Help!!

mycatwasthebest said:

 
my take on this is a little different, I wouldn't worry about upsetting him, I would examine him for physical injuries right away. hiding and sleeping are 2 prominent signs of a cat that has a physical problem, and as you don't leave him out unsupervised for what I'm sure are very good reasons there is obviously a GREAT chance he got hurt out there. if you can examine and touch him from head to toe without him lashing out or crying in pain, great. if not, he needs a vet.

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EB24 said:

Hi RubybRed! 

I'm so glad that your first venture into online forums is here with us at TCS, and I hope you find the site to be very friendly, helpful, and informative. 

It definitely sounds like something isn't right with your Tommy. The problem that arises with these sorts of health issues is that, while you have done a great job of explaining what is going on, we aren't there and can't see him. And, that means we are somewhat limited in the advice we can give since there are so many things it could be. 

Do you have access to a vet where you live? If so, I absolutely think that is the critical first step. A vet would be able to make sure that he is physically okay which is something we aren't able to do. In addition to a possible illness, I am wondering if something happened to him while he was out today. Even though he has never been harmed by you is it possible that someone else did? Maybe he went into someone's yard and they scared him? Or, there are stories of unhappy neighbors putting toxic substances out for local cats to ingest in an effort to get them off their property. Hopefully that's not the case here but it's definitely something to be aware of. It's also possible that he got into a fight with another cat. Does he have any scratches or bite marks from what you can tell? Have you had him neutered yet? If he is a couple of months old then it is certainly time to get that done if possible. Having him neutered will decrease his tendency to wander/roam and minimize him getting into fights as he won't be competing with other, older males for females in heat. 

While I'm definitely speculating over what may have happened during his outside time today, the bottom line is, if anything did happen it's possible that he is just very scared and having a little "post traumatic stress." That would certainly account for him being off of his food and his acting skittish. And, if that's the case, hopefully he will rebound in a couple of days. 

Overall, my advice would be that, if at all possible, get him to a vet as soon as you can to rule out the possibility of injury, illness, infection, and possibility that he may have ingested something toxic. If you are able to take him in I would also discuss with them the possibility of having him neutered once he is feeling better. If he checks out okay or if you aren't able to take him, then I think the best thing you can do is monitor him closely. I wouldn't let him out for the next few days so that you can keep an eye on his eating and drinking, as well as bathroom use (to make sure he doesn't develop diarrhea or conversely, become constipated from a lack of food and water). It's a good idea to keep offering him food but even more importantly make sure he is drinking water, as cats can become dehydrated and seriously ill in just a matter of days. Allow him some space during this time and when you do approach him use a soft, soothing tone. Also, respect his boundaries right now by simply offering him a hand and letting him decide if he wants to go in for a pet or not. 

Vibes to Tommy that nothing serious has happened and he's just a little scared. Please, if at all possible get him to a vet and let us know what they say. If there is an actual diagnosis (or lack thereof) then we will be able to help you a lot more. It's just that right now there are too many possibilities and too many "what ifs." If that can get narrowed down then we can be much more specific in our advice. It also helps if you can provide us some background information on where you live and what services/veterinary supplies you can get access to.  Above all, continue to ask questions in this thread and let us know if his symptoms change in any way as that may indicate one thing over another. We really do care so keep us updated as to how he is doing! 

Hang in there and Welcome to TCS! 

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EB24 said:

Hi RubybRed! 

I'm so glad that your first venture into online forums is here with us at TCS, and I hope you find the site to be very friendly, helpful, and informative. 

It definitely sounds like something isn't right with your Tommy. The problem that arises with these sorts of health issues is that, while you have done a great job of explaining what is going on, we aren't there and can't see him. And, that means we are somewhat limited in the advice we can give since there are so many things it could be. 

Do you have access to a vet where you live? If so, I absolutely think that is the critical first step. A vet would be able to make sure that he is physically okay which is something we aren't able to do. In addition to a possible illness, I am wondering if something happened to him while he was out today. Even though he has never been harmed by you is it possible that someone else did? Maybe he went into someone's yard and they scared him? Or, there are stories of unhappy neighbors putting toxic substances out for local cats to ingest in an effort to get them off their property. Hopefully that's not the case here but it's definitely something to be aware of. It's also possible that he got into a fight with another cat. Does he have any scratches or bite marks from what you can tell? Have you had him neutered yet? If he is a couple of months old then it is certainly time to get that done if possible. Having him neutered will decrease his tendency to wander/roam and minimize him getting into fights as he won't be competing with other, older males for females in heat. 

While I'm definitely speculating over what may have happened during his outside time today, the bottom line is, if anything did happen it's possible that he is just very scared and having a little "post traumatic stress." That would certainly account for him being off of his food and his acting skittish. And, if that's the case, hopefully he will rebound in a couple of days. 

Overall, my advice would be that, if at all possible, get him to a vet as soon as you can to rule out the possibility of injury, illness, infection, and possibility that he may have ingested something toxic. If you are able to take him in I would also discuss with them the possibility of having him neutered once he is feeling better. If he checks out okay or if you aren't able to take him, then I think the best thing you can do is monitor him closely. I wouldn't let him out for the next few days so that you can keep an eye on his eating and drinking, as well as bathroom use (to make sure he doesn't develop diarrhea or conversely, become constipated from a lack of food and water). It's a good idea to keep offering him food but even more importantly make sure he is drinking water, as cats can become dehydrated and seriously ill in just a matter of days. Allow him some space during this time and when you do approach him use a soft, soothing tone. Also, respect his boundaries right now by simply offering him a hand and letting him decide if he wants to go in for a pet or not. 

Vibes to Tommy that nothing serious has happened and he's just a little scared. Please, if at all possible get him to a vet and let us know what they say. If there is an actual diagnosis (or lack thereof) then we will be able to help you a lot more. It's just that right now there are too many possibilities and too many "what ifs." If that can get narrowed down then we can be much more specific in our advice. It also helps if you can provide us some background information on where you live and what services/veterinary supplies you can get access to.  Above all, continue to ask questions in this thread and let us know if his symptoms change in any way as that may indicate one thing over another. We really do care so keep us updated as to how he is doing! 

Hang in there and Welcome to TCS! 

Click to expand...

mycatwasthebest said:

my take on this is a little different, I wouldn't worry about upsetting him, I would examine him for physical injuries right away. hiding and sleeping are 2 prominent signs of a cat that has a physical problem, and as you don't leave him out unsupervised for what I'm sure are very good reasons there is obviously a GREAT chance he got hurt out there. if you can examine and touch him from head to toe without him lashing out or crying in pain, great. if not, he needs a vet.

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oneandahalfcats said:

Cats can hide for different reasons beyond physical illness or injury. It sounds very likely that your kitty was frightened by something while outside and it left him feeling shaken or insecure. In response, some cats will hide and not want to be approached, while others may become more vocal and attention-seeking. As suggested, I would take your kitty in to see the vet if he is still not feeling like himself, and have them check him over.

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EB24 said:

Hi RubybRed! 

I'm so glad that your first venture into online forums is here with us at TCS, and I hope you find the site to be very friendly, helpful, and informative. 

It definitely sounds like something isn't right with your Tommy. The problem that arises with these sorts of health issues is that, while you have done a great job of explaining what is going on, we aren't there and can't see him. And, that means we are somewhat limited in the advice we can give since there are so many things it could be. 

Do you have access to a vet where you live? If so, I absolutely think that is the critical first step. A vet would be able to make sure that he is physically okay which is something we aren't able to do. In addition to a possible illness, I am wondering if something happened to him while he was out today. Even though he has never been harmed by you is it possible that someone else did? Maybe he went into someone's yard and they scared him? Or, there are stories of unhappy neighbors putting toxic substances out for local cats to ingest in an effort to get them off their property. Hopefully that's not the case here but it's definitely something to be aware of. It's also possible that he got into a fight with another cat. Does he have any scratches or bite marks from what you can tell? Have you had him neutered yet? If he is a couple of months old then it is certainly time to get that done if possible. Having him neutered will decrease his tendency to wander/roam and minimize him getting into fights as he won't be competing with other, older males for females in heat. 

While I'm definitely speculating over what may have happened during his outside time today, the bottom line is, if anything did happen it's possible that he is just very scared and having a little "post traumatic stress." That would certainly account for him being off of his food and his acting skittish. And, if that's the case, hopefully he will rebound in a couple of days. 

Overall, my advice would be that, if at all possible, get him to a vet as soon as you can to rule out the possibility of injury, illness, infection, and possibility that he may have ingested something toxic. If you are able to take him in I would also discuss with them the possibility of having him neutered once he is feeling better. If he checks out okay or if you aren't able to take him, then I think the best thing you can do is monitor him closely. I wouldn't let him out for the next few days so that you can keep an eye on his eating and drinking, as well as bathroom use (to make sure he doesn't develop diarrhea or conversely, become constipated from a lack of food and water). It's a good idea to keep offering him food but even more importantly make sure he is drinking water, as cats can become dehydrated and seriously ill in just a matter of days. Allow him some space during this time and when you do approach him use a soft, soothing tone. Also, respect his boundaries right now by simply offering him a hand and letting him decide if he wants to go in for a pet or not. 

Vibes to Tommy that nothing serious has happened and he's just a little scared. Please, if at all possible get him to a vet and let us know what they say. If there is an actual diagnosis (or lack thereof) then we will be able to help you a lot more. It's just that right now there are too many possibilities and too many "what ifs." If that can get narrowed down then we can be much more specific in our advice. It also helps if you can provide us some background information on where you live and what services/veterinary supplies you can get access to.  Above all, continue to ask questions in this thread and let us know if his symptoms change in any way as that may indicate one thing over another. We really do care so keep us updated as to how he is doing! 

Hang in there and Welcome to TCS! 

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RubybRed said:

I'm not sure how to use this "thread" or "forum" thing, it's the first time I touch one of these websites, so sorry if this is not the correct way. The reason why I made this account is for my poor cat Tommy. He's a male cat, and only a couple months old. I don't usually let him outside without my supervision for fear of other animals that might harm him, but tonight he escaped. So I went out looking for him for a while, when I was coming back inside the house he was sitting right outside the door, he didn't try to run away and make me chase him like usual. He just sat there and waited for me to open the door. Once I did he came in and curled up in a corner. I didn't notice anything wrong till later during the night. He's usually a very playful cat and very cuddly and loving, but now he's curled up under my bed sleeping. He usually sleeps with me, but not tonight. He also doesn't want me to pick him up, he loves being carried and played with but when I tried he hissed at me and went back under the bed to his spot. He's sleeping and when I call him or pet him he doesn't bother to open his eyes. If he does its very slightly and then ignores me again. I fed him a little spoonful of food to see how well his appetite was and he did eat it, however when I called him to his plate he didn't come. I'm worried he might be ill or some kind of trauma. If anyone has any ideas why he's acting this way and how I can help him get better please give me feedback. Thank you

***Also I know cats tend to be afraid when people mistreat them, but my tommy has never been mistreated. He was given to me when he was a little kitten and I've treated him very well. I've had him for about 3 months now.

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stephanietx said:

 
I'd still make an appointment for him first thing Monday to be checked over by the vet.  You can also schedule his neutering and bring him up to date on shots if need be.

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