Mendel seems a little down

lemondrop

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Usually Mendel is very snuggly and social (with me and only me). He likes to sit on the cat trees in whatever room I'm in or knead on me and settle into my lap. The last couple of days, he's been spending most of his days resting by himself on my or my roommate's beds. If I pick him up and carry him into the living room to cuddle, he stays, but doesn't knead or rearrange himself.

He's eating normally and I've seen him use the litterbox. His skin snaps back, so he's not dehydrated. His ears don't feel warm, so I don't think he's feverish. The only other odd thing I've noticed is that he seems to be shedding a little more.

I'm not in a financial situation where I can take him to the vet just for being less snuggly than usual. Does this sound concerning or just like a kitty cold that he'll get over in a week? Anything else I should watch him for?
 

christfawk

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Has anything at all changed in your home, even a slight thing? Maybe a new work schedule, hell, even a new piece of furniture in a room he enjoys?

I'm glad you're looking for signs of illness in him, but honestly, while I absolutely understand financial issues, you may want to try and take him to see a vet. I by no means think something awful is going on, but if he's lethargic through the weekend I would seek veterinary help. You simply don't know whats going on with him, and honestly its truly better to be safe than sorry. Even if you just want to give a vet a call and explain your situation, that your kitty isn't acting normal, he seems lethargic, at what point should I be concerned?

A few things to look for in the meantime:

Mostly monitor what you're already looking at, make sure he is eating and drinking. I know you said he's using the litterbox, but make sure he is actually urinating and defecating. Watch for abnormal stool or urine. Also, is he old enough that maybe there could be some dental disease? Check his teeth if he'll let you. The shedding could easily be because he's not feeling well, and his coat is suffering for it.

It could easily be a kitty cold, just please seek a vet should he seem to not perk up within a reasonable amount of time. Good luck!
 
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lemondrop

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My school semester just started this week, so maybe he's still adjusting to my new schedule...

When I saw him leaving the box after lunch, I looked and he had definitely peed. Other than catching him in the act, my roommate and I have four cats between us so it's hard to tell who left what. Mendel is only two and a half, so hopefully it's not dental disease! I mix Plaque Off into their food and I give them raw chicken wings to chew roughly once a week.

I guess I'll see if he's feeling any better by Sunday and decide whether to make a vet appointment then. Ironically, I just lent one of my cousins some money so she could take a wounded stray to an emergency vet, but now I need the money for my own cat!
 

christfawk

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My school semester just started this week, so maybe he's still adjusting to my new schedule...

When I saw him leaving the box after lunch, I looked and he had definitely peed. Other than catching him in the act, my roommate and I have four cats between us so it's hard to tell who left what. Mendel is only two and a half, so hopefully it's not dental disease! I mix Plaque Off into their food and I give them raw chicken wings to chew roughly once a week.

I guess I'll see if he's feeling any better by Sunday and decide whether to make a vet appointment then. Ironically, I just lent one of my cousins some money so she could take a wounded stray to an emergency vet, but now I need the money for my own cat!
 Its totally possible he's bummed because you're back to school, cat's a very sensitive to those types of things.

Just keep monitoring him, I'm sure you'll make the best decision. I just wouldn't want to see anything happen to him. :(
 
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lemondrop

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Thanks for the advice! I really appreciate it.
 

stephanietx

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Sounds like he's a little depressed that you've gone back to school and aren't spending as much time with him.  Give him some extra love and snuggles to reassure him.
 
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lemondrop

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He definitely seems to be feeling better the last couple days. I guess he really was just upset that my routine changed. 
 
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