Is my cat depressed or am I just mental?

[JorisBonson]

16 month old boy has been a bit quiet the past few days. Usually a ball of energy, is just sitting about looking a bit sad, not playing as much or taking as much interest in pointless stuff he likes (sticks, worms etc).

Still goes outside to use the toilet, not wolfing down his food as much but still eating and climbing over everything in his way when there's a treat on offer.

He had a poorly paw and a temperature last year and hid for over a week until he felt better. No hiding this time round, he just looks bloody fed up. No changes at home.

Would I be mental to bother my vet and tell her "my cat looks miserable?"

[PiggyPlumPie]

Aww I'd take him to be given a quick once over. They can't tell us if they're hurting. I would much rather take my puss to the vets and him be given a clean bill of health than sit there worrying!

[Elderflower99]

This happened with my cat, i got another cat to keep her company! Even though they terrorise each other they keep each other busy :-) would you consider getting another?

[JorisBonson]

@Elderflower99 he's one of 3! Old grumpy girl doesn't bother with either of them but he's obsessed with our middle girl. Come to think of it, he's barely terrorised tried to play with her over the past few days.

As he's still eating and drinking I may give him until after the weekend to see if he perks up, then maybe get an appointment for Monday / Tuesday.

He ate when I got him this evening but not as much as he usually does, and has been asleep in one of his favourite warms spots tonight. Didn't come running when we opened a pizza box

[JorisBonson]

I obviously can't continue this thread without a photo. He's so handsome.

[SparePantsAndLego]

I’d definitely take him for a quick check up sooner rather than later. It could be something easily sorted.
Are his teeth ok? Gingivitis made my boy unhappy but was quickly sorted with some antibiotics.

[SparePantsAndLego]

He is gorgeous!

[JorisBonson]

@SparePantsAndLego - teeth look good, happily munching on biscuits when he does eat. He had his jabs at the beginning of Jan and was given a clean bill of health. I will definitely take him in in the next few days if he doesn't perk up. Trying to play with him, he's still grabbing and batting toys a bit but not with the gusto he usually does :(

[igotdemons]

Aww, he’s very handsome indeed, OP! 😻

If he goes outside, could it be possible that there is a new cat in the area that may be bullying him? My DSis’ cat is going through this at the moment as he’s a real softie... 😿

I would definitely take him to the Vets if he doesn’t perk up after the weekend as cats are so good at hiding illness.

[JorisBonson]

@igotdemons hmm you might be on to something there. There's a big tabby that comes round occasionally - we always know when she's here because all 3 run in with bog brush tails! I'll keep an eye on the garden.

DP (who is a bonafide crazy cat man) thinks I'm just being precious and this is him just growing up and settling down but I'm not too sure.

[SparePantsAndLego]

@JorisBonson, I do love the fact his chosen human is so well trained that his ‘reduced gusto’ has been noticed. He’s done a good job! Hope he perks up.

[PinglePongle]

Please take him to get a check by the vet, cats are notorious for hiding illness

[JorisBonson]

@SparePantsAndLego that boy is definitely the king of the castle, we're sad enough to revolve EVERYTHING around him... our poor girl cats!

He ate a bit better last night. middle cat went out on a midnight jaunt and when we woke up he was in her bed. Still not 100% so I'll be calling the vet tomorrow.

[oobieloo]

I think you're right to be worried but I oils recommend taking him today for a check up purely because cats can go downhill very quickly and if he does it on Saturday evening or Sunday you're looking at a hefty out of hours bill vs the other option which is catching something early or him being totally fine and only having to pay for a consultation.
The best case scenario here is that he's fine and he gets a quick mot whilst he's there.

[JorisBonson]

Very pleased to say he has perked up considerably tonight - ate loads of food, played with a stick (I think he thinks he is a dog), cuddled with DP and "helped" me make the bed. Will continue to monitor!