View Full Version : Maybe my cat is not well - what to do?
I have a gorgeous Siamese boy cat whom I adore beyond reason. I took him in as a feral some six years ago and I reckon his age is 9 or 10. He has always been wonderfully healthy and has gradually overcome his shy, anxious nature to be loving and calm. Since we are new to this town, I have not yet found a veterinarian but think there is something going on with his health. In the past few days, he has become very lethargic and acts like he's stoned for lack of a better description. Is that worthing taking him to a vet for a potentially expensive workup? Or should I give it a few more days? What would you do if he was your cat? He goes outside but never leaves the yard and is still eating. I am worried...
I'd probably watch him one more day, but if he didn't improve, take him to the vet before the weekend. Cuz....weekend vet appts are spendy. If he's still eating, that's a good sign. If he started hiding or acting strangely, that's an indicator usually of something going on.
goldensmom
7-20-17, 12:09pm
I had a Siamese boy who lived to be 18. I would take my boy the vet if he started acting unusual whether weekday/night or weekend. In my experience, if something does not look right it usually isn't so I would not wait (plus I would probably not sleep at night due to worry). You know your boy best, do which ever you feel most comfortable with.
Is he drinking or eating more than usual or increased bathroom visits? Cats develop diabetes so that would be my first concern. I'd go ahead and get him in the vet and schedule blood work.
I have now called three vets to schedule an appointment and been told "we are not taking new clients" until next month. And that if I'd like to be a new client at that time, I have to follow their prevention program - vaccinations, heart worm, etc on a scheduled basis Huh? When did the animal doctor business turn into such a racket? I guess I will have to pay an emergency clinic as I don't know what else to do.
Teacher Terry
7-20-17, 1:01pm
My vet does walk-ins when a pet is sick and you do not need to be a client. I would search on the internet and see if you can find one that does this.
iris lilies
7-20-17, 2:30pm
While I tend not to be terribly worried about the cats if they are still eating normal amounts, his being lethargic is a big red flag. Cats do everything they can to hide illness.
The best general practice vet in my area does require the regular cAre you describe or will not take you as a patient, "you" meaning pet owner of course. He was our vet for two of our dogs and he gave extraordinary cAre.
With our current dog we are use a vet clinic, the one nearest our house snd one we have used for 30 years, that takes walkin appts and doesnt require all of the regular treatments (although we do it.)
But no, I dont think it is a racket.
Our cat got very lethargic and was still eating and it turned out she was hypothyroid and went on medicine immediately.
Do you have a Banfield near you--it is in one of the bigbox pet stores. I think they take walk ins.
Teacher Terry
7-20-17, 2:35pm
We also do all the required vaccines, etc. WE have rescued and rescue groups won't approve you if you don't keep up with everything. Although, now my dogs are old and don't need anything but rabies due to age and illness. However, vet care in our local area is extremely expensive which is why we will no longer have 4 dogs. We will get down to 1 or 2 due to natural attrition. My friends that live in the Midwest or KS or TX pay about a third of what we do. Ugh!
goldensmom
7-20-17, 3:10pm
My vet does walk-ins when a pet is sick and you do not need to be a client. I would search on the internet and see if you can find one that does this.
My vet takes sick pets and emergencies as well. I was in the waiting room one time when I overheard the receptionist say to a caller 'have you been here before' - answer obviously no as she proceeded to take personal information - then said 'can you be here at 2'. They also take walk-ins in such cases. I live in a small community but never heard of a vet turning a pet away for an emergency or sickness.
It seems very uncaring when you call with a sick cat and they say they won't help you unless they can see proof of vaccinations. I just moved here so those things are packed away in boxes. I am not concerned with vaccinations and teeth cleaning right this moment...I just need a vet to check out my cat with some basic testing. I just never had to jump through hoops before like this. I will try Banfield as my intuition says he has an infection and needs an antibiotic. A cat jumped over the fence about two weeks ago and they fought so it might be from that. Ironic if so, as he never leaves his own backyard.
Pinkytoe, I agree with you....and now with the new info about the cat fight, I'd be taking him to Banfield, too.
Teacher Terry
7-20-17, 4:04pm
Banfield has a terrible reputation nationwide. Our vets don't require proof of vaccines etc if you come in with a sick pet. That is terrible.
Banfield is booked until Monday so I guess it's a wait and see what happens. Made a Monday appt with a regular vet in any case but may end up at an emergency clinic. Naturally, I have company coming for five days. Funny how these things happen at inopportune times. Finding a vet before I needed one just hadn't been on my radar.
Cat fight....lethargy.....I wouldn't wait any longer if it were my cat. I look for improvement starting the end of day 3 or get to the doc. (I have 2 cats).
I persisted and found a vet who will see him in the am. Fingers crossed it is something they can fix. I didn't bring this cat 800 miles to lose him so soon.
I persisted and found a vet who will see him in the am. Fingers crossed it is something they can fix. I didn't bring this cat 800 miles to lose him so soon.
Good job! If it is hypothyroidism, they can give him medication, a pill once a day.
Do you have any emergency vet clinics near you? They might be a little more expensive, but they are generally open longer hours and they're all walk-ins since it's like an urgent care for pets. I hope your kitty is feeling better soon!
I persisted and found a vet who will see him in the am. Fingers crossed it is something they can fix. I didn't bring this cat 800 miles to lose him so soon.
Can't wait to hear!!!!!
The vet found a puncture wound at the base of his tale but did not lance it. Just gave us antibiotics and shaved the area so we can keep an eye on it. Hoping that is all it is as he still acts like he is very ill. I was able to rouse his interest with a small piece of bacon so he's in there somewhere.
The vet found a puncture wound at the base of his tale but did not lance it. Just gave us antibiotics and shaved the area so we can keep an eye on it. Hoping that is all it is as he still acts like he is very ill. I was able to rouse his interest with a small piece of bacon so he's in there somewhere.
So glad you persevered and found a vet. This one sounds good, and hope kitty feels better soo.
Hope your kitty gets better soon. So glad you found a new vet. My wonderful long-time vet just retired and I'll have to find a new one.
Off to the emergency vet on a Sunday with a houseful of guests from out of town. My little buddy is going downhill fast:(
iris lilies
7-23-17, 1:47pm
Off to the emergency vet on a Sunday with a houseful of guests from out of town. My little buddy is going downhill fast:(
Oh, I a, so so sorry to hear this!
did the first vet do a blood test? Did he reccomend one?
Teacher Terry
7-23-17, 2:00pm
Sending lots of positive thoughts and good vibes for your sweet kitty:))
rosarugosa
7-23-17, 2:15pm
Oh no, hope he is OK - please let us know!
iris lilies
12-16-17, 9:49am
What happened to this cat?
It doesn't seem good, does it?
I neglected to update. Said Siamese cat made a very slow but complete recovery and is as handsome and loving as ever. One of nine lives I guess.
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