My cat is having trouble eating! HELP!

My cat jasper is 6 years old. In the middle of June 2015 he had to get his bottom left canine tooth removed because he broke it running up the wooden stairs. When I brought him in for his scheduled surgery they told me that once he was under anesthetic they could see if the reason his tooth broke was because of decay, or if it was because he hit it really hard, they also said they would check his other teeth for signs of decay and remove them to prevent complications in the future. So when I receive a call after the surgery is done, they tell me that none of his other teeth are showing signs of decay, and they only needed to remove the broken tooth, and he also had his teeth cleaned and polished.

He was prescribed Clavamox and Metacam. Upon hearing all the horrible things about Metacam I only gave it to him 3 out of the 7 days it was prescribed (I called the vet and she said that was fine). While he was on the medications (I don't know which one was causing the symptoms) I noticed that he was constipated, drinking excessively and shedding more than usual. So I stopped giving him the Metacam because I assumed that was the problem.

So, for the most part he had a successful recovery from surgery and everything went back to normal after he was fully healed. Eating his food, having lots of energy, being super affectionate and playful, drinking water...

But last night when I came home, I just noticed that he wasn't acting himself, he didn't roll all over the floor so that I could pet him, or meow and rub up against me. He also didn't follow me up to my room (he follows me everywhere) even when I called him. I had to pick him up and take him with me, and he just felt lethargic in my arms. And he wouldn't lick me, he would just open his mouth slightly like he wanted to lick me, or he would very lightly use the tip of his tongue to sort of kiss me.

This morning, I went to feed him, and I noticed there was still food in his bowl from yesterday, but he was acting like he was hungry because when I went to add more good to the bowl he was following me and even went over to his bowl, smelled the food, attempted to pick it up but couldn't, and he tried that a couple times and couldn't get a grip on the kibble. I knew he was hungry so I got a can of wet foot, mashed it up and he ate some off my finger eagerly. He didn't eat much though before he refused to have any more. And with his water he did drink some but very timidly, not his usual gusto of lapping it loudly.

He does have some energy and runs after his favorite foam ball when I throw it but he won't pick it up like he usually does (my cat acts like a dog when it comes to those foam balls), but for the most part he's been sleeping, he's currently sprawled out on my bed asleep. He keeps making these little whinny noises in his sleep and it's worrying me..

He hasn't had any diarrhea and yesterday before I went out he was perfectly normal, it was only when I got home later that night that I noticed he was acting off.

If anyone knows what could be going on, or give me some advice I'd really appreciate it!

How long after he recovered did his behaviour change? You mentioned that he seemed to be fine after his surgery, so roughly how long after, did his behaviour change? Has anything else changed in the house? Food change?

Has the weather changed in your area? We just had a huge hot heat wave which is not normal for where we live, and our cat definitely felt it as well.

How long has it been since he had a bowel movement?  Sounds like he might be constipated. 

Nora1 said:

How long after he recovered did his behaviour change? You mentioned that he seemed to be fine after his surgery, so roughly how long after, did his behaviour change? Has anything else changed in the house? Food change?

Has the weather changed in your area? We just had a huge hot heat wave which is not normal for where we live, and our cat definitely felt it as well.

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He had the surgery in June, so it's been about 2 months. As far as I know nothing has changed in the ingredients of his cat food, I've been getting him the same brand and flavour for years. Weather wise, these past two weeks haven't been too hot, it's cooled down considerably compared too July. He doesn't have bowel movements everyday, he goes about twice a week, and this has been the norm since his surgery. I've been giving him Laxatone, but it hasn't helped with setting his BM on track

stephanietx said:

How long has it been since he had a bowel movement?  Sounds like he might be constipated. 

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He doesn't have bowel movements everyday, he goes about twice a week, and this has been the norm since his surgery. I've been giving him Laxatone, but it hasn't helped with setting his BM on track

I'm thinking he's constipated.  It could be from the meds used during surgery or it could be from the Metacam.  Pain killers often cause constipation.  IF his bowels are stopped up, then his tummy is probably upset (think heartburn in humans).  His brain is telling him to eat, but his tummy is saying don't eat because it's not feeling right.  First of all, I'd get him checked over by the vet to be sure there are no obstructions and to see if his bowels are impacted.  You can add plain canned pumpkin puree to canned food to help him move his bowels.  Also, try plain meat baby food, chicken or turkey as a good enticement to eat.  As I mentioned, though, I'd definitely get him to the vet to check on things. 

stephanietx said:

I'm thinking he's constipated.  It could be from the meds used during surgery or it could be from the Metacam.  Pain killers often cause constipation.  IF his bowels are stopped up, then his tummy is probably upset (think heartburn in humans).  His brain is telling him to eat, but his tummy is saying don't eat because it's not feeling right.  First of all, I'd get him checked over by the vet to be sure there are no obstructions and to see if his bowels are impacted.  You can add plain canned pumpkin puree to canned food to help him move his bowels.  Also, try plain meat baby food, chicken or turkey as a good enticement to eat.  As I mentioned, though, I'd definitely get him to the vet to check on things. 

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Okay, thank you so much for your advice and suggestions, I'll definitely take him to the vet to get things checked out.