[TomJ]

For the last week or two my cat has become increasingly lethargic and weak. When it first started, she went from normal to noticeably abnormal almost overnight. Since then, it seems to be getting worse.

Now, she is having trouble moving around, and just plops down in one place and lays there all day long, looking very weak. We think she may have fallen and injured herself, but can't really be sure. At first, it seemed as though she was very protective of her back and upper legs (would meow and hiss if you tried to put pressure in those spots). Today, she went underneath a bed and has been laying there all day. We tried luring here out with some tuna (which she loves), and she seemed very interested in getting it... but when she tried to get up, she immediately fell back over and meowed. This happened a couple of times before we felt so sorry for her that we just moved the food to her (which she ate right up, which makes me think she's injured and not sick).

I don't really have any idea what to do now... I'm afraid to pick her up, because I don't want to cause her extra pain (if she's already suffering from some type of injury). Any suggestions?? Her condition today has me very worried.

Some info about my cat: Approx. 10-11 year old tabby. Indoor cat ONLY, never goes outside. No other animals living in my house. No previous medical conditions that we are aware of. There are no visible signs of any injuries or illness (other than her activity). She hasn't had any trouble eating or drinking, but we've pretty much had to move the food right under her head in order to get her to eat (when she is eating though, she looks as normal as ever).

If anyone has seen something like this before and has a suggestion or insight, please share. I have no idea what to do here Thanks in advance!

-Tom

 

[kitkat]

Definitely see a vet. It may be a health problem or such but many cats just hide away often when they are in pain. A vet can determine what is the problem and give you more insight on what to do. I know the kitty is in pain but perhaps it will be in more pain everyday it doesnt go to the vet. <<))

 

[TomJ]

I plan to take her to the vet first thing Monday morning when they open (assuming she doesn't get worse before then, in which case I'll take her to an emergency vet tomorrow). Does anyone know of anything I can do in the meantime to make her more comfortable? Can I give her ground up asprin or something to see if that helps at all? I wouldn't try this unless I knew for sure it wouldn't be bad for her... I'm just wondering if it can be done... I've heard that half an advil is enough to kill a cat, but I don't know about other pain killers. Thanks.

-Tom

 

[Ioana]

Oh I have heard that aspirin it is NOT GOOD for cats...I am so sorry but I do not know anything more to be of more help ...you and your kitty will be in my thoughts. I hope you will consider going to the mergency vet as soon as possible ...your kitty's situation sounds very dramatic. I hope she will be free from pain soon! Please keep in touch, TomJ

 

[TomJ]

Took our cat to the vet, and things are not looking well.

Blood test came back fine, and the xrays looked normal. However, the xray showed that the cat's bladder and intenstinal track were full (it hasn't used the litter box in a day), which is a sign of some kind of neurological problem. Of course, the cat cannot stand up anymore, so I'm not sure if she is purposely trying to hold out until she can reach the litter box. She also has bad reflexes in her legs now, as if she is going paralyzed (the vet picked her up and moved the cat face-first towards the floor to see if she would put her paws out to land, but she didn't). The vet is keeping her for a day or two and will be giving her antibiotic injections in case she has meningitis (and also steriods in case of a disk problem)... the vet said there was maybe a 20% chance of this, based on the symptoms... I figure that a 20% chance is better than no chance, and would at least like to give this a shot before even considering having the cat put to sleep :\ I hope that it turns out to be a bacterial infection, since that can at least be treated.

Our other options, if the antibiotics don't help, would be to take the cat to a neurologist or specialist. This is apparently very expensive though, but I don't mind paying the money if the cat can be helped and will recover. I've been searching the Net like crazy trying to find additional information on these symptoms, but have come up empty. Can anyone think of any other possibilities? My cat still has no trouble eating, and seems perfectly aware of everything going on around her. Her personality is still the same as it always was... which makes this really difficult. If it comes down to deciding on whether or not to have her put to sleep, I don't want to be making an uneducated decision and possibly passing up other viable options. Any suggestions would be great appreciated. Thanks.

-Tom

 

[roxxi]

I'm so sorry you're going through this. I know how heartwrenching it is to feel so helpless. I can't offer any suggestions because I really have no idea, but I just wanted you to know I'm listening and I hope it's nothing serious. I hope your kitty feels better soon.

 

[RSM]

Same problem...

My cat is having same symptoms... Eating well, unable to stand, full bladder, normal bloodwork, etc. Vet seems to think it could be trauma. IE: hit by car, someone hit him There is no sign of pain associated with this and antibiotics with steroids were given. Cat had low temperature but otherwise seems to be himself. Please tell me what you have found out thus far. Any info would help. Thanks!