argh help please!!

[GingerBreadMacchiato]

My 7 year old cat hasn't been very well for about 5 days, i noticed yday that she had 2 treats then turned the rest down and turned all food down after that, I don't even know when she last had a full meal, she's eaten nothing at all today but has had a little water. She's currently on top of a cupboard in my room snuggled on a pillow, where she's been 90% of the time for 3 days.

What should i do? :/ She's a house cat (her choice) and taking her to the vet will stress her right out so only want to do that as a last resort.

[RedwingWinter]

If she's not eating, and is still poorly after 5 days, I would take her to the vet even though she doesn't like it. You could always ring your vet and ask their advice, as a phone call won't upset her but you'll know what you should do.

[GingerBreadMacchiato]

5 days from now or 5 days from the start? DP thinks we should wait 3 days "because she might just have a bug" I am a total drama queen when it comes to the cats health :/

[PurplePidjChickIsNotTheMessiah]

I'd be onto the vet first thing in the morning. Animals are much smaller than us, and so are the timescales of their illnesses. Can you tempt her with some tuna or boiled chicken with rice?

[GingerBreadMacchiato]

She won't touch wet food. chicken. treats or chewy sticks, which are her favorite. I'm so worried now.

[PurplePidjChickIsNotTheMessiah]

Phone ooh vet if you think she's suffering, otherwise leave her to be quiet, poor lass

[GingerBreadMacchiato]

think I'll give it till lunch time tomorrow and if she's still not eaten I'll give the vet a call?

[Persuasion]

I'd give them a call first thing in the morning. The call doesn't hurt, and is better sooner than later if it gives you a plan which can make her feel better. She sounds like she's feeling pretty unwell.

[RedwingWinter]

She has already not been herself for 5 days, so you've tried the wait-and-see approach. If you're worried about her overnight (if she gets worse), ring the out of hours vet. Otherwise give your vet a call in the morning and make an appointment. Not eating can become serious in a cat fairly quickly so don't delay til lunchtime in case they can't fit you in. I hope it goes well - come back and let us know what they say.

[GingerBreadMacchiato]

she came down late last night and had some food and a drink. I was so happy. But today she's gone back yo not wanting her food. DP is giving the vets a ring now.

she keeps smacking her lips?

[GingerBreadMacchiato]

They've told us to bring her in tomorrow, I am absolutely freaking out about the costs at this time of year. We don't have our cats insured. So stupid :/ Is there any way I can take out insurance for them now and for it to cover any costs if she has to have treatment?

[cozietoesie]

The not eating (especially treats which are hard) and the lip smacking....makes me wonder if she's got dental issues. She well could have even though she's only 7 - and if so, the vet may well want her in ASAP for a dental procedure. (Although they might give you antibiotic treatment in the first instance.)

I don't think you can get pet insurance for pre-existing conditions, I'm afraid - but others may know better.

[RedwingWinter]

How did you get on at the vet, Ginger?

Unfortunately insurance doesn't cover pre-existing conditions. Cozie could be right about a dental issue - but hopefully you know by now.

[GingerBreadMacchiato]

Hello :) thanks for advice.

I got up last night cause she was snooping about in my room, the min i got up she looked at me then ran downstairs and into the kitchen, so i followed, I offered her food and she ate.......... 6 CHEWY STICKS AND 4 SLICES OF HAM!!!!!! then had a drink of water!!! And today she's had a sachet of cat food, some more ham and more water.

She's not 100% back to normal but near enough, she's running about and following me like she used to again, so relieved!!! I will keep an eye on her though.

Thanks for the help though, you lot are wonderful!

(have also taken out insurance for all 3 cats now )

[GingerBreadMacchiato]

DP thinks she "had a bug" i guess they must have off days every so often. Poor fluffy things.

She's just smacked our ginger cat round the chops, that's my girl, defo getting back to normal

[cozietoesie]

Well that's just excellent news.

However, I infer from your OP that you don't take her to the vets for annual checkups and jabs - and I really think you ought to do that, even if you think she doesn't much like going out. Even housecats should have some of the range of jabs (as well as flea treatments etc) - and very often vets will pick up other things which if caught soon enough can be be zapped at an early stage or much alleviated. She's by no means even middle aged these days but remember that she's not a young cat.

(I'd have a detailed read of the insurance documents as well when they come in because I rather suspect that they'll require regular vet attendance.)

But good news for you all today, anyway.

[RedwingWinter]

That's good news, Ginger, I'm really pleased :)