dismiss it as a little twitch
The cat is showing no signs however of being in pain and continues her daily routine but i'm so scared for her, what do I do???????
Kyle permalinkJune 8, 2013 2:55 am
Note: She isn't a very old cat only 5-6 years
Kellie Edwardson permalinkJune 5, 2013 11:20 pm
I have a sixteen year old female cat with a teeth disease, and has broken a lot of her teeth from biting something. We're taking her into the vet soon to get this looked up, it's obivious that she needs surgery on her teeth. I would like to know when a cat is too old to have surgery, were the stress is to much and will kill her. She has also lost a lot of weight from barely eating her wet cat food (the only kind she can eat at the moment) because it moves her teeth moving to much. I don't want her to starve to death. So I'm asking if when a cats too old for surgery and cant eat, do I put her down or try and feed her by hand?
S Henry permalinkJune 4, 2013 3:30 pm
My grandmother's cat is about 10-11 years old and has over the past few months began pulling her hair out, it has gotten worse and she has tried allergy medication, fish oil and a pillow/cone type thing that is supposed to restrict her from being able to reach her body to pull it out (she was told this could help correct a behavioral problem). In addition sometimes when the cat shakes her head she falls over and has recently become a recluse. There have been no changes to her environment, food, etc. Any suggestions besides hundreds/thousands in testing?
Paige permalinkJune 3, 2013 6:11 pm
My cat, Charlie, who's around 10 years old, is usually a pretty healthy cat. He's pretty large, but not overweight from what we can tell, and is very loving- he follows me around the house and insists on cuddling at night. A couple weeks ago, he seemed to have a little kitty-cold. He was sneezing a whole lot, and eventually the sneezing caused nose bleeds and made him hide out for a day or two. He recovered very quickly, though, and we never ended up having to take him to the vet as the whole thing lasted just a few days. I brought it up because it's the only other incident since we've had him where he's gotten sick. He's generally not a puker, but did vomit up some grass just a few hours ago, and now he's hiding in my mom's room and won't purr when I pet him- he's definitely not feeling well and not acting like himself at all!! Naturally I'm very worried, but more so now because I don't see any symptoms, it's just his behavior that indicates something is wrong. All of our cats eat crab grass in the backyard and puke it up, it's a normal routine for them. I put some food and water next to him but he hasn't taken much interest in it. Maybe he ate something besides crab grass and got poisoned? He's just randomly behaving like he's sick and I couldn't even begin to guess what caused it.
Chloe permalinkMay 27, 2013 4:07 pm
Hi, my cat has been acting very strange, like he is in pain. He limps most of the time, but when he walks, his back legs go inwards. I've also noticed that he has had difficulty getting up after he has been lying down. But he is eating normally, from what I have seen, but he has been having trouble going to the toilet. He keeps going back and forth to his litter box but nothing seems to be coming out. Its only been like this for the last couple of days though? Tazz, that's his name, would always jump on my bed when its bed time, but he can't jump onto it anymore. He is 10 years old. I am really worried about him, because he is my little baby and my best friend. My family and I are taking him to the vets but I am just wondering if anything popped into your mind when reading this to maybe give us a heads up? Thanks for reading
Neil permalinkMay 25, 2013 6:24 pm
I have a 9 year old male cat who is neutered, he eats a little less lately and his stomach is very hard and bloated, it seems as if he's having a hard time peeing. His stomach is bloated and purple. Any ideas. We been feeding him Blue Buffalo soft cranberry food and it seems to be helping a little. We can't afford to take him to the vet.
Ashley permalinkMay 24, 2013 10:12 pm
Is there anything a person can do to help a cat in pain? It's Memorial Day weekend and of course I could use a vet about now. I have a 7 month old kitten who has started not acting right. She tends to be on the lazy side compared to her siblings but she won't hardly move today. She has been sitting very much like the cat you described. Arched back, paws tucked under, nose facing down. She will tolerate being picked up but doesn't show any indications of liking it. I layed on the floor with her for a bit and she shies away from me. She doesn't wince or anything when petted but she moves ever so slightly away from you. I saw her get a drink of water this morning & she did eat about 4 treats as well. She's usually very talkative but I haven't heard a peep out of her today. The other two kittens play pretty rough so I'm wondering if they didn't hurt her last night sometime? I'm really concerned for her right now- she's not my happy little squeaky cat that follows me around all day. Any advice? I live several hours away from an emergency vet so that is not really an option right now.
Dave permalinkMay 21, 2013 8:03 am
My cat Olivia has been lying down strangely, she has ashma and is over weight and is 10 years old. she is sleeping on her side with her head in a strange position and she has been lying on her stomach with her chin on the floor, this isn't how she normally sleeps. She doesn't like our other pets and at times she looks like she feels rejected so me and my family pay more attention to her- she also drinks a lot. Should I be worried?
Brianna permalinkMay 18, 2013 8:33 pm
My cat is 20 years old.
Recently there was a new cat in the house, who we have since let back out, that we took in from outside to her have fixed.
While the other cat was in the house (in a cage) our cat stopped eating. The day we let the stray cat back out, our cat ate well and drank.
Now today my 20 year old cat is barely eating or drinking again and threw up a small amount of clear liquid twice after drinking water.
Do you have any idea what could be causing this? Or is she was just bothered by the other cats presence?
We are so worried about her, I have had her since I was a year old.
May 1, 2013 10:09 pm
my 2 year old black cat Mina will do this thing where she walks around my apartment and does kind of this low meow almost like a caterwaul. She is fixed and as far as I know she is perfectly healthy,but could something else be wrong? She eats fine and is drinking fine although I sometimes find vomit and I'm not sure whose it is because I have another cat besides her. I have been giving her medication for upper respiratory for a almost a month when I had my first appointment for Mina after she had been finally found after missing for a month! my vet told me to.
Annette Lee permalinkApril 24, 2013 6:23 pm
I'm a bit concerned after reading this article. For about a month now, my female cat (domestic short hair) who is about a year old has been sleeping sitting up normally but with her nose to the ground. She seems to be a very happy healthy cat. her weight is normal, she has a good appetite, she's not vomiting. Her bowel movements and urine habits seem normal, she's very happy and playful and social with all our other animals. Should I be concerned. If there is some way to post a picture of her doing this. I am happy to do so. We just thought she was being quirky and weird, which is normal for her. Please give me your opinion. Thank you.
Juliette permalinkApril 23, 2013 7:56 pm
How do I know if my 2.5 year old female spayed cat has a UTI? She has no blood in urine. She has been peeing on pillows and blankets, thus far. In the past 2 years, she has never peed on anything, other than in her litter box. I rescued her as a 7 week old kitty. We moved one month ago into an apartment. She has peed on a bed, blankets, and pillows. Prior to our move she had never acted this way. She has a clean litter box. I do not have the funds to have blood work drawn, etc. I want to say this is a behavior issue. Her pee does not have blood, nor does she whine. Do you think she is stressed out? Prior we(2) use to live with a family of 5. At the new place I carry her around to make her feel at ease. She had been laying in the closet (her blaket) for the past 6 hours. I did shake her "treat" bag out and call out her name and she did come out running and meowing. She ate the 2 treats, purred quite a bit and layed next to me for the remainder of the time. The night before she barfed up hairballs, is this normal?
Tam adams permalinkApril 17, 2013 10:32 pm
Another big sign of deteriorating condition besides weight loss is……if they have to open their mouth to breathe, no cough, they are in extreme pain. Cats win the academy award for hiding pain.
linda permalinkApril 11, 2013 8:43 am
hi, i have a cat thats about 4/5 yrs old. he is healthy and jumps as he normally would eating and drinking fine.My concern is that touching his limbs seems to cause him at pain at times, no apparent swelling or wounds no limping etc. a light touch can set it off at times maybe he is just getting grumpy now that he is older idk any suggestions?
Marta permalinkMarch 30, 2013 4:10 pm
We have a six year old cat and for the past couple days he has been sick. Since Wednesday night he has been eating very little (still drinks water), has a prominent spine, and had been more lethargic than usual. My mother thinks this may be because she fed him some Tilapia with ginger sauce. I'm not sure. Is it urgent we take him to the vet? Any suggestions? Thank you.
Jonathon permalinkFebruary 5, 2013 10:49 pm
My female cat is 11 years old. For the past week shes been having hard times to breath and now she is mowing and looks like she is in deep pain? Does she have much time left?
December 27, 2012 2:02 am
My cat is around 17 yrs old. She was a rescue cat and had gone through alot of abuse. She goes so crazy around other animals that I decided not to take her to a vet. Strictly an inside cat. She was perfect and always used the litter box. A few months ago she started acting weird. I would find her hiding upstairs in a corner with a look in her eyes that she was scared and didn't know where she was. She also started sleeping weird with her butt up in the air and now she is peeing and pooing around the house. I have to make special apointments to get her hair trimmed when there aren't other animals there, about twice a year. Just got her hair done and she looks skinny and sickly. I'm worried. I feel so bad for her and don't want her to be in pain. I'm going to take her to the vet….I worried about what I'm going to hear.
Tiffany R permalinkDecember 10, 2012 3:28 pm
My cat has been doing this for years but has recently done it more often (allday everyday) & more louder.
he Hides Down stairs & howls & has started to get bloody noses again… I say again because he had really bad teeth (which we have gotten removed) had he would sneeze all the time and have a regular bloody nose. After his teeth were removed he was good he didnt howl or have nose bleeds. but within the last 5 months its unbearable. He does not sit or lye funny & vets dont know what is going on??
Do you have any insight.
Thank you
Elaine Moreau permalinkDecember 4, 2012 11:55 pm
My 10 year-old cat Zoe is peeing blood. I took a urine sample into the veterinary clinic. I was called to told that there was too much blood and they want to see her tomorrow. I am so scared. She is my furry baby. I am so terrified that she is suffering. Today, all she will do is lay in my bed. I do not want to lose her but I do not want her to suffer needlessly.
October 19, 2012 4:45 pm
Hi my cat Pebbles has recently started showing some of these symptoms: Hunching over with her paws tucked under her, hiding behind the sofa and enlarged pupils. I know it's probably nothing but I am worried – Any ideas what this could be?
liz hartranft permalinkSeptember 16, 2012 10:00 pm
Hi, My Maine Coon kitty is 15yr old & has yearly check ups with our vet. My question is that for the last two years she has slowly lost weight (16.5 lbs to 13.9 lbs) without any change in diet. In fact she acts more hungry within the last six months than in previous years. She has had "her senior blood work up" completed in 2011 & on 9/13/12; nothing showed up in the blood work. She also had a full exam & urine tested. No change in her litter box habits, she does sleep a lot more and she seems to want to avoid the sunlight. The vet wants to do another blood panel for IBD, pancreatitis and lymphoma. My cat also wakes up somewhat disoriented and meows loudly until I pet her (I did tell this to the vet, & the vet thinks it might just be old age). Any advice ? Thanks
maranda permalinkSeptember 14, 2012 2:40 am
My cat is 5 months old and we were going to bed and my kitty started to scream from in the spare bedroom were her litterbox is and come to find out she had her foot hung in the curtain like the/string on it and my husband had to cut the cutain off her foot it was so hung up she isn't crying anymore but she does have some blood in her mouth from eating the curtain and a small cut on her foot and she limping around on that foot she was hanging upside down do you think it broke her foot she was only hung in it for a bout 2 minutes while my husband was cutting it off but she was going crazy so I don't know if that made it worse do you think I should take her to the vet
carly permalinkSeptember 12, 2012 3:03 pm
hey well my cat we lost her and when we found her she wouldnt eat now she has yellow stuff buyy her eye i thought it was hair falling out and getting in to her eye.and she dosnt seem to be going to the bathroom and she dosnt lie to move any more.i thought any of you guys would know what going on with my cat.thank you
cha-lee hall permalinkAugust 28, 2012 10:04 pm
hi, my cat whisky is in pain, when you pick him up beause his right back leg is in pain, so when it hangs i think it hurts him even more. i think the pain is around the area of muscle bicepts femoraus to semi-tendinosus,(i got thoes wordes from a picture) even when i put light pressure on it he cries in pain and lightly bits me to stop me touching it. He limps as he walkes around and is not eating that much. I REALLY want to take him to the vet but have to wait till pay day. He still manages to jump on the bed etc. I dont think it is his spin as i went down it and he didnt mind or the top of his pelvis but his pain is in the middle of the top of his leg so it may be his pelvis? he still is walking around outside but im worried about that so i have kept him inside in the mean time, he just lays in the sun and he isnt purring like he normaly does which is understandable. also when he sleeps he curles his back tucks his feet in and head is on the floor which i read is a sign he is in pain but im not sure? thanks hope there is something i can do for him!
August 26, 2012 9:08 pm
my cat is 13 years old. She was about 3.8 pounds about 3 days ago… She also has wet eye boogies(it reminds me of snot or something), whenever I notice it, I get tissues and wipe her eyes as best as I can (and of course she doesn't like that). She is really scrawny and I can feel all her bones when I pet her. I feed her about three or four times a day with soft food (because she has issues eating hard food)and give her water, and she eats a lot, but it doesn't seem to do anything. She can't jump very high anymore, and just the other day when I let her in, she sat and shook for a little bit, then continued walking. She tends to cough as if she is going to throw up. I'm not sure if she is just tired or her legs ache, but she will take a few steps, then plop onto her side and just lay there. She purrs a lot, so I figured she was ok, but I can't help but want to cry when I look at her. She breathes heavily and her fur is matted (though she doesn't usually get brushed). I refused for my mom to put her down, but if there is nothing else I can do, and if she is in pain, then, I just want to do what is best for her. I don't want her to be in pain… If you need more information in order to help me figure out what is wrong with her, then I will do my best.
Jeff permalinkJuly 16, 2012 3:02 pm
My cat has not been eating much lately–he will eat out of my hand, but not out of the bowl–and has been throwing up about once a week. Sometimes there is just hair, and other times it is just yellow liquid. He has always been an anxious cat, but since I moved (8 months ago) he has not transitioned well and it has just seemed to get worse–his anxiety–every week. He has seemed also rather irritable lately. He will sometimes cry when touched, and has even hissed a few times.
linh permalinkJuly 14, 2012 12:45 am
Hi there,
I have a 2 month old cat. She has slimmy stuff coming out of her rear end. Maybe its discharge.I don't know what it is. She's breathing really hard and sticking out her tongue. She has diarrhea and she pooped in her cage. I don't know what to do. She was fine when I left to work this morning. I don't know what's wrong with her.
Nancy permalinkJuly 13, 2012 1:47 pm
I have a cat (age is ~14) who has had numerous problems with his ear (infections, burst blood lines, palops etc) in the last 9 months. We have brought him twice to the vet where he was put under to clean his ears. His ear bleeds/clots and we find the rements around the house. At the advice of our vet we brought him to a surgeon to get a second opinion. The surgeons suggestion was to remove the entire ear canal for 1 (maybe both) ears. After determining that this surgery was not a good option for us. Our vet said that we had two options. 1) put him down, 2) just keep cleaning his ears and removing the dried blood. We went with option 2 and think about option 1 when he is in pain. But after 4 months of constantly cleaning his ears and watching him shaking his head (we notice this mostly at night), we are wondering if maybe we should go to option 1. I will only go with option 1, if i know my cat is in pain and there are no other feasible options. The issue is how can we tell he is in pain?
Hazel permalinkJune 1, 2013 7:34 pm
My cat is 13 years old, and I have been having the same problem with his ears for two years. He has been on steroids, has had his ears flushed, been given numerous medications. After having his ears flushed the vet found that he had polyps, and the only way to eliminate the polyps was to remove the entire bone of the ear canal which was suggested to you. My cat has liver and kidney problems and probably wouldn't survive the surgery. I took him to a different vet and after taking a biopsy of his ears found he has a cancerous tumor. I'm so upset with the first vet because I think after his ears were flushed out, this should have been found and maybe something could have been done. I am currently giving him pain medication and TLC. He is still eating and active, but when the time comes to put him down, I will know.
If your vet didn't do a biopsy of the ears, I suggest you have that done.
The operation is very serious and my personal opinion is that I would only have it done if the cat is in good physical condition.
Good luck!
July 2, 2012 2:57 am
My cat is 15 months, and she's always had a big appetite but now, for the past 2 days she doesn't seem to be eating, her food bowl is still the same amount from when I filled it & she also has diarrhea. Other than that, she seems normal, just sleeps…
Should I be concerned?
jill hanson permalinkJune 23, 2012 4:31 am
I just got home from work and I know my cat got in a fight I found a claw stuck in his fur and he's just laying on my bed normally he greets me he doesn't seem to be bleeding but when I pet his back I can tell it hurts him, should I be concerned about taking him to the vet or could he just be a little beat up , not sure what to do and worried, thanks
logan smith permalinkJune 18, 2012 11:09 pm
hi i had a cat and his name was sammy, he was layed back and really nice. He always went over to my neighbors that had dogs but he never went inside the fence. One day we were having a cook out and he was inside the fence and running from the dogs, so he climbed up the screen and the screen fell so he fell off. the neighbor got the dogs inside but didnt tell us to get him but instead he grabbed sammy by the front of his neck and sammy started scratching and biting his arm so he slammed it on the concrete/grass. when he got back up he wouldnt let anyone get 2ft close to him and he was bleeding out of his eyes and mouth and his back was hunched over and he kept opening his mouth and we watched him for about 15 min and he didnt move. my dad told me he probably got brain damage and that we should shoot him to put him out of his misorey so we did. Is what our neighbor did to our cat considered animal abuse and why would sammy freak out like then when he was never that way and sammy never went inside the fence. Plzz answer becuase we are thinking about filing a report for animal abuse and what he did to our cat.
Sally Adler permalinkJune 3, 2012 10:51 am
Thanks Doc. I found the site today, looking for information on how much volume to syringe-feed my poor cat at one time. She'll go to the vet in the next couple of days, for the last time, but I needed to support her nutrition while I watched her for a few days. I think her thyroid and kidneys have finally done her in. We thought she was going a year ago, but she's a tough old bird (!). Your information has been so reassuring and has really helped confirm what I'm seeing. I needed the virtual handhold. I've euthanized 4 in the last 5 years and it doesn't get any easier to decide that the time is right.
kathy permalinkMay 29, 2012 6:13 pm
My cat is laying around. I think because its hot, but now shes not getting up much. When I pick her up she growles or meows. I worry about her, she also walks very slow, and hides in dark corners. Is she in pain or is she depresed? she also dosent eat alot, only drinks. shes only 3 years old. What do i do? please reaply
AlexJ permalinkMay 21, 2012 5:19 pm
Hi. We have an 18 month male cat Barney. He was a rescue cat but we've had him for about 6 months now. He's allowed outdoors when he wants via a cat flap. I came home from work today and stroked him as usual but he meowed at me (v unusual. Unlike our other cat – who is a Havana brown cross – Barney isn't very chatty). I picked him up as normally he likes a cuddle and he freaked out. Hissing and scratching – just like he was when we first rescued him. I left him alone for a couple of minutes when he ran away so he could calm down then went to check him out with my boyf. He was fine, lying on our bed and purry like normal as long as I just scratched behind his ears. But as soon as I touched his lower back or hind legs he meowed again. We tried one of us holding him while the other checked him out but we couldn't see any lumps or open wounds. He has a few small scratches e.g. on his nose but that's really normal for him.
I rang the emergency vet who said as long as he's eating and running fine he's ok. He's doing both of those – he even started to play with ur other cat like normal until suddenly he miaowed in the middle and ran off to the other room. Am I right to worry though? The vet said it could be infection if he has a lump but we couldn't find one. Could infection cause his back to become tender to touch and yet let him still move absolutey fine? I'll probably take him so my usual vet tomorrow anyway but it would be great to get some input from someone else too!
Thanks, Alex
AlexJ permalinkMay 21, 2012 6:20 pm
Apologies for posting twice in a row but after googling lower back sensitivity I came across feline hyperesthesia. Barney doesn't normally flip out but he often has v dilated pupils and regularly has 'skin rippling' on his lower back. I never even consider the skin rippling could be a problem. Could it be? Also I see from online it's not rare for a cat to have a sensitive lower back but Barney does seem to be in considerable pain and it only started today which is why it's worrying me. Thanks for your time on this! Alex
Stephanie permalinkMay 6, 2012 9:41 pm
The positions when the cat is trying to relax are very accurate. I was looking a few months earlier to see what might be wrong with my Maine Coon before I took him to the vet. It turns out he had kidney failure and had to be put to sleep. 😦 Anyways I noticed he was relaxing in those positions… if it wasn't for this I would have never known to take him in and put him out of his misery. Thank you.
melissa permalinkApril 29, 2012 4:18 pm
My cat Tasha was diagnosed with lymphangiosarcoma last month. She has a lesion on her leg that wouldn't heal and after a number of treatments we had a biopsy done and received the sad news. I know it is very rare and very aggressive. We were told to expect 2 to 6 months life expectancy. My vet said the lesion will move up the limb and into her abdomen. She said there isn't a lot of information on this cancer because it is so rare. She suggested whole leg amputation but mentioned the surgery could be a disaster….non healing wounds are symptoms of this cancer. We opted not to do such a traumatic surgery since it doesn't seem to increase life expectancy that much longer. Tasha's wound seemed to heal up for a about a week. It has started draining again. She eats, sleeps and plays just like before. She was a rescue kitty about three years ago and has been slowly warming up to our furry family (we have 3 other cats). She will now jump up and sit next me or my husband. This affection seems to be increasing and I am wondering if she is starting to feel pain. Are there tests or xrays to tell us where the cancer is? Should I just start her on pain meds??
Thanks for any input or suggestions.
April 24, 2012 12:53 am
Hi, I'm a bit concerned about my 2 year old cat, George. He's been licking his "chops" [basically like when a human licks their lips] quite frequently. I don't know if it's just a quirk, or if something is wrong.
Some facts about George:
He is overweight – around 15-17 pounds i think – though he doesn't overeat. He's a bit of a lazy cat, so i think that's the main reason he is overweight, but his weight concerns me as well because he started off as a sleek, fit cat. He engages in playful behaviors with my other cat, and he will run and chase after tossed toys a fair amount of the time, but overall he just likes to lounge around. I've poked his stomach and sides firmly, but not too hard, to see if he seemed to be in pain and it didn't seem to cause him any discomfort.
He has bad plaque. My mom and i try to brush his teeth [as well as our other cat] but we've slacked on it quite a bit.
He is a purr machine. I don't think this is cause for concern since he's been what i call a "purr baby" since he was a tiny kitten. From the first day i rescued him from under a neighbors shed, he has loved to purr. He often loves to have his hind-end scratched, as well as his tummy sometimes & his face and ears, and most of the time he starts purring away and 'encouraging' you to continue. He also frequently lays on my bed and purrs heavily while he kneads his paws on my fleece blanket.
He doesn't particularly care to drink from his water dish, but he loves to drink water from the bath tub faucet & kitchen sink faucet.
I don't know how helpful this information will be, but i just thought some background info to go along with the concerning behavior might help you get a better idea of what's what.
Emma permalinkApril 18, 2012 4:05 pm
Hi, me and my female cat are the same age (15) and I've noticed that she is acting very strange. She takes short and deep breaths the intire time and it sounds like she is purring at the same time (maby of pain?). She comes to sleep on my desk every night wich is unusual, because she is normally outside, I think she is trying to show me her pain. She is still eating, but less (usually she eats like a pig!). My father only thinks that it is because of her age and wont take her to the vet untill it is necessary, but I am extremely worried about her. She is also sitting hunched over with her nose pointing down. Do you by any chance know whats wrong? And thank you very much for your time!
Meredith permalinkApril 17, 2012 5:34 pm
Hi Doc,
I am writing to ask you about an eye issue one of my cats is having. Just yesterday, I noticed a little bit of gunk in the corner of her eye, and I wiped it with a Kleenex. I thought it was strange since she never has gunk in the corners of her eyes. I also started to notice her squinting that same eye yesterday evening. Today, she had more clear-colored stuff in the corner of the same eye and she is still squinting it. I have no issues with taking her to the vet, other than the fact that the vet is very traumatic for this cat. She absolutely hates going to the vet, being poked and prodded, etc.
My question is whether this eye thing that I described to you raises any red flags. I don't want to overreact and traumatize her by taking her to the vet if the issue will just eventually clear up on its own. How long do you think I should wait? I appreciate your time and help.
Nikki Chadd permalinkApril 10, 2012 11:00 pm
Hello…I have an important question and I know you're going to say "take him to the vet!" but please if anyone has any idea it would really help, my Dad wont take him unless I can convince him of what the real possibilities are..anyway my 18 mo. old male black longhair siamease cat was attacked by a pitbull. The dog jumped the fence and grabbed the cat by the head and after a struggle the cat ran away and almost up a tree before the dog grabbed the cat again by the neck/head and during that my Dad and the owner of the dog broke it up…the cat had dirt all in its mouth but is walking around and my Dad says theres no swelling or visual external signs of injury other than him looking shaken up EXCEPT his tongue is sticking out and just wont go back in…he says its not swollen and he's not drooling but theres SOMETHING wrong.. PLEASE does anyone have an idea?? Thank you for your time..
Jason Richards permalinkApril 7, 2012 12:33 am
I have a male fixed cat, age 19. Recently (in the past few days), he's started meowing a lot, and in a dire tone, and he won't keep food down. Also, he appears to be straining, as if he has to relieve himself, but nothing happens. This has happened before, but not to the extent that it has recently. I want to take him to a vet, but I certainly don't have the money to pay for treatment, I don't want to lose my cat, He was born in my bedroom when I was 7 years old.
April 15, 2012 9:12 am
Jason, I'm not a vet but I've had several cats over the years and it souds like he may have a blockage in his urinary tract. Fixed male cats sometimes get crystals in their urine and it hurts when they try to pee. Then eventually they get blocked. I know you said you don't have the money for treatment but this USUALLY only costs $150 or less….if you catch it in time….if you don't take him him right away it could mean a very painful death for your kitty. Maybe your vet will take payments via post-dated checks….mine does when I need it. I hope you can get him the care he needs. Good luck!
Kelly permalinkApril 2, 2012 6:57 pm
My male cat who is fixed, has been acting weird. I noticed it today. His fur isnt as smooth any longer, seems to have dry gums, moaning a majority of the time when someone comes around. He tenses up as if he has to poop but nothing happens. I notice he's licking himself more, but he wont take anything to eat, not even tuna! He cries if he has to walk anywhere. However when he lays, he lays on his side, sometimes curled up like they do when they sleep. Any thoughts?
jkm3734 permalinkMarch 28, 2012 10:09 pm
So here is my situation and I have no idea what to do. My baby boy was 8 yrs old. I had a cleaning company come to my house to help me clean and they let my cat outside. I came into contact with the family that had him and they told me on Wednesday March 21, 2012 at 9:00pm that my cat may have broken his back leg but they were not 100% sure but he was sitting up, shifting his weight (just not putting weight on his back leg), drinking water and eating some food. They called the local animal shelter and had him picked up by a field officer. The field officer told the family he was going to have him checked out when he returned to the shelter but instead he put my cat down. I understand I was in the wrong for not having my cat chipped or had him wearing a collar with tags but the shelter had my information and a picture and knew I was distraught and looking for him. The office did not check the reports or check to see if anyone was looking for him before euthanizing him. He was close to 30 pounds and was neutered and de-clawed. The officer's report said "Cat had green discharge from eyes, was very unresponsive when I picked up as injured and back leg was thrashed, possibly hit by car." The family that was taking care of him said when the officer arrived to pick him up my cat was sitting up looking around, would let the children pick him up and move him around. The ironic aspect of the story is he was found in a fenced-in back yard but was said to have been hit by a car. I don't understand how my cat was hit by a car had a broken back leg but was able to jump a 6-8ft fence. I also don't understand how him having an injury to his leg was justification to euthanize and take his life. Does anyone have any advice?
Kate permalinkMarch 28, 2012 2:04 pm
I'm worried about my Kitty. She is 14 and has always gone through phases so I think I've been in denial of her illness. The past two weeks she has eaten very little, (She likes to eat a spoonful of chicken baby food, but vomits her hard food), drinking lots of water, and has become less playful, and meows when i stop petting her as well as if I try to pick her up – she no longer enjoys being held, just petted. She appears to have a hard time with her back legs, avoiding jumping down from her favorite perches and mis-stepping when she climbs the furniture. For a while now she has gradually been sleeping more and more and acts quite listless. She is still very loving and attentive, and in fact purrs more than usual – she sometimes purrs and her whole body quivers…. I'm afraid this is a bad sign too… How will the vet know what is wrong with her? Is it too late? Can cats that have cancer/ tumors be treated?? Any advice is greatly appreciated as my heart is breaking watching her sleep so peacefully right now….
kirsty permalinkMarch 22, 2012 5:28 pm
my cat is 8 and half. She has been herself. We had to take her to the vet as when she went to the loo she couldn't get it all out. The next day they told us she had a tumor and its past surgery also that because it is the tummy it is risky. They have given us the option of bringing her home on steroids or putting her to sleep. We choose steroids. Since being home she has been getting back to herself but seems distant. We have another vet tomorrow for a second opinion. I just don't want her to be in any pain. She is a very playfully cat and people often think she is still akitten . Please advise
mackenzie permalinkMarch 22, 2012 3:03 pm
my cat is 11 years old like me and she has been purring a lot, hiding in my closet a lot too, and i picked her up and when i gently toutched her belie and she kept meowing. i know she is not pregnant because she is fixed. is she sick in any way? please let me now.
Michael permalinkMarch 18, 2012 4:30 pm
hey my girlfriends cat is a bengal male and 2 years old he has been sleeping a lot and it is odd because this cat is very vocalized and energetic. when ever bastet (cats name) is walking he has an arched back and walks straight legged with a limp. last night he went pee in the litter box my girlfriend noticed that it was only a few drops. he is eating and drinking water but seems a little disturbed and lasy. we just got a new female cat for him to play with, bastet is usually playful and outgoing but in this case he is hissing and growling and avoiding the new cat. what do i do?
Charlie permalinkMarch 18, 2012 6:44 am
I just need you to please help me answer some questions. Did I do the right thing? I love all animals more so dogs than cats, but cats are ok also. Mittens was 15 and her health seemed ok just getting older. I didnt name her by the way. Lately she would cry sometimes when she used the litterbox and I thought it was dirty and would immediately go clean it. I thought she was just mad because it was dirty , but I kept it clean. Also, recently she started pooping in my weightroom and not using the litterbox. If an animal is crying then there is a problem. I should know that. Did I not recognize the signs of kidney problems? Other than that she seemed very happy and affectionate. She was one of the greatest most loving pets I have ever had a true loyal loving friend. No matter whether my exwife got on to me or we lost a football game I knew there was one person that still loved me. Putting her down yesterday, and I am telling ya, I consider myself a tough guy but it was as painful as any loss I have ever experienced, and is continuing today. Please let me tell about the chain of events that lost the game for us. About a month or so ago I picked her up and felt a lump on her chest. For 2 weeks I was in denial that it was cancer. Was that another fatal mistake on my part. I checked the lump hoping it would be gone about 2 weeks ago and it was bigger. Thus started very emotional battle to save her in this last 2 weeks. Now, we are gonna save her, now we are gonna step it up a notch. Had to wait because I was afraid it might be cancer. What was I thinking I had cancer myself that had to be cut out, was it mysterously gonna go away? You see how I feel. Well we took her to the vet for blood work. It came back she had cancer and also a kidney infection. She never showed a sign of pain. I took care of her well. We had the cancer surgery which was extensive because there was more found alot more. Had to take all her mammary glands out and a spot on her head. Also ordered the kidney medication. Her surgery was on March 8th. Spring break started the 9th so I would have plenty of time to nurse her back to health. Everything started out great the first 2 or 3 days, on to a speedy recovery and probably 5 or 6 more years of good life. I would lay by her and pet her and she started getting back up on the bed and I would cover her with a blanket and she would purr loud. Things were just like they were and I was afraid of nothing. We had beaten big bad cancer twice. Don't mess with US we will kick your rear you sorry cancer. But remember don't spike the football, don't dance in the endzone don't awake the sleeping giant. About the middle of the 3rd day she started to fade some and would stay very close to the space heater and not do much. I would call her to come up on the bed–nothing. I gently picked her up put her on her favorite pad right by me and covered her up again and started petting her. She got up immediately and stumbled not walk but stumbled to the edge. I quickly ran over by her and helped her down because she wanted to be by the space heater. I called the vet everyday. I bought her that real good expensive cat food. It was Tuesday morning and I fed her the good food and she ate it right up and I thought ok she is on her way back good appetite and things were looking up good times are ahead. About 10 minutes later she was crying in pain and throwing up , throwing so hard she peed, and when she was done just laid in it. That was heartbreaking to watch. I cleaned her up and went and got some almond milk, she drank it right up and alot of it. I stayed with her and petted her to see if she was going to throw up the almond milk. She didnt throw it up. Again I am thinking we got something here maybe it just the food , but I called the vet anyway. They were out at the time but called me back around 3 pm and they said get her back in as fast as possible. I said how bout tomorrow morning at 8:30 am cause I told them about the almond milk and they said ok see ya then . I was hesitant to go back to the vet cause before we went to the vet she was fine. I dont blame the vets they are great people but thats why I was hesitant. Up early on Wednesday morning I call the vet and cancel our appointment the vet talks me in to coming in anyway just to check her so we make the appointment for 11 am. I feel like I can get her right myself with the almond milk and alot of love. I give her more almond milk she does not respond I put it right in front of her so she doesnt have to move,,nothing. She just lays by the space heater trying to stay warm. I have the heating pad, blankets, food where she doesnt have to move to get it. She didnt move. That was right at 8:30 am, I said screw it we are going right now. They got her in and put her on a IV. The cancer biopsy came back and it was malignant breast cancer, but they said they think they got it all. They checked her blood. I stayed with her for a while then went home. The vet called right when I got home, and said her kidney's have shut down and they are going to keep giving her fluids to restart her kidneys. I went to go check on her that afternoon. I told the vets I was just in the neighborhood , but really, I was deeply concerned. She meowed and was glad to see me but she did not look good. The vet said if she makes it through the night and is not any better in the morning then we need to make a decision. I thought makes through the night? She's that bad off? The vet said they would call first thing in the morning to let me know what would be the best thing to do. Did not sleep at all. Don't spike the football. Big bad cancer wasn't beaten yet. Went ahead and lifted weights around 6:30 showered and was on my way , not waiting on the call I am going to be there when the doors open. The vet calls me while in route. She's not any better. I said I will be there in minute. It hit me like a ton of bricks. Our 15 year friendship is coming to an end today. She was an outstanding pet and brought nothing but love, affection, loyalty, and happiness to the table and required very little maintenance. I get there , they take me to a special room and bring her in. The vet tells me the best thing to do is put her down, that she is experiencing some pain now. I pet her for a while take a few pictures. They come back in the room everyone is real sorry it's very emotional. I said when will you do it? They said now. I said, I don't think I will stay and watch. They said few pet owners do. I said when again will you do it? They said right when you leave. I did not mean for this to be so lengthy. I don't blame the vets they did the best job they could do. I am just wondering what I could have done better. If I would have picked up on the space heater. She never laid by it before. I studied later that afternoon and for animals feeling very cold is a symptom of kidney failure. 2 weeks ago she seemed like the happiest kitty around now she is gone. I spent some money but I don't care. We gave it one heck of a shot to save her. I just feel guilty. Because of my own fears did I wait too long to save her? The cancer surgery was too much for her and that caused her kidney's to shut down. Cancer 1 and 1. US 1 and 1. Again I am sorry for this message being so long, but writing it is like therapy.
March 25, 2012 10:14 am
Charlie, I had to write you a reply after reading your post. I'm so sorry for your loss. I can tell that you loved Mittens very much. I went through a similar experience with my best friend. He ended up with colon cancer and it was inoperable and I had to put him down. It was the worst experience of my life. I stayed with him and did find some peace by helping him go but it was heart-wrenching and I do not judge you for not staying as you had already experienced so much emotional pain. One thing I did want to say that I hope will help you cope with your feelings is that I've known a few humans that have found out that they had cancer (pancreatic) and they had no idea because they weren't feeling too ill either. And they were dead within a month of being diagnosed. So in my non-expert opinion it is most likely that Mittens had cancer for a long time and was fine….there was no way you could have known. My heart goes out to you and please know that you were a good parent to MIttens and he/she was lucky to have you!
March 17, 2012 8:21 pm
I have a 15 year old kitty, Boomer, who at his healthiest weighed 16 pounds (probably a little overweight). He dropped to 12 pounds when diagnosed with hyperthyroid 4 years ago & was cured with radioactive iodine. He never regained the weight, but was fine until 7 months ago when his kidney values became abnormal (39 bun, 3.1 creatinine) and he had dropped to 11 pounds. The vet suggested a kidney diet, which I tried for about a month and stopped because he refused to eat it and lost more weight (down to 9.5 pounds). I've been giving him what he wants to eat (Natural Choice dry and Fancy Feast wet) and he seemed to be eating well. Three nights ago he threw up at least 10 times in the span of 8 hours so I brought him to the vet. He was down to 7.5 pounds and the vet felt a large tumor on his left kidney and re-ran the blood. He also talked about cancer and said it was probable that Boomer had cancer and that he may have multiple tumors. The kidney values didn't change much-46 bun & 3.1 creatinine, but AST went from 17 to 101, amylase went from 1714 to 2090. He gave him fluids and something for his stomach and sent him home. He said that we could do xrays to see if there are more tumors, but it would not be fun for Boomer and would be purely "academic" because if there are, there is nothing we can do but try and keep him comfortable.
The next night, Boomer began throwing up again and went into his litter box 4 times in a row to no avail. I brought him to the emergency room. They said neither his bladder or colon were full, but he had blood in his urine (+4). They gave him fluids and sent me home with clavamox, phenoxybenzamine, buprenex and pepcid in case it was an infection. They too felt the kidney mass and said it was possible that cancer was causing the issues.
Yesterday and today, Boomer has barely eaten or touched his water. Until 3 nights ago, he was eating well and loved dry kibble but now puts his face in the bowl and appears to be hungry but doesn't eat it. He does eat a few bites of wet food and takes a few sips of Catsure when I bring them to him. I am so afraid he will lose more weight and starve to death.
I have three main questions. 1) Boomer seemed fine 3 days ago. Is it normal for things to shift so suddenly and dramatically? 2) Is the medication causing his disinterest in food, water and activity? Could it be harming him more than helping him? How long should it take before I see improvements if the medicine is working? 3) He is not currently laying in any of the typical "cat in pain" poses, but he's quiet and doesn't move around much so I know he doesn't feel well. He gets so scared and stressed when I take him to the vet that I don't want to bring him again unless it's absolutely necessary. I don't want to give up too early and I don't want to torture him unnecessarily. Is there any non-invasive way (preferably without taking him in) for me to tell if he is in more pain than a good mom would allow, and if the end is near so I can resist more treatment torture?
Thank you for your help.
March 25, 2012 12:57 pm
HI Laura,
My cat and I are going through the same thing. She was diagnosed with a bladder tumor a month ago which we have been managing with steroids and antibiotics. She's also supposed to be on a low protein diet but I'm feeding her whatever she will eat. In the past couple of days her litterbox output has practically halved and she's been vomiting so I imagine the tumor has shifted or grown and it won't be too long now.
A couple of things you might want to look into:
Mobile vet or house-call vets. My vet would not let me bring my cat in after a disastrous visit. From then on they did a house-call. When I moved and called a new vet to request a house cal they did not do them but recommended two different "mobile vets". I'm in a smaller city than you so I imagine these exist where you are two. I know I will value this service so much when the final visit comes and Ki will be allowed to be in her home and comfortable (as can be).
Pawspice (like hospice but for animals). Their website has a great HMMM questionaire. It's a quantitative way of assessing the animal's pain and quality of life. I'm taking it every couple of days of looking at the progression. It helps me since I'm very emotional about this and fear my feelings could be blocing my ability to make the right decison
March 25, 2012 7:09 pm
Thank you Doc Truli & Iunipera. I will check out the quality of life questionaire/scale, Pawspice and mobile vets now.
Iunipera: my heart goes out to you and your kitty. I know full well the emotional roller coaster you're on. Having a subjective questionnaire sounds so helpful. I have the vets telling me I need to put him down and I keep wondering if I'm torturing him by refusing. I just don't feel it's time yet, but it's possible my emotions are clouding my judgment. It's such a final decision and I want to make sure I've done everything possible. If/when the time comes, I do like the idea of it happening at home instead of in a cold vets office so thank you for that. If your kitty's time truly is coming soon, I wish her a peaceful passing. It's clear she has been well loved in this life.
Michelle permalinkMarch 15, 2012 11:33 pm
I think my 10 year cat has been alittle weird lately. She sleeps alot more and even though she will eat it's not that much, though recently two days ago I switched her back to soft food (since usually the majority of the time I give her hard food) and she eats that up alot so maybe she was just being picky? Twice though while laying in my bed (she loves to sleep there normally) she's woken up and started meowing and and purring at me and wants to cuddle up next to me and will actually wait sometimes for me to sleep. She uses the bathroom normally too.
She's not spayed though and she just got off her heat cycle so I'm thinking she could be going through false pregnancy. Do cats who go through false pregnancy act alittle depressed or sleep alot sometimes? She acted exactly like this both times when she got pregnant years ago (due to my family members not watching her and letting her escape). If she is going to false pregnancy what are some always I can help her? Do I have to comfort her in some way and how long does false pregnancy usually lasts?
Kris permalinkMarch 13, 2012 10:41 am
I'm 26 yrs old, and i'm completely racked with guilt , because my cat (he's older) has lost a large amount of weight. He eats/drinks either alot or not at all, has bathroom issues, and before I had any extensive test/drugs given to him the vet believes he shows signs of having cancer. I'm trying to decide if any treatment will be worth it–he is in fact in a great deal of pain before I even read this article i knew he was -he's hunched, hair bristled, and crying–especially if you lift him for a moment and he's skin and bones..would it make me the worst person if I put him to sleep, I do not have the money to try and sustain his life, but I'm thinking that if I did– I think he's at the point where it would only hurt him more…
Minna permalinkMarch 12, 2012 10:08 pm
I have a kitty that is 17 years old and I am struggling with the decision of having him put to sleep. I have taken him to the vet and they said that there was an issue with his pancreas and that without doing more invasive tests there was no way to determine exactly what. He does not enjoy things the way he used to, no longer wants his cat treats, has started with complete liquid poos, power pikes almost everything he eats and is only urinating every 3-4 days. I am terrified to make this kind of decision for him. He still likes his catnip even though he falls asleep in it. He also does not talk as much as he used to, he has become more withdrawn. I don't know what I should do for him.
March 15, 2012 11:55 pm
Minna, my heart goes out to you. I had to make the same decision with my baby boy on Halloween last year and not a day goes by that I don't think of him. From your description you made the most loving and caring choice for him. It's possible he was in more pain that you knew. I have come to terms with that now with my kitty. They can hide it well. But I know that if i were a kitty and I was in pain that couldn't be cured I would want my mother to help me pass a well. Take comfort that you did the right thing by alleviating his pain. And I truly believe that we'll be reunited with them some day. As for getting past this….I tried by adopting an "elder cat." i told myself I was helping this 12 year old cat (I got at a shelter) by taking him in and loving him. We only had him three months before he was diagnosed with kidney failure. We had to let him go too. As a fellow cat lover, I would recommend giving yourself some time. If you have other cats, LOVE them with all your heart. Give them extra attention. It will make you feel better and it will make them happy. If you don't have other cats, I would recommend adopting a kitten from a shelter. Then that kitten can grow up with you and in time you will get over the loss of your baby boy.
Hope this helps. It's NEVER easy.
Chris permalinkMarch 12, 2012 1:54 am
Very interesting stuff. I have one cat that randomly starting limping on his back left foot, stopped eating, and was more irritable than usual. We took him to the vet, they gave him a physical exam and she said that it might have been something wrong with his urinary system. There was no Improvment after that. The next our other cat got the same symptoms. Except this time it was the front left leg and the back right that we're issues. Barely any eating too. This cat is very happy and relaxed most of the time and is never angry, now she is. They are both outdoor cats and never had a problem like this before. They are both realitivly young the male is 4 and the female is 2. Any idea what could be wrong? Thanks for the help!
Matt permalinkMarch 9, 2012 4:14 pm
My cat seems to be favoring his left front leg. Not wanting to put any pressure on it, he has begun walking with a limp within the past 2 days. He also seems to be resting a lot, almost like he is dead or something. I am not sure if this is a sign that he may be sick or if it is just something strictly with the paw itself. After reading on here for the symptoms I can tell that it is paining him as he has it curled up underneath when resting. Is this something that could be taken care of by itself, or would it be recommended that I take him to the vet?
March 9, 2012 1:18 am
Thank you. Holly is so much like my kitten. I say 'kitten' but she's 14 and I never even knew her as a kitten. She will interact with me and head butt me but when I leave the room she is "meatloafing". The mobile vet has come and found a tumor in her bladder. We're doing what we can with the mobile medicine such as subQs, antibiotics, supplements, steroids and k/d foot. She has always been a high anxiety cat so trips to the vet were out of the question. So with all her spirit and the pain she is hiding, I'm trying to figure out what's best.
The quality of life survey is so helpful. I will photocopy a stack and fill it in every week. It will help me look objectively at the situation and see the progression. Then I can act most lovingly and fairly for my good friend.
hendrik permalinkMarch 7, 2012 1:16 pm
hi cat is laying don't know what injuries the cat have don't know if a car drove over him can you feed the cat with a serenge?
February 28, 2012 5:19 pm
My Kitty of 16 yrs has been diagnosed with mouth cancer. She used to weigh 17 lbs and now 11.3 lbs. She has always purred ALOT and still does. Has always talked ALOT to me and still does. Her eating is fair at best but continues to drink water, sleep with me and my husband. She acts fine. How do I know if she's in pain? I have made the decision to put her down when she quits acting "normal" or quits drinking. I am struggling if thats the right train of thought. I have always had cats and have put down (2) in the past and I think I waited too long for both and don't want to do the same with this one.
March 9, 2012 1:22 am
Hi Lori,
I am in the same position as you. Wonderful, lovely cat being wonderful and lovely despite a terminal and painful diagnosis. I don't know if you have had a change in your situation but I found this checklist through this site and I will use it. ii too have waited too long in the past. I'm hoping I will see the progression better through this checklist.
Jose permalinkFebruary 27, 2012 12:05 am
My cat has been with many of these symptoms for 2 days now. We are very worried but although she is not eating as much she is still drinking and eating a little. She has been laying down alot sleeping under the kitchen table, I think she is doing it to hide as you said. Please respond quickly and we plan on taking her to the vet as soon as possible.
Theo permalinkFebruary 26, 2012 10:17 pm
My cat is 8 months old and she is unspayed i will be getting her spayed in the next 3 weeks, so over this weekend she started to do this grunting thing now instead of meowing, but at first it happen when i called her name and she grunts, now she grunts and then it turns into a meow, then back to a grunt, her grunting is like she doesnt moves her mouth, i can tell it comes from her throat, its really hard to explain, but i know that she used to grunt when she jumps down off something sometimes, or when i pick her up sometimes, i always ask whats wrong and she just grunts, she does comes towards me when i call her, and i pet her and she purrs, although when i do pet her she lifts her butt up really high. This is my first pet ever and so i dont know to much, i have had her though since she was 3 months old and she has been fine and she had all her shots. She plays with her toys, eats her food and drinks her water,uses the bathroom in the litterbox, and sleeps normally, so what does this mean, could this be from the fact that she is not spayed, or what?
Lacy permalinkFebruary 25, 2012 2:01 pm
I thought I would seek some advice for my current kitty who is behaving strangely.
She is a 16 year old tabby, and a solely indoor cat. She has been relatively healthy all of her life until recently. Within the last month her behavior has changed, the most bizarre being that she nearly lives in her litter box. This is typically disturbing as she'll use the litter box, then proceed to lay right in it afterwards (we try to keep it cleaned out as much as possible, but there are times where she will use it during the night, and we'll find her in it the next morning.) We thought that she might be seeking the comfort of a box, and got her a card board box, placed a towel in it, and moved her over to it after cleaning her up. She instantly took up with the box which was great, until she started using it as a litter box and laying in it afterward, despite her actual litter box being right there.
We have been keeping track of her eating habits, which have not changed. She eats well, usually two cans of cat food a day along with some dry food and water. There hasn't been a change in her bowels or anything, and she uses the box daily with ease. All fluids are clear. She has gradually lost weight over the last two months though, she weighs around 4 pounds now compared to the 9 she weighed this time last year.
She is very affectionate, more-so than she has normally been. She'll typically stay in the box until I enter the room, and she'll hop out and try to crawl up around my neck, purring the whole time and rubbing her face against my head. Sometimes she'll latch her claws into my shirt, and lean as far back as possible, staring at the ceiling, moving her head in circles while meowing loudly. She is very, VERY vocal. If she hears our voices in a nearby room she'll meow several long, drawn out meows that have a different pitch to them than normal. She still knows how to use those claws though, especially when trying wash her long, matted fur after laying in the box. Her eyes also seem different, somewhat dilated, and kind of glossy. The few times she does come out of her box, she'll try to jump up on familiar objects and sometimes misses.
I'm not really sure what is going on, I'm planning a trip to the vet soon, but I fear for the news. I lost a cat about 10 months ago to an enlarged liver, which was a heart-breaking experience (he wanted to eat so badly but would instantly get sick, he had lost over half his body weight in two weeks, seeing him deteriorate before my eyes like that was very painful.) It seemed to happen all so suddenly. I've also had my other cat go missing about a month ago. After fliers, e-mails, postings and searching, I've got nothing.
Any insight as to what might be going on would be appreciated, and possibly prepare me for what I may hear from the vet. Thank you.
Gary permalinkMarch 12, 2012 8:20 pm
My heart goes to you and your beloved ones and so sorry about your missing-one and loss!!!! I just also too suddenly lost-passing-away my 16yo ragdoll-like female Sweety suffering with frequent urination thirst less-eating and hyperthyroidism which required daily methimazole, while I loved and cared about her with all my heart providing her all the healthiest cat and people foods possible I was sadly too slow and late to get medical care and brokenhearted regret it!!!! Your tabby sounds like the sweetest loving 16yo love from your sweetest loving description of her and hoping you can get her back to good health for many more!!!!
Vicky permalinkFebruary 21, 2012 12:54 pm
My 15 year old Siamese cat has not eaten properly for 2 days. She is drinking lots of water and sleeping a lot. She has Dermatitis and is very small and petite. She has not lost any weight but we are worried because of her age. Any idea if she is okay?
queenhobart permalinkJanuary 31, 2012 10:29 pm
My cat is about 10 and has never drunk water–he had some kind of bladder blockage from it when he was a kitten, yet continued to refuse water, so we were instructed to make sure he had wet food w/gravy. Which is fine–that was 8 year ago. Lately he isn't eating as much (though ordinarily he overeats), just draining the gravy and eating a little. Should I be worried? It's hard to tell if he's in pain because he's kind of a jerk, he's always been bitey and continues to be bitey.
Sharon permalinkJanuary 31, 2012 5:07 am
Hi, we came home from work yesterday to find our 5yo ragdoll much quieter than usual. He ate half of his dinner and disappeared upstairs. He lay on the corner of the rug from 1900hrs – 0500hrs without moving. As we were leaving for work I picked him up to put him on the bed and he cried. Since he has laid on the bed barely moving. His 3rd eyelid is not retracting properly. The small movements he is making he looks very stiff (although he was moving OK when we got home, just subdued) As he was out all day yesterday, we have no idea what happened to him, but something clearly did. He is eating a bit (by hand feeding him) and in the last few hours he does appear to be perking up mentally but not physically. What should we do? give hime more time? leave him alone(thats what he seems to want)? Taking him to the vet is not straight forward as officially he is a neighbours cat who has adopted us (if he was mine he wouldnt be out all day!) If we approach the neightbour, she'll just say "oh he's OK" and do nothing. – HELP !
Denise Reddekopp permalinkJanuary 29, 2012 9:39 pm
My Kittens are suddenly very vocal……they haven't been loud kittens before. all the time they will meow and meow. The one kitten walks around crouched, like her bum is in pain. I haven't seen her poo lately, and I think she is constipated, but don't know for sure. Also the weird thing is that I gave them a bath and they were fine for about 4 days, and now they are back to meowing. I am at a loss, I dewormed them last october, with dewormer from a vet, so i don't think it's that. please help any advise will be great, I can' t afford to go to the vet.
NeedHelp permalinkJanuary 26, 2012 3:22 pm
My college roommates adopted two cats and basically abandoned them when we graduated forcing me, a current graduate student living off a very modest student stipend, to become the sole provider for these two animals. Around Thanksgiving, I noticed that one of the cats was using the litter box very frequently, attempting to urinate outside the box, and vocalizing while urinating. I immediately took him to an emergency vet clinic since the other cat has had a UTI two years earlier, and I knew that this could not wait. Nine weeks later, after being examined multiple times by a total of four vets between two vet clinics and undergoing five rounds of antibiotics trying four different ones, I still have not noticed any improvement in his behavior, and at his last vet visit, his urine was still red with blood. He has been on a high quality dry cat food for the past couple of years, and I've even started giving him half a can of wet food mixed with equal parts distilled water and two capsules of Cosequin everyday, but nothing seems to be helping. I refuse to give up on him, but I have just about emptied my bank account caring for him and fear that soon I will have to choose between paying my bills or taking the cat back to the vet to try another unsuccessful round of antibiotics. I am at a complete lost as to what to do. No one has ever even hinted that this could be anything other than a UTI, but I don't understand why none of the antibiotics he's tried is working. Recently, I started noticing that he's been drinking more, so if this is just a very bad bacterial infection, then I'm afraid that renal failure is just over the horizon. Is there anything else I can do to help his recovery or some other diagnosis that I could discuss with his vet? Thanks.
Madison permalinkJanuary 24, 2012 7:39 pm
Hello there,
I have a cat who used to be very playful and energetic. Lately, she stopped eating, and she pees but I've noticed a decrease in poop in the litter box (i have two cats). I took her to the vet and they said something about a heart murmur. I make very little money and they wanted to do 400 dollars worth of test. I did a organ blood test and they said they couldn't find anything wrong. She's very sluggish, and hunched over and doesn't want to move at all. I started syringe feeding her baby food (meat based) the last few days and now she's throwing that up.. Today I picked her up and she cried like she is in a deep amount of pain in her intestinal track. So i don't think that has anything to do with a heart murmur, but I don't know what to do cause I barley have enough money to eat for myself. I make sure they get the best food (wellness or natural balance) she doesn't eat human food… I'm in so much stress that I don't know what to do!!! Please, someone help me!!! I don't want her to die… and I don't want her to be in pain either….
Nicole permalinkJanuary 23, 2012 3:43 am
I have a cat that is about 12 years old and I am very concerned about him. He recently started walking with his back legs closer to the ground and he doesn't like to go for long distances. When I watch him walk from behind…it kind of reminds me of a cowboy who just got off his horse. He can't jump onto high things anymore. He now needs help when he jumps onto to my bed or when he jumps up into my lap, I have to grab him quickly to not let him fall because he does a lot. He has lost some weight, but I see him eat and drink daily. When he poops in the cat box, it's always attached to his backside and then drops outside on the floor. There was a small amount of hair loss behind one of his ears but it's fine now. I am thinking something is wrong with his spine? Could he have cancer? I love this cat so much. I have always had cats in my life, but he is special, and always will be. So, I am worried about him. I have been told by my mom that she thinks he may need to be put down soon if it worsens. Or, that he doesn't have long to live. I can't even think about doing something like that. I can't even imagine putting him down when he would need to be. All this scares me. What's your opinion on possibilities?
January 18, 2012 10:12 pm
I just got a russian blue kitten two to three weeks ago and he was just a little one. My daughter's friend pretty much pawned him on us. Ive never owned a pet as an adult, let alone a cat.
Anyway, the cat always follows me purrs loudly meows and head butts me circles around my chest and kneck area rubbing against me, and meow. Will lay on me at first while I pet, nuzzle, and kiss him. Yesterday I heard a girgle noise in his stomach and also today. No I didnt put my ear to his stomach. I heard it without that. He is still playful. Im trying to get him to stop biting and scratching me; just being playful. He is a total sweetheart but very active and jealous of my laptop. As Im typing this he was trying to sit on it.
Anyway, is purring loudly and him rubbing against me while meowing normal for a young kitten? Is the girgling noise which I heard once yesterday and once today normal? He did just eat a meal I noticed soon after now. I didnt notice it yesterday.
As of now I have no money so I cant take him to get examed. Got to come up with the 38. I know it seems small but Im really struggling and dont have it.
Like I said right now he pouncing around playing.
Please help. Im in tears. Now he is curled up next to going to sleep. It seems he is sleeping more today. I have no experience and unsure whats normal to the developmental patterns of kittens.
January 18, 2012 10:16 pm
I know he is trying to get my attention somehow. I played with him and fed him. Maybe he is jealous of computer? IDK.
January 18, 2012 10:19 pm
Oh and ever since I got him he sneezes once or twice a day. No discharge coming from nose or eyes. I called vet and explained and they said probably allergies since he wasnt lethargic or showing discharge while sneezing. I need to do some research to see if there is any vets that will check him out for free.
Lynne O permalinkJanuary 18, 2012 3:03 pm
My 15 month old male cat was hit by a car 5 days ago, we took him to the vet immediately. The vet says he has a broken leg and damage to his pelvis. He has been eating small amounts and passing urine ok, but as yet has not passed faeces (the vet says no sign of obstruction in the xray, and unlikely that the bowel nerve is damaged and not the bladder nerve. I've been calling twice a day for updates, but the vet says he want s to wait and see if he passes faeces before deciding to treat his breaks. Given that it has now been 5 days and the vet now says he wants to give it a few more days.. I'm at my wits end and very worried that the vet is not being very informative and just keeps saying we have to "wait" and see…he also said that today he hasn't had any food and hasn't passed urine… Why do I feel like this Vet is being vague ?.. my cat is insured so money is not an issue.. I told him on day one to do whatever was necessary to help him through this… should I be getting a second opinion ?
Brittani permalinkJanuary 16, 2012 5:45 am
My cat is acting strange, she's not as active/loving as she usually is. Quiet, very unaffectionate, hides, hasnt been eating lately, staring at things deeply not minding any of her surroundings, sleeping alot more, and ugh I got her declawed and spayed last week (which I regret doing…. )': ) i was wondering if that has anything to do with her acting like this? /:
January 16, 2012 1:09 am
I know my cat is in pain, but I do't know what to do to help her. I adopted her 5.5 years ago and she had loose stools, but seemed to get better over time. When I introduced a new kitten, she started having loose stool again and over a period of about 2.5 tears the loose stool developed into consistent diarrhea with blood and mucus. I have taken her to several vets and had a full screen of tests done. It was a few hundred dollars, but all they told me was that she tested positive for Chrones, most likely due to a food allergy.
Even before the vet visit I suspected food allergy and fed her an limited ingredient diet, but it didn't help. Then I started feeding her the PX food recommended, but it didn't help. They had me give her pregnisone(?) for awhile, but it didn't really help either.I recently started feeding her raw food- from some special pet food company, and she seemed to be better. However, I know my poor kitty is in pain all the time. Her little but is always raw and bleeding and often her eyes water or she walks slow or howls if you touch her the wrong way.
I finally thought maybe the raw food was helping because her poo, though not solid was no longer liquid, but then today a dog attacked her. He didn't break the skin, but he really got a hold of her little body and hurt her. I took her to the ER and they said she would be okay, but that she was traumatized and very sore. After the attack she came in and pooed on the floor, it was once again liquid and there was a lot of blood, she also vomited twice. I told the vet this, but they still thought she's probably be okay.
All night she has just laid there curled up, she won't eat, though I got her to drink some water (which by the way, both my cats drink a lot of water- the other cat seems very healthy- large and beautiful.) Anyhow, I guess I have 2 issues, but any advice on what I can do to help my kitty is appreciated. Btw, she also took some kind of medicine that's like an anti-biotic for awhile, but that didn't cure her problem- However, I worry that her problem might be caused from the stress of the other cat. They seem to be friends, but they argue too and he is a lot bigger than her, but usually a fraidy cat.
Gina permalinkJanuary 14, 2012 4:50 pm
I have a twelve year old cat that has hyperthyroidism and gets meds for it twice a day. About the same time he started the meds (about a year ago) he started getting this terrible rash and he's losing more weight. We took him to the vet. Over the course of the last year he has been at the vets several times for the same thing. They have tried steroids, antibiotics, and they've had me change litter, his food, the bowls he eats from, you name it. Today his whole stomach is practcally an open wound. I've decided to take him to another vet but has anyone else had this situation? Could it be he's allergic to his meds? Is there another med for hyperthyroidism? What ould happen if we took him off it for a few days? Thanks.
Gina permalinkJanuary 14, 2012 4:38 pm
My 8 year old cat used to have uti's regularly when he was young which caused several odd behaviors. Once I started him on a special diet specifically for urinary health he stopped having problems and has not had any issues for over 6 years. I also make sure he has filtered water but I 'm not sure if that has any effect or not.
Shaina permalinkJanuary 13, 2012 1:48 am
I have a male cat who is 5 years old. He has history of UTI. He vomits quite frequently, I have brought him to the vet and they said he just eats to fast. I just noticed today that he is walking with a slight limp and an arched back. I know I have to bring him to the vet, I will be doing so tomorrow, but I just want to see if anyone on here had an opinion about it. Thanks
Mantodea23 permalinkJanuary 10, 2012 1:41 am
I have an 11 1/2 year old neutered male tabby. He is normally very active, vocal, playful, and affectionate. The only odd thing is, whenever my boyfriend uses the blender in the kitchen he becomes very spooked and jumpy and remains that way for many hours after. When he gets in this mood he flips out when we try to touch him and calm him down. I kept thinking that maybe he pulled a muscle when he initially flipped out and that perhaps he is sore now and doesnt want attention. After reading the symptoms of cat pain above, i realize that he doesnt seem to be in pain. But why is he freaking out everytime we try to touch him. I cant imagine the sound of the blender would traumaztize him to this degree.
suzanne permalinkJanuary 3, 2012 6:57 pm
We have a kitten that has been limping, withdrawing, and in pain. We have taken to vet 3 timrs. The did exray of her leg snd the found nothing. Fr. Said we need to accept as a behavior change. I knie Im not a Vet, but someting is wrong. Very loving kitten is afraid of us….seems to be scared we will pick her up. She lives under our bed and ignores her best pal, another Q yr old kitten. Limping on back left foot. Seems to walk on tip of paw. Wimpers when she gets uo. Drags legs behind her when she moves under the bed. We have contacted another vet, any guidance?
sophia permalinkJanuary 3, 2012 4:48 pm
My 1 year old ginger tabby has been acting a bit strange lately. She is a very outgoing and affectionate cat (who thinks she is a dog) when me and my partner come home she runs to the car and follows us in, when we go to bed she comes up with us and sleeps in her bed all night then gets up with us, is this normal? her recent change in behaviour is that her skin is twitching ( she does not have fleas as we took her to the vet and she has 70 pounds worth of treatment and i have checked her reguarly) her tail is always flicking. She also seems to be going off into hiding places a lot more. her tummy is bigger and she has been extremly touchy if we go to comb her. I have also noticed she is staring at things a lot as though she is deep in concentration.
She has not been spayed yet, she is very small for her size people look at her and think she about six months old but she is 18 months old!
mindy permalinkJanuary 2, 2012 10:18 am
My cat meows every time I touch the lower half of her body. (like by her tale) I know something is hurting her. She has harldly ate. hardly walks. I pick her up and she cries. I am not sure why. I was helping my sister move yesterday for about 5 hours. My mother was at my apartment watching my son. I came home and my mom was asleep, I saw my cat on my bed, and I picked her up to lay close to me and she let out a loud cry like I hurt her. I didnt want to wake up my mom, So I dont know if she got hurt or something while I was gone. I called my boyfriend to see what I should do. He said give it a day. I leave for work at 4 in the morning. She sleeps with me every night and I woke up this morning and now She is now hiding somewhere. I called her name and she didnt reply. I had to leave so I didnt search for her… She was a stray so I don't know if she is spayed, she has gained weight. So I am not sure if she pregnant.I am at work now and I can't stop thinking about it. Should I take her to the vet?
December 29, 2011 11:55 pm
I have a new question. I had to put the cat down that I asked you about earlier…turned out he had colon cancer and crashed the day I took him to the vet. I waited a week after he died and couldn't stand it any longer so I got a new cat. This one is a 12 year old spayed male and he's very loveable. Last week I was sleeping and he woke me up crying. I sat up and he came running up the bed and attacked my shoulder (no claws) and bit my cheek (not hard). It only lasted about 30 seconds and then he was fine and normal again.
Well,tonight he was sleeping beside me and all of a sudden he woke up and started crying again and started attacking first my arm (no claws) and and then he climbed up my arm and bit the hair on the back of my head. After about 5 mins he finally let go and now he's fine again. His penis was hard too….like he was mounting me?
He did the same thing to one of my other cats when she jumped on the bed and woke him up a few days ago. He grabbed her by the nape with his teeth and pinned her to the bed. I had to physically remove him from her….then he was fine again.
Tonight's episode lasted longer than the other two and I'm worried he may have an illness that's making him act this way.
Oh, and for the last week he wakes me up 3-4 times a night crying and scratching at my door, though my door is open….very strange.
Any ideas??
Thanks again!
richard permalinkJanuary 3, 2012 7:18 pm
male cats can be aroused by simply a human simply by rubbing their tummy and a male cat does nip and bite a female when in 'arousal mode'. however an older cat can become more grouchy, one of the reasons being deafness. best thing to as with all worries, small or big, drop by the vet and explain your story,oh and by the way bad behaviour can be treated with cats too!
Mantodea23 permalinkJanuary 10, 2012 1:46 am
My 11 1/2 male neutered tabby does the same thing, only with my daughter's stuffed animals. I have to keep her room shut when we are not home. Also, if we fail to make the bed and leave the blankets in a pile on the bed then he will hump the bedding. I just think he is horny by nature. He has never tried it with me though thank goodness. I spray him with a water bottle when i catch him violating my daughters stuffed animals
Alex Bancroft permalinkDecember 27, 2011 12:15 pm
Lily – my 9 month old kitten has started acting strange. She is laying on her back with her legs spread and sometimes pushing on me or the couch with those legs and she is sleeping this way. Every once in a while she does a little meow in this position and has her eyes open even though she is breathing heavily as if asleep. She is not playing around with her sister and seems lethargic. She is eating and drinking, but I can't tell if she is going to the bathroom other than urinating (which she is doing that). I almost think she is trying to tell me she is in pain. I am taking her to the vet this afternoon, but was wondering your opinion. She does seem to be licking her lips a lot as well.
chelsea permalinkDecember 23, 2011 8:06 am
hi/ today my mom woke me up and she told me our car is acting weird and it was scaring her because she was attacked by our last cat. He has a few of the signs that was described on this website but i want to double check just in case. so, this morning my cat was laying in his litter box, back hunched with paws under stoomach. he's sort of quite now even though He was growling at my mom whenever she would go near him or say hi patches. when we looked at him, it looked like he had a far away look on his face. he was moving slowly and everyonce in a while he was squinting his eyes. i cant even remember the last time he ate and he threw up yesturday and went to sit in the litter box after wards but then he got up and did something. wow, this looks bad. a couple minutes after we stared at him today he went behind our excersise machine. i think its so he can hide. i heard some animals hide when they're going to die. my mom's friend's cat had black dots in its mouth and turned out the cat had a brain tumor. my cat has the same black dots in his mouth. do you think it means he's dyeing, in pain or just wantes to be alone? we can't afford to take him in to the vet. do you think it's best we out him down?
Michelle Winters permalinkDecember 16, 2011 4:38 pm
For kidney disease in cats, go to petwellbeing.com, click onto cats and order Tripsy – you can read all the testimonials, your cat has a very good chance of recovering, please pay extra to get it fast, kitty will start to feel better immediately.
Good luck!
Fellow kitty lover
de car permalinkJanuary 23, 2014 6:28 pm
no my kitty died right after giving her the kidney petwellbeing. be care ful be safe order 3 products from them. trying one toxic mold right now tried thyriod, made my cat worse, my other just died 4 say giving her the kidney formula please research first.
tasha permalinkDecember 14, 2011 9:42 am
my cat is about 3 months, she was givin to me, she had all her shots n stuff,, well thats what they told me,, last night she was fine, this mornin she was hollerin like she was in heat but it was brief, so i start talkin to her n i notice that she rockin but she's in a ball, then when she blinks this white or gray look eye pid comes from the bottom of her eye,, n it scared me,, what should i do? its my first cat, ima dog kinda gal, but even then none of my dogs got sick, but my cat is really scarin me,, never saw anythin like it
Ellen connell permalinkDecember 13, 2011 9:00 am
My cat is about 12 years old and she is overweight. We have tried dieting her. She is very picky with her eating. She licks the gravy off her food recently. For the past 3 days she has not been eating very much and will drink more water then usual. Today I noticed her legs shaking and she looks drowsier than normal she then threw up yellow. She has for a few years crouched on her stomach and put her head down to sleep. Today she has been acting very strange and won't move as much and seems to be in pain when I move her. I have also fed her milk and she has drank it down well and not thrown it up. Will the milk help er as she hasn't been eating? Please help. I'm taking her to the vet first thing in the morning but is there anything else I can do to help her?
Thank you for your time
Sumaya permalinkDecember 12, 2011 1:47 am
Hello my 12 week old kitty acts really strangely and I dont know what this behaviour means. She likes to sit on items of my clothing such as my scarf, jeans or even my own hand and with her nose she smells and at the same time keeps stepping alternatively with her front two paws. Putting her weight from one foot to the other and swapping. What does this mean?? She tends to do this before eventually falling asleep on the item of clothing.
Thank you
Dara permalinkDecember 18, 2011 11:35 pm
( : She is making you biscuits. You should enjoy them.
motherof2cats permalinkDecember 18, 2011 11:35 pm
your cat is just kneeding…it is completely normal! have fun with your new bundle of fur 🙂
richard permalinkJanuary 3, 2012 7:04 pm
agreed, this cat is kneading, or as some say 'patting' it's a happy thing, your kitty is just getting cosy.
Nonie permalinkMarch 1, 2012 3:28 am
She is kneading. its like kittens do to their mother cat when drinking milk. Its a sign of affection, so enjoy it 🙂
Twiggy permalinkDecember 11, 2011 11:22 pm
my 10yr old male cat all of a sudden started hiding under my bed stopped eating and drinling nad going the litter box. Took to vet theey said constipated and did an ademma on him and also was dehyidrated. He has been home with us now for about 4 days still hides under bed and I basically have to force him to eat and drink. act very very differnt towards everyone like he doesn't love us anymore always looking at us mad and meowing at us. Could it be someething else? Someone said maybe he had stroke … He meows when ever touched what should I do will he ever be the loving cat he was before?
maria vodola permalinkDecember 9, 2011 6:44 pm
My 15.5 year old cat is drinking a lot of water. He eats well and is affectionate. I am almost sure from what I read that he has renal disease. Other than diet change is there anything I can do? Does anyone know a good diet? How will I know if he is in pain? Is there really anything the VET can do to help the condition. I don't see much about what can be done to help except diet and that is not of course a cure.
Any help?
Carole permalinkDecember 13, 2011 11:50 pm
Google ASTRO oil for CRF. My 18 yr old cat is on this diet.
Cindy permalinkDecember 8, 2011 11:03 am
My 2 y/o male cat has been acting paranoid the past few days. His back will ripple as if something is biting him and his tail will flicker. He's acting skittish and will all the sudden go into panic mode and lick himself profusely as if he has some sort of tick. He has also been hiding behind and underneath our couch a lot like if he's scared of something. His appetite has changed a bit, I've noticed he's eating less but he is still going to the bathroom as usual. All these behavior problems aren't normal for him. Normally he's a great eater finishes all his food will even ask for more. He's never been a skittish cat not even as a kitten given the fact that he's a stray we rescued from the streets. He is a indoor only cat, has been neutered over a year ago, nothing has changed at home that would cause this all of the sudden strange behavior. Oh and he also doesn't have any fleas, we have him on medication for that and I give him regular baths which believe it or not he loves! Please help! What could be causing my usually calm/relaxed cat to turn into a paranoid/skittish cat? Could it be that he's in pain and that is his way of showing it?
Dara permalinkDecember 11, 2011 9:32 pm
Did he get into chocolate?
Ali permalinkDecember 6, 2011 4:13 pm
My 9 month old kitty, Ellie, has always been a very friendly, playful cat and is always always purring. Ellie is strictly an inside cat. She follows me everywhere I go in the house and every time I sit down she jumps on my lap to play, be rubbed, or even nap… up until 2 days ago. Now, Ellie barley comes out of her room and when I grab her to rub her she jumps out of my arms and runs back to her room and gets on her cat tower. She has been just laying down in her room and doesn't come out anymore. BEFORE I noticed a change in Ellie's behavior, I could only count on one hand how many times i HAVEN'T heard her purr since I got her at 7 weeks old. She has not purred since Saturday Morning. Her eyes have been wide open lately and her pupils are really big. Can you help me and tell me what is wrong with my Ellie?
Meredith permalinkNovember 26, 2011 4:32 pm
My cat has been sick since last january with what sounds almost like a bad cold or infection. Shes constantly sneezing, sounds extremely congested, and has lots of mucus/snot. Our vet has no idea whats wrong with her obviously because they keep giving us meds that wont work. What is there left to do?! Shes been on lysine powder, clavamox drops, changed litter and food also (incase she was alergic), nothings worked. Getting verrrry frustrated and worried!
Jenn D permalinkNovember 18, 2011 2:01 am
Greetings Doc,
My 5 yo cat, Boobo, has exhibited a behavior I've never seen in a cat before: while walking forward, she stops suddenly, crouches down, cries and growls and backs up with her belly on the ground. This happened the first time a few days ago and I looked her over but found nothing wrong. After that she seemed fine. She did it again this evening, and again, a few minutes later seems fine. Her appetite, water intake, urine and stool have all been normal with the exception that she does seem to put a bit more effort into defecating lately. Her food has not been changed.
Her only health issue that I'm aware of ( i only adopted her about 9 months ago) is that she is overweight (15lbs on a relatively large frame). I adopted her in that condition and have been working to help her loose. Her foster did mention to me that she used to trim her claws. I did it for a couple months then stopped because it seemed an unnecessary trauma. After she was crying tonight though, that was the only thing I could think of that would cause her to behave that way so I scooped her up and cut them.
Is there anything you know of that would cause that sort of reaction? I moved a couple months after I got Boobo and have not found the "right vet". Does it sound like I need to step up the search effort?
Thanks in advance for any advice you might have,
mt permalinkDecember 5, 2011 8:01 pm
is she fixed? It sounds almost like heat.
michelle permalinkNovember 13, 2011 9:44 pm
I have a question my cat has been losing weight and his mouth is all inflamed and his breath is really bad. He's eating but not very much. We took him to the vet and they gave him antibiotics and they didn't work. This is the second timE this has happened what could be wrong with my cat? Any ideas?
Ash permalinkNovember 7, 2011 12:06 am
I just had a question regarding my cats health! She has always been extremely vocal (she was born deaf) but lately she has been unbearable. She is a strict inside cat and is only 2.5 years old, but has only just started walking around the house yowling and making really strange noises, particularly at night. It is to the point where I can't sleep because she is so loud and she's locked up in the family room/kitchen/laundry area. She has also started licking herself constantly down there and a small amount of blood is present in her urine. I don't know if this is because she is on heat? Could she have a UTI?
Also about 3 weeks ago she stopped eating properly. She doesn't seem to be able to eat anything other than small biscuits. She still looks excited for food but after a couple if bites she just stops eating. I think she's still hungry though as she gets excited if i bring out any other food! It's like she can't eat. I have taken her to the vet twice and they put her on antibiotics the first time I first noticed her change in appetite (a few months back) and things didnt get any worse. Then it got to this stage and I took her back and they did blood tests and looked down her throat and in her mouth and said they don't know what's wrong and they might need to take her to a specialist. I can't really afford this though.
Do you have any ideas?
Ash permalinkNovember 7, 2011 12:12 am
Sorry just to add, I have tried her on three different brands of cat food and all different consistencies. She doesn't seem to like bigger biscuits or canned food that is loaf style. The only food she eats for longer than a mouthful are the small purina biscuits or canned food that has tiny bits in gravy (flakes of tuna seem to be ok too). It's almost as if something is causing her pain to eat but she has no inflammation or abnormalities physically or in her blood work!
Corinne permalinkOctober 31, 2011 7:42 am
HI, I am new to the website. My cat is 10lbs plus a little. She went to the vet recently due to tape worms she got from fleas. We will be moving back to california in 5 wks and she has been acting weird the last 5 days. We recently got her a kitten because we were keeping her inside and she warmed up to her and they play. The last week or so she has been very pissy for no reason. At first I thought it was that the kitten just annoyed like crazy but it's not. When we went to the vet last week she threw the biggest fit I have ever seen her throw. Never has she acted like that. She was angry the entire time. She has been spending all her time outside and when she comes in she just wants to lay on our bed and in our room. Which is normal except when we love on her the growls at us and acts all mad. It's not a certain that hurts her. I've checked multiple times. I don't want to find out in a few months something is wrong but we don't have money to throw on a bunch of tests with a vet. Is there any advice or ideas about what is going on with her or what I can do? She is only 3 1/2 years old.
October 24, 2011 10:35 pm
I have a 10 year old cat who has been sickly since he was born. When he was younger he had diarreah often but as he gold older that cleared up. Then about 5 months ago he started limping and dragging his hind foot. I took him to the vet and had xrays and blood work done and everything was good except that he was very constipated. The vet things the constipation caused nerve pressure and damaged his nerve. The vet did say that it was possible his leg wouldn't get better, and it hasn't. I stated him on wet food twice a day with a little bit of fiber in his food once a day. I also gave him his own cat box. We have three other cats and he does get stressed out sometimes around them so I now keep him locked in my bedroom alone during the day. But the past month he's been losing weight. He's hobbling more and where his leg didn't seem to hurt before, it seems to hurt now. When he lays down he sometimes acts as if he can't get comfortable with his leg. He's lost weight and he's become very bony. It reminds me of how our hamster looked when he got old and died. I'm not opposed to caring for him in whatever way I can to keep him happy and alive but I'm worried about his qualify of life. I did take the quality of life test and came up with a 35. I've noticed the past couple of days he won't drink, and he licks his lips when I put water near him but he won't drink. I hate to say that I'm low on cash for a vet, but the truth sucks. I spend my evenings in my room with him and most of the time he curls up next to me or crawls up to sit on my chest, curled in my arms. His breathing seems normal. It's just that leg that really seems to hurt and I'm wondering if the pain is what's keeping him from drinking. Though he does eat well…he has not problem with that. Oh, and he's always had a problem with throwing up…ever since he was a baby. That hasn't changed…though he only throws up once or twice a week, that I see….I am going to call my vet but I was wondering if there is anything I should ask about…since last time all they found was the constipation.
Thank you for listening.
CC permalinkDecember 4, 2011 7:34 am
Please take her back to a veterinarian and have her heart looked at, our cat had exactly the same problems and he had a blood clot and we discovered he had quite advanced heart disease after visiting 5 different vets. He is now on daily medication and though has not improved is very comfortable, plays with us, and is eating well again.
December 4, 2011 8:47 pm
Thanks CC but I did take him to the vet on October 31st and it turned out he had advanced colon cancer. Not sure why it didn't show up in the blood work 3 months before that but he was in a LOT of pain by the time I got him to the vets and I had to put him down. He went peacefully with my face buried in his neck as he went. I still miss him every day but I'm really glad he's not in pain anymore.
Janice permalinkOctober 4, 2011 11:21 am
Love this site-I have a vet however I think age has a lot to do with caring for animals-not their age but mine. I get information from this site and
then can be a little more informed with my questions. I was very interested in finding out about steroids. One of my cats had gum desease and had to have her teeth pulled to try and help it. But I had to get more blood panel tests and the test (1) was good and the other came back showing 3 other things wrong. All in all she kept getting the bleeding back in her gums the second blood panel showed she had clamedia(spelling wrong) after one liquid made her foam profusely and run through the house , they gave her a steroid shot and this stopped the bleeding
and her appetite came back. She had a shot about once a month for 2 or 3 months. I moved and changed vets . They requested the records of
her but did not get them. I did not know I might have to pay for them. Anyway I'not a pro. so I can only ask a lot of questions and dig further into
finances to pay for all this. Thank You for being where I can see others have the same problems. Like rashes with no explanation.
Thank You again Doctor
chris permalinkOctober 2, 2011 7:20 pm
hi i wonderd if u could help me my cat has been sneezing and losing weigh so i decided to take him to the vets ,the vet gave me penaclin for his sneezing but he said i would like to put him to sleep because he found a little lump on his side , i dont know what to do ? i love my cat to bits , hes 10yrs old now , should i get a second apion? he said he has leukemia but how can he say its leukemia without any bloody tests or an x-ray ? i really hope u can help me thanks
hanna permalinkAugust 31, 2011 5:22 pm
We have an adopted female cat that is 18-20 years of age. She has had health issues for the past 1-2 years. She has hyper thyroid (is getting medicine which has lowered her levels) and has a UTI every time we go to the vet. She keeps loosing weight and eats and drinks like crazy. Vet also says that she has kidney issues. Every time we go to the Vet we spend hundreds of dollars on blood test, urine analysis and other tests. The result is always that the cat is really old, and that they can't really do anything for her. It feels like we are just spending and spending on this old cat… Do you know of a knowledgeable, honest Vet in the Dallas area that will honestly tellus if we should put her to sleep or not?
September 3, 2011 11:07 pm
I don't know anything about thyroid issues, but I do know from experience about kidney issues. I was told by a vet (at Petsmart) that my cat had kidney disease and would likely die soon. Whenever she got dehydrated and very sick they would give her IV fluids and she would be ok for a while and then she would go downhill again and we would go through more tests and more fluids. I wanted to be more proactive, rather than waiting for her to be on death's doorstep and then they would do something, so I went to a cat specialist hospital in Tulsa, OK where I live. They did a $45 ultrasound on her kidneys (which the other vet said I would have to go to our veteranary college to get and would cost $300). Anyway, they discovered she only had a kidney stone, but it unfortunately blocked her kidney and basically killed it. They taught me how to give her fluids at home a couple of times a week by placing a needle under the skin on the scruff of her neck and pushing a fluid bag into her to keep her hydrated and flush her kidneys for her. The results were AMAZING!! She was back to her old self, although only functioning on one kidney. They only rechecked her kidney values aka expensive bloodwork every 6 months then as long as she was doing well. Also, kidney issue cats need to be on a specific low protein diet because their kidneys can't process it well.
August 18, 2011 1:47 pm
my cat is 17 – she is an inside cat, has a thyroid issue but won't take the medication no matter how it is given. she has always been loud. but now is extremely loud – and doesn't want to be alone at all… she used to be independent. now she cries and wakes me up at 2:30am, 4:30am and 6:30am – on the nose… she likes to be fed fresh food at 4 hour intervals, won't eat what is left in the dish – and I know she is either losing her sight or balance… because she won't jump high anymore – or walk along the edge of something… but i realize that she fairly old for a cat. is she just getting older and that is causing her to be more afraid – and therefore loud to wake me up because she needs attention by way of cuddling – because she indeed loves to be petted – i think she would let me pet her 24 hours a day = if i would do it.
sometimes she goes a day without eating, but not often – and usually that picks right up the next day. she has never gone 2 days without eating. She fills up the litter box everyday – and goes in the same spot – even if the clumping litter is piled high in that spot, but never goes out of the litter box.
I guess i want to know if this is just her getting old, or if she is maybe dying? i really can't afford a visit to the vet – when she goes – she requires sedation every time – and that adds 350 dollars to the bill automatically… so i can't do that.
August 29, 2011 4:53 pm
My cat is also hyperthyroid and I left him untreated for so long he suffered serious heart damage. He would also not take pills so we used the ear gel for about 2 years before it stopped working. Now we crush the pills and mix it either with a couple of tsps of his favourite food or treat. Currently he loves Heinz sweet potato and turkey baby food (those are the only ingredients) but my other cat liked the creamed corn baby food. If you use baby food only those 2 are safe… or perhaps a pain meat… it's impt that there are no spices or onions or garlic in the food). I was almost in despair as he would not take the pills in anything until we tried the baby food. (Prior to that he did take it in a few spoonfuls of recovery canned food from the vet.) Good luck!
Eli permalinkAugust 4, 2011 9:15 pm
Ginger my 12 yr old americann shorthair has been hiding out lately and losing weight he does seem to squint and we brought him to the vet, and he was supposed to geet put to sleep today but he seemed to do better today lots of purring and didnt seem in any pain so we decided to postpone having him put to sleep, he is on pain meds and appetite stimulants right now and he is anemic 18% red blood cell count, we're not quite sure if we should put him down yet or not because we dont know if hes in any pain, the vet said putting him to sleep could be a viable option. im 12 yrs old. we really love ginger and want to do whats best im just looking for a 3rd opinion. What do you think we should do? please help! Thank you
Mary permalinkJuly 28, 2011 3:35 pm
I have a female 18 year old himalyan….she has been loosing weight the past 6 months or so but still eats quite well. She does seem to drink alot but usually meows for cold water so we change it quite often. It has been a long time since she has jumped high up or down so we use alot of items around the house to help her get up or down but now and then she does fall. This morning she must have cause she seems to be limping and slowly walking….her face is squinted and eyes somewhat closed as she sits all crotched up…………..She feel one other time and seemed to be fine in a day or 2 and not sure if this is the same type of illness?. I guess I am afraid to take her to a vet cause they may tell me she is old and I should put her to sleep and I dont want to hear that so I sort of baby her myself and pray for her to heal……any suggestions from you? thanks
June 12, 2011 11:42 pm
Thanks doc truli
but you misunderstood that I have 2 cats I only have one she got out of the house the other night but thank for advice I will try to get a vet and 1 more litter box I will try to raise money too for a better cat toys and stuff
1 more thing how do you train a cat with treats
June 12, 2011 2:51 am
Is it ok for a person who does not have enough money for a vet let a cat go without one for 1 year
June 12, 2011 2:49 am
Um well I want to know if my cat is in pain because she is always hiding and she almost got attacked by another cat but i stopped it then when she was in the house her eyes got big then small and looking all over the place I just want to know because I really care for her
Richard H. permalinkJune 6, 2011 6:37 am
I moved to a new state back in January, and just a week or two ago, I noticed that one or both of my cats have started pooing and peeing in my bedroom. About two months ago I switched to a natural kitty litter made of corn, and several weeks ago, I noticed fruit flies or gnats hanging out by the litter and sometimes were even in the litter. So, I changed litters to the one made of newspapers thinking it was the corn element the flies were after. I was right, the flies are all but gone, but it's been a few days now and the cats are STILL going in my bedroom. I've spotted both doing it, but Toulouse is doing it more than Andy, and I suspect Andy is just doing it out of competition (I've also seen Andy go in the kitty litter, but haven't seen Toulouse use the litter since this started except for the time I pushed him in after getting the new newspaper litter and he went.)
Everything else seems normal. They both eat regularly; drink regularly; behave the same as usual; and, judging by my bedroom, catching Toulouse in the act, and how often I have to clean the litter, it seems like they're both urinating and defecating pretty regularly. It seems to be just this new behavior with peeing in my room (and I'm thrown off by the fact that this started a good month or so after getting this new corn litter and several months after moving). There's no blood in his urine, but I've watched Toulouse pee and I can't tell if he's in pain when he pees other than his puts his ears down (but since my litter box is covered, I have no idea if this is a usual thing for him). Either way, do you think this is simply being picky about the litter or could it possibly be UTI (the lack of other noticeable symptoms has me doubting this, but as that can be very serious, and a common reason for a disturbance in litter habits, I have to ask)? I can't stand clay litter (and I'm not a huge fan of this newspaper litter either), but I'll gladly go back to clay if it puts a stop to me constantly cleaning my carpet.
One other thought… a bit of a long shot but still worth mentioning. I keep their kitty litter in a bathroom in the tub. About the time this all started, a knocking sound started coming from the bathtub drain whenever the air conditioner is on. Living in Texas, the A/C is on a LOT. Could a simple, repetitive knocking be enough to unnerve them from using the litter box?
Thanks for any input,
meredith permalinkJune 5, 2011 3:12 pm
Hi, I hope you will be able to respond to this.
My cat a female about 8 years old and recently (after changing to a new food for "adult cats 7 years +" made by Purina (the same maker of the food I had previously been feeding her), she began dragging her butt around on the carpet. She's done this before, but has eventually stopped on her own. This time, she seems more agitated than usual – she is also licking herself and is generally dirtier down there. She is a very sweet cat, and continues to purr and snuggle with me as if nothing is wrong. I rubbed her anus with a warm paper towel to help her clean it and noticed some brownish liquid coming out of it.
What do you think? I have no problem taking her to the vet, but I would appreciate your opinion.
What do you think?
matt j permalinkApril 18, 2011 10:32 pm
my kitten got stepped on and is hurt no cash for a vet whats the best i can do for him he is sleeping but still breathing if something is wrong like internal bleeding will he die for sure man this sucks he pooped when it happened and he acted like the wind was knocked out of him please help….
Confused in what to do?? permalinkApril 16, 2011 12:59 pm
i accidently stepped on my kittens paw what should i do to treat it
should i it take to a vet. can i give it paracetamol?
Confused in what to do?? permalinkApril 17, 2011 12:42 pm
Dont Worry it will hopefully be better by to orow if not take it to the vets for a check up
Nonie permalinkMarch 1, 2012 3:49 am
I hope you know that one is NOT supposed to give human medicine to cats without a vet's advice, as much of human medicine can be fatal for cats. Please take your cat to a vet. Good luck!
February 14, 2011 4:21 pm
we took in a stray kitty, she seemed 2 months old, one day her third eye-lid covered half of her eyes and she was very lazy ,and her right hind leg was also swollen,she kept it in air (before she was active and playful)she started sleeping here and there, we took her to vet who said she has fever and gave her a dose of ibuprofen, next day she seemed better but her pain on her right hind leg was still not better,i took her to vet again, who checked and said she had no fever however gave her a pain shot in the neck, she did not eat or drink anything for the rest of the day, and would not come out of her basket, next day she died, now once during this last week, she tried to bit me, leaving just a single dot mark of her pointed teeth on my skin, it did not bleed, but the skin was off that dot and i cld see red, i rem washing it,the spot wound healed in a few days,no mark anymore after a few days i had flu and have sputum cough, my doctor diagnosed bronchitis, so i am kinda worried, do you think there is a possibility of my kitten's death caused by Rabies (she died peacefully, no agitation or abnormal sounds,she was just sleepy all the time)?
February 17, 2011 6:33 am
i have had antibitoics course of claritek,augmentin and now finally avelox for 5 days, my flu is gone, sputum has dried ,feeling better now.Yes we do miss our kitty, my daughter 6 yr old, would not stop crying and she stayed by her grave for so long.But now after knowing all this, I am pretty scared to take a pet in,its a huge responsibility.Thank You for you concern and advice,much appreciated
Kiersyn Miller permalinkFebruary 9, 2011 10:03 pm
My kitty has been laying down for two days. He will get up to eat food about two times a day but I am still worried about him. He was in aright with another male a few days ago and his front left paw is injured. We took him to the vet who said that it just needs sometime to heal. At the moment he is laying down in his bed and he is breathing heavily. Should I be worried?
Kiersyn Miller permalinkFebruary 9, 2011 10:04 pm
I meant to say a fight
Kelly permalinkJanuary 5, 2011 3:56 pm
my cat is an indoor/outdoor cat and does really well with being outside. Last night he spent the night outside. This morning around 8am, when I let him in he seemed fine — he was even up on the roof of the neighbors house and climbed down their fence like he usually does and he seemed completely normal.
However, since I have returned home around 1pm, he has been acting strange. He has not wanted me or my other cats to come near him and he growls and meows loudly when I act like I am going to touch him. I think he is in pain. I gingerly touched his back near his left leg and he meowed extremely loudly! I don't see any wounds on him. Now he is curled up sleeping on the couch. I don't understand what could have happened when I was gone when he seemed fine when he came inside. Should I take him to the vet?
Lindsay permalinkDecember 28, 2010 12:38 am
Hi, I'm hoping maybe you can help me since I can't seem to find any kind of other helpful sites on the internet and I'm beginning to get very worried about my cat. He is a very quiet, fat little cat who, just today, has started to be very vocal when trying to use the litter box. He seems like he's in a bit of pain, and when he tries to go he usually runs away bellowing and leaving tiny little splotches of what I can only assume must be blood behind on the floor around the box. I can't tell if he's constipated or if it's his urinary tract, so I gave him a little flavored mineral oil I had around for hairballs, thinking it would maybe loosen up his bowels. I went to work and came home and found no change in him. My vet isn't open, and I really can't afford to bring him in, although I guess I will if he doesn't improve… Is there anything I can do at home to help him?
Kathy P permalinkDecember 12, 2010 12:51 am
Thank you so much for the picture – my 18 year old kitty has dementia and has been declining. Her main problem has been not using the litter box appropriately, anorexia and just general aging – we've tried everything. I just let her be on the screened porch if I'm away – easier to clean. If I'm home I put her in the box when I think she needs to use it. Now, she looks like she is in pain, more than just mild arthritis. I thnk it is time. I've been in regular contact with my vet. We've held off because I thought she still had some QOL, but the pain is something else altogether. Thank you for this forum – it made a difficult decision easier.
shooby permalinkAugust 19, 2011 11:12 pm
I'm sorry you lost your kitty. It hurts when you've had them that long. I know it's been awhile.. but I think of my cat I lost three years ago to lung cancer when she was 13. Just wanted to let you know.. I was thinking of you and your cat had a good caregiver I know she adored and was happy to have. wow.. 18
Samantha permalinkNovember 14, 2010 12:38 am
My cat has not been eating since 2 days now. She won't eat or drink anything, even when i put it in front of her. She has also been throwing up white stuff for atleast once a day. It started 4 days ago. Her whole body is cold to the touch and she has all the symptoms of being in pain. We took her to the vet today and he said he couldn't find anything wrong with her. He gave her antibotics and I.V. But hours later, she is cold again and hasn't looked any better. What should I do?
August 21, 2010 3:15 am
hi, my cat has recently started being very jumpy and he is scared of things lying around on the floor like shoes, he has also ran into the sofa twice in the last week. do you have any ideas of what is up with him and wheather it is worth booking him into the vets?
thanks matt
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