Limping cat

[whethergirl]

I noticed that my cat had a small abcess on his leg the other day. He's had them before, I've just left them - cleaning them up if necessary, and they've always cleared up.

This morning when I left he seemed fine, when I returned a few hours later he was limping. Not sure if it's anything to do with the abcess (which doesn't actually look that bad, I thought it was healing).

He doesn't seem too distressed, and has eaten today. He has been asleep for most of the day but that's quite normal! He has been sleeping on my bed all day, which is a bit strange, he normally moves around to various sleeping spots throughout the day.

Part of me thinks I should take him to the vet first thing in the morning, part of me thinks I should just monitor it for another day.

He absoloutely hates going to the vets, and last time he pooed himself in the cat basket on the way there

[cozietoesie]

Vet I think. The abscess could be infected. (If he's been fighting, cats claws and mouths are filthy so the wound could have turned this time.) Did you clean it up/bathe it?

[whethergirl]

I thought it might be infected. I'm surprised in a way, as normally his abcesses are a lot worse, and oozing, and I've cleaned them up. This one looks small and looks like it's drying out. He won't let me get near it as his leg is obviously sore...I don't want to force it and distress him.

[whethergirl]

Any ideas on how I can make his trip to the vet less stressful for him?

I don't have a car but it's only a five minute walk.

He is an outdoor cat so is used to outside smells/noises etc. I'm wondering if last time he got stressed in the cat carrier because he actually needed a poo, and that's why he pooed himself.

[Fluffycloudland77]

I've not found anything that works, but I reason the rest of his life is quite cushy so he can lump it.

We all have to knuckle down sometimes.

[cozietoesie]

Personally, I'd get a taxi if you can - a full grown cat is quite heavy and a taxi saves his leg being banged about in the carrier a bit - as inevitably it will as the carrier swings about. (I don't have a car but always take Seniorboy to the vet in a taxi even though it's not far - for the above reasons.)

Otherwise, well it's only a short journey so I'm not sure there's much you can do at short notice. Put a towel at the bottom of the carrier so that it can quickly be whipped out if he has an accident and maybe carry a spare with you in a poly bag to replace. Also, try to cover the carrier with an old rug or coverlet or something so that he can't see out. It might make him feel a bit safer.

[cozietoesie]

And - as Fluffy said - sometimes we all have to knuckle down.

[whethergirl]

Knuckle down? You're talking about his highness Prince Precious here!

I was thinking to cover the cat carrier with a blanket but not sure if that would freak him out more? Will consider the taxi too. And definitely the towels!

Thanks for advice so far.

[cozietoesie]

I'd try it. Seniorboy is usually happier when he can't see the busyness of the streets. Remember also that your lad isn't well so may be quieter than usual. If he has an accident, so be it - but the towels will help and they can be emptied out of the bag and given a hot wash or soak when you get home.

Good luck with him.

[whethergirl]

Thanks cozietoesie, I hope the vets can see me tomorrow morning. He is still on my bed and normally he would have been out at this time

[MissFoodie]

take him to the vet, it is probably nothing, but better to be safe than sorry, my friend's cat had thrombosis.....