Please help: decreased appetite, behaviour changes

Hi everyone,

My cat Puddy (rhymes with 'hoodie'), while still eating, has suddenly shown a decrease in appetite over the past two weeks. It started after she had spent about 8 days in a cattery.

She is still eating but she never seems to finish a meal anymore, doesn't 'ask' for food like she used to (she always used to meow around lunch and dinner time), and she never finishes her daily food allowance any more.

In addition to this, she seems quieter these past two weeks. She seems to be sleeping more and, while still affectionate and playful at times, less so than she used to be.

I live in New Zealand and we are just entering spring, and Puddy will begin moulting soon.

Could the approaching moulting period have caused the decrease in appetite/change in behaviour?

Do you think my kitty has perhaps just matured a little and moved on from her teenage cat stage?

I am concerned she might have picked up a bug at the cattery and intend to take her to the vet this week, but I'd appreciate any advice from other cat lovers.

Thank you : )

Francesca

I'd definitely take her to the vet. It's far too easy to pick up something when at a cattery, the combination of other pets + the stress of being there weakens their immune system. Better safe than sorry & have a vet check her out.

You are so right about the issue of stress weakening the immune system. I am aware of this being a problem in humans but it hadn't even occurred to me that it's the same for cats/animals....d'oh!

Thanks for your helpful post. To the vet we go

Let us know how the vet visit goes! Sending get well

Hi, Puddy's Mom! Welcome to TCS!

I'm glad you're taking her to the vet; it's what I would do in these circumstances, too. A few days being 'off' after coming back could be explained by simple stress and readjustment; two weeks being off is a bit different.

Many vibes for a good vet visit and a kitty on the mend!

AC

Thanks AC : )

Well, it turned out that just as we decided Puddy needed to see the vet (this was on a Saturday afternoon), she started to come right.

On Sunday she was much more chipper, and by Monday she was back to meowing for her cookies (dry food), eating all her daily food, and going outside to prowl around her jungle (our somewhat overgrown garden).

I was so happy, and relieved!

I don't have kids yet, but I think I finally understand that motherly worry of "My baby's not eating!"

Thanks also white cat lover...your get well vibes sure worked!

Thanks to both of you for making me feel so welcome on this forum : )

Originally Posted by Puddy's mum

Thanks also white cat lover...your get well vibes sure worked!

Thanks to both of you for making me feel so welcome on this forum : )

Click to expand...

You ARE welcome. So glad your kitty's feeling better!

AC