Grumpy Kitty

Since yesterday, Jack just hasn't been himself. He's still affectionate and purrs. But has no energy. What is really making me worry is that he growls, hisses and bites when he is picked up. Normally, he may or may not let you hold him but never ever growled at his Mom and Dad. I'm definately going to take him to the vet first thing on Monday. Could he have a stomach problem or what? I'm at a loss for what could be wrong.

Jack may have a stomach problem, but there also might be something else wrong with him internally. I think it is good he's going to the vet, something is obviously wrong if he reacts so adversely to being picked up.
Best of luck, hope Jack feels better soon!!!
Laurel

if possible i may try to go in earlier than monday...sounds like theres something bothering him on the inside. My friend had a cat who reacted like you said, and had something wrong with the bladder was not good but she caught it early and it was treated

Thanks for your advice. I just called the local 24 hour pet hospital who said that as long as he is eating, drinking, and pooping, he may not need urgent care. But if anything changes she said to call them back. Knowing that this is a holiday weekend, we may go to the 24 hr place but they are for emergencies only which apparently this isn't as of now. I'll keep montoring him and take notes on his behaviors so when we go to the vet I've got documented evidence.

Since you called and they have determined nothing urgent is wrong, I would make him a nice comfy dark cave to sleep in. Either a cat carrier with the door off, piled up with bedding and draped over by a towel so he can crawl in and sleep, or a cardboard box will achieve the same purpose. Then I would just let him be, not pick him up or mess with him, and just check on him periodically to see if he is okay. I usually take their temperature first, and if they have a fever, than I call urgent care back and tell them the cat does need to be seen. But if no fever, I check on them usually with a flashlight as I keep the room dark and quiet and count breaths, look to see if there is any signs of distress etc...

Glad to hear they do not think its urgent. I would second what Hissy said Its good to know you do have a local 24 hour. we do too and I take comfort in it. Only used them once so far...knock on wood.

We've isolated the problem to his back left leg. When touching that side he gets growly and grumpier. That would explain his lack of playfulness. We'll get him checked out ASAP. Thanks for your help!

Originally Posted by kpullings

We've isolated the problem to his back left leg. When touching that side he gets growly and grumpier. That would explain his lack of playfulness. We'll get him checked out ASAP. Thanks for your help!

Click to expand...

I'm glad you've got to the route of the problem.. it's great to know what's going on!!

Does your kitty go outside? We had a cat who had a tiny puncture wound (probably from a cat fight) on his behind. He growled if you touched any part of his back half. It's also possible your kitty fell and sprained something. If you can (without being attacked) hold your hand just above the cat's body and see if any place has a lot of heat emanating from it, that might be helpful. If so, your cat probably has an abscess and will definitely need to see a vet for treatment.

Good news: Jack seems to be back to his normal self, chasing Kahlua, eating tons of food and jumping on his cat tree. Thanks for the advice and help. I was very nervous.

Originally Posted by kpullings

We've isolated the problem to his back left leg. When touching that side he gets growly and grumpier. That would explain his lack of playfulness. We'll get him checked out ASAP. Thanks for your help!

Click to expand...

An Update:
After a trip to the vet yesterday for a cold, we figured out the grumpy problem. Jack had developed an absess(sp?) from a puncture wound on his leg. Being so furry, I did not see the injury until I felt it. So the vet cut the hair away and I was pretty surprised! He should be fine and his cold will pass soon also. But I'm definately glad we found that inflection before it got worse.

I'm glad you were able to figure out what was wrong and get it taken care of!