Cat suddenly hiding and acting very distant

[tabiclement]

Overnight, my cat's behavior took a complete turn. At around 2:00 AM Wednesday night, she was running around chasing bugs, meowing, purring, and sleeping with me in bed. The next morning, she did not get up to eat her breakfast and didn't seem to want to move or want anything to do with us. She is typically a very sweet cat who meows, purrs, and cuddles and LOVES her morning breakfast. I took her to the vet and she was very stiff when I picked her up and she didn't freak out or meow when putting her in the carrier, also very unusual for her. They told me nothing is wrong and everything looks normal, but I know this is not true. She has never acted this way. Ever since, she has been hiding under the bed not moving at all even to eat or use the litter box, and will back away when I try to pet her. She rolled over to get a treat from me and does not seem to want to move at all. Please help!! She is a 7 year old orange domestic shorthair tabby.
Note: Around 2 years ago, her littermate died suddenly and showed no signs of illness. We think it was heart related, but it was never confirmed.

 

[Maurey]

I’d go to a different vet, ideally that specialises in cats, and get a second opinion. Did the vet you took her to do any testing at all?

 

[tabiclement]

I’d go to a different vet, ideally that specialises in cats, and get a second opinion. Did the vet you took her to do any testing at all?

Thank you, thats what I was thinking. They did bloodwork on her and said all levels came back normal.

 

[abyeb]

I agree with Maurey that getting a second opinion makes sense, as it’s unusual for healthy cats to have sudden behavioral changes like you’re seeing. Is it possible that she somehow ate something that she shouldn’t have?

 

[neely]

They told me nothing is wrong and everything looks normal, but I know this is not true. She has never acted this way. Ever since, she has been hiding under the bed not moving at all even to eat or use the litter box, and will back away when I try to pet her. She rolled over to get a treat from me and does not seem to want to move at all.

Loss of appetite, lethargy in addition to the symptoms you described above are not normal. You know your cat best and if the vet did not have an answer to why she is acting this way then I agree with the above members that a second opinion is definitely in order. And be sure to see another vet who is not in the same practice as the present one. Please keep us updated on her condition. Sending special thoughts for your cat and you.

 

[tabiclement]

Thank you for your responses! I have been keeping a close eye on her, and weirdly she is acting almost normal again as of an hour ago... also seemingly very sudden. I'm not sure what could have caused this, maybe she ate something that upset her stomach and she didn't want to be bothered? Should I still take her to the vet tomorrow or is it no longer a cause for concern?

 

[neely]

I'd recommend continuing to keep a watchful eye on her and if you notice any decline bring her to an emergency vet if you cannot get an appointment with your own vet. Fingers crossed she will continue to improve.