Possibly poorly cat. Help!

[dontticklethetoad]

I have just got home and there is something not right with my boy cat.
Usually they both come stampeding down the hall to demand food greet me, but neither did. Girl cat turned up as I got the food out, so fed her and went to have a look for the other.
He was lying in the sun in the garden, but didn't get up. I call him over and he gets up (possibly a bit stiffly?) and comes in. Takes a look at his dinner and then goes back outside and sat under the rosemary bush.
I have given him a look over, no scuffs/grazes from a car accident or attack of any sort. He was fine this morning, he just seems exhausted?
Plus the not eating is a huge red flags as he will eat until he's sick given the opportunity.

I have booked him in to the vets first thing tomorrow, I guess I'm just looking for a little reassurance.

Urinary tract infections that can lead to a blockage are always a concern when male cats are unwell. I suppose you haven't seen him urinating today?

I haven't. They have a litter box, which has been used today (could have been either though), but they also go outside too.

I don't want to alarm you, but my cat has just ended up with a urinary tract blockage, crystals etc, catheterization needed. He has been at the vet's last night and will be there overnight today too. I had to take him to an emergency appointment on Sunday, and they said, it was lucky I had brought him in when I did, as they sometimes see cats further down the line who are a terrible state.

Could you get the litter box with fresh litter confine him to a space, and see whether he is managing to pee. My red flag was the cat sitting in the litter box, and then coming out and just lying next to it. He was also very lethargic and tense. Not miaowing much.

If that is the case (ie no pee), best thing is to try and take him to vet hospital immediately. Tonight.

Agree, go tonight. My cat almost died from pancreatitis. She showed almost no symptoms. If I'd not taken her that night, she'd not have survived the night.

Only ever taken my boy cat to the vets once in 13 years and his symptoms were exactly as you described. I was so worried about him, the vet could see he had a temperature - which was indicative of an illness/infection - but couldn't pinpoint exactly what.

She gave him an injection, I can't remember exactly what it was now - possibly to reduce fever, but within a few hours he had perked up hugely and the next day he was right as rain.

I couldn't take him to the vets last night as there wasn't anyone to watch the children.

He had some biscuits before bed. He then went and lay on his step (in the middle of the stairs ).
He woke me up shouting for breakfast outside the bedroom door as per usual at 5.15am. He seemed right as rain.

Vet had no idea, no concerns regarding urinary/renal problems. She thought he might possibly have eaten something he shouldn't, he will eat anything (last trip to the vets was because he had ram raided the bread bin and eaten half a hot cross bun) and has been known to waltz in to neighbours homes and help himself.
She said to watch and wait and to come back if he deteriorates.

Thanks all.

that is very good news! I've certainly left it a few days with another cat, who quickly recovered (probably just a UTI which cleared up by itself)

My cat is back home, looking a bit dazed after a long op. But he has managed to pee now catheter removed, and is on metacam and other medication. It was very expensive, and possibly I should have noticed a bit earlier - it is difficult when you have two cats to see what is happening in detail/observe litter tray.

In other news, he has just had a mouthful of chickpeas that I had rinsed and left on the side ready to make hummus.