Sir Elliot acting as if in pain

My Wife and I just returned home from a trip and noticed that our 2yr old cat was walking very funny as if his front legs or shoulder was bothering him, he has been spending all his time under the couch (very abnormal for him) and is sleeping all the time unless we bring him out.  He doesn't go look for food, but will eat if we put it front of him along with water.

while we were away he got under my car in the garage and got oil on his coat from my old oil leaking SUV.  I do not know how long the oil was on his back coat, but I am worried that this is causing problems.  I washed off the oil on his coat.

He normally is an outside cat and only spends time inside to eat and sleep during the day, now he doesn't want to be outside at all.  He will eat and then go to his normal sleeping areas, but after about 10 mins, moves back to under the couch.

I am at a loss and need some advice before we rush to the vet.

I think you'd better take Sir Elliot to the vet first thing in the morning. I hope he's going to be okay.

Thank you, already have an appointment made after my post. What does a cat act like if poisoned?  

I found this:

http://www.petplace.com/cats/gasoline-and-petroleum-toxicity-in-cats/page1.aspx

Drooling
Shaking head
Pawing at mouth
Coughing, gagging
Incoordination
Muscle tremors
Staggering
Difficulty breathing
Gasoline or petroleum smell
Reddened and irritated skin
Cyanosis (blue tinge to tongue and gums)

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Sir Elliot's problem sounds more like a painful injury to me, based on your description, but of course I am not a vet, and I can't see him in action. Remember that cats hide pain until the pain is very severe, and hiding away is certainly a sign of pain, so I'm glad you're getting him to the vet.

Please let us know what happens.

Thank you again, I am not very versed in actions from cats as the two we have are my first.  I will let you know what comes out of tomorrows visit.  I appreciate all you help!

I forgot to let you know what was wrong with Sir Elliot.  We took him to the vet, and her opinion was that he got into a fight and was bite which got infected.  She put him on antiabotics and today he is back to normal, except my Wife has turned him into a house cat now.

Thanks for all your help!

Sir Elliot said:

I forgot to let you know what was wrong with Sir Elliot.  We took him to the vet, and her opinion was that he got into a fight and was bite which got infected.  She put him on antiabotics and today he is back to normal, except my Wife has turned him into a house cat now.
Thanks for all your help!

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AWESOME on both accounts! What a happy update for Sir Elliott!