Hi all. This is my first time posting. I have a general question about a sudden change in my cat's behavior. I know nobody can diagnose problems via a messageboard, but I'm wondering if I should be concerned...
Our 2-year-old cat was fine last night before bed, but this morning is completely lethargic. She won't get up from her spot on the floor. She won't eat or drink either. This is all very unusual, because she usually is up at first light, very active, and begging for breakfast. She hasn't used the box yet, either. And her face also looks a little swollen, though it doesn't seemto be hot or tender. No vomiting or diarrhea. She doesn't seem to be tender anywhere when I prod her; her eyes, gums, nose, etc. all seem fine; and we don't have a good thermometer, but she doesn't feel any warmer behind the ears than the other cat. She is prone to hairballs - not sure if that is important...
She's an "occasionally outdoor" cat - maybe for a few hours a couple times a week. Last night, she and her son were out, but in by dark, and were fine when they came in. I did spot them playing with a vole, which is very common, and I've yet to notice them actually eat anyhting - they just play with it - so I don't imagine it could be a parasite or anything like that (though they will carry voles around in their mouth from place to place). We live in a very rural area, so I doubt if they got far enough from our home to get into into any poisonous chemicals at a neighbor's house or anthing like that.
I'm suspecting she may have just nibbled some plant that she shouldn't have...
At what point should I really become worried? Should I start giving her syringes of food & water mixtures? I think I'll make an appointment for the vet - we live on an island and the ferry schedule is somewhat limited, so getting to the vet can be difficult (and after the ferry stops for the day, out of the question altogether). Is there anything else I should be doing between now and when I can get her into the vet (likely a day or two)???
Thank you all for any suggestions you may have.
Our 2-year-old cat was fine last night before bed, but this morning is completely lethargic. She won't get up from her spot on the floor. She won't eat or drink either. This is all very unusual, because she usually is up at first light, very active, and begging for breakfast. She hasn't used the box yet, either. And her face also looks a little swollen, though it doesn't seemto be hot or tender. No vomiting or diarrhea. She doesn't seem to be tender anywhere when I prod her; her eyes, gums, nose, etc. all seem fine; and we don't have a good thermometer, but she doesn't feel any warmer behind the ears than the other cat. She is prone to hairballs - not sure if that is important...
She's an "occasionally outdoor" cat - maybe for a few hours a couple times a week. Last night, she and her son were out, but in by dark, and were fine when they came in. I did spot them playing with a vole, which is very common, and I've yet to notice them actually eat anyhting - they just play with it - so I don't imagine it could be a parasite or anything like that (though they will carry voles around in their mouth from place to place). We live in a very rural area, so I doubt if they got far enough from our home to get into into any poisonous chemicals at a neighbor's house or anthing like that.
I'm suspecting she may have just nibbled some plant that she shouldn't have...
At what point should I really become worried? Should I start giving her syringes of food & water mixtures? I think I'll make an appointment for the vet - we live on an island and the ferry schedule is somewhat limited, so getting to the vet can be difficult (and after the ferry stops for the day, out of the question altogether). Is there anything else I should be doing between now and when I can get her into the vet (likely a day or two)???
Thank you all for any suggestions you may have.
