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The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Original poster

Cat suddenly hiding and not eating

25 replies

MissEDashwood19 · 27/07/2021 18:24

My male cat is suddenly refusing food and hiding. He is usually a greedy velcro cat, so this is worrying.

Yesterday, he seemed fine, eating normally, very cuddly and was out hunting mice (we live rurally).

His sister was PTS two weeks ago as she was suffering from kidney failure, now extremely worried something is seriously wrong with him too. I don't think he's grieving for her as he was a bit of a bully to her and has always been far more pally with our dog for some reason. He doesn't like being alone, but he always has company either human or canine, usually both. Family were visiting and recently left, so don't know if that plays a role? He was very happy with their presence - demanding cuddles and strokes.

Any tips? I don't know whether I should rush him to the vets or give him a day to see if there's any improvement?

OP posts:
SqueakyPeaks · 27/07/2021 18:26

Definitely vets. When cats hide, there's something significantly wrong in my experience.

I'm so sorry he's poorly. Flowers

ahoyshipmates · 27/07/2021 18:28

I say vets asap too.

Chemenger · 27/07/2021 18:33

I also say vet. They hide when they feel ill.

Original poster
MissEDashwood19 · 27/07/2021 18:34

Should I take him to the emergency vets or wait until tomorrow? I'm now panicking. I know I won't be able cope if there's something seriously wrong. I'm still struggling with the loss of his sister.

OP posts:
dickiedavisthunderthighs · 27/07/2021 18:36

Emergency vet now in my view. Cats hide things for ages so if he's now showing distress you need to have him looked at quickly.

LotLessBovver · 27/07/2021 18:39

Vets as soon as possible if he's not eating. They go downhill quite quickly so I'd ring the emergency vets.

mumofdiamonds · 27/07/2021 18:40

Can I ask if you were or are feeding your cat any of these recalled foods?

www.battersea.org.uk/about-us/news/cat-food-recalled-due-links-feline-pancytopenia

My girl has been fighting this for 3 weeks now. We stopped the food when the food was recalled.

LizB62A · 27/07/2021 18:42

At the very least I'd suggest phoning the emergency vet and explain the symptoms to them

Original poster
MissEDashwood19 · 27/07/2021 18:53

Thank you all for your advice.

He hasn't been eating any of the recalled cat foods @mumofdiamonds, but thank you for sharing. I hope your girl makes a full recovery. Flowers

He has now thrown up in the hall. My husband is now saying he might have just eaten something and we should wait until tomorrow, but I feel terrified something will happen in that time. I would take him myself, but I'm breastfeeding (baby won't take bottles at all) and I don't know how long it would take at the vets.

OP posts:
LotLessBovver · 27/07/2021 19:09

Without wanting to worry you, my cat also threw up when I was trying to decide whether he needed the vet. DH thought it was a sign that he was on the mend. The vet later told us it was a sign that he was actually getting worse.

I would phone and see what the vet says.

SqueakyPeaks · 27/07/2021 19:36

People are telling you unequivocally that your cat needs to see the vet urgently. Please take him.

Fluffycloudland77 · 27/07/2021 19:38

Never follow husbands opinions on poorly animals, their instincts don’t seem as sharp as ours.

Clarkey86 · 27/07/2021 19:43

Ring the emergency vet and they will advise you.

Long term cat owner here and I’d also get him in now - one of mine was like this and just needed antibiotics and metacam and he perked right up but I’m so glad I took him.

therocinante · 27/07/2021 19:46

Vet tonight, definitely. I hope your furry pal is okay!

GingerFigs · 27/07/2021 19:46

Call the emergency vet. Make notes on his behaviour, eating / not eating, is he drinking, how long have these things been going on so that you can answer the vet's questions. The vet will advise if you need to take him in. Cats go downhill very quickly. Fingers crossed and I hope he is ok.

NotMyCat · 27/07/2021 19:52

If you're not sure, ring the vet
I took mine in because he looked at me funny Blush thankfully the vet knows me well snd he had a huge abscess

Original poster
MissEDashwood19 · 27/07/2021 20:11

Have called and spoken to the emergency vet. I was told to keep an eye on him and if no improvement by tomorrow morning to take him in. I asked multiple times if I should bring him in tonight and was told no. I don't live in the UK and we only have one emergency veterinary practice for our region, so I don't have the option of seeking out a second opinion. I just want to reassure people that I love my cat and will do the absolute best for him.

OP posts:
Original poster
MissEDashwood19 · 27/07/2021 20:16

Just want to add, I will be taking him to the vets tomorrow for him to be examined.

OP posts:
Original poster
MissEDashwood19 · 28/07/2021 08:47

Wanted to circle back, my cat has been to the vet and it looks like he's just constipated. X-ray was fine and everything else was also OK. Waiting for the blood results, but vet didn't seem concerned. Thank you everyone for your advice and support!

OP posts:
Fluffycloudland77 · 28/07/2021 09:42

Good news!

MadameHomais · 28/07/2021 09:48

What a relief!
If only they could talk and tell us where they hurt.
I have recently gone through something very similar with my old puss. He’s fine now- 8 lives to go!

GingerFigs · 28/07/2021 09:54

Yay 👏 good news Smile

Toddlerteaplease · 28/07/2021 10:03

Phew!

AlfonsoTheMango · 28/07/2021 10:11

I'm so glad that it's a minor ailment, OP.

LotLessBovver · 28/07/2021 16:37

That's great news. Flowers

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