My lovely boy not eating and hiding

[moggo]

Hello all. My beautiful 14 year old boy isn't his normal self. He has eaten barely anything for the last few days and is going to the vet later today. He has been hiding under the dining table and is just sleeping a lot more than usual. I have just bought him some cooked chicken and chopped it up small and he has eaten a bowl of that. Not sure what this means though as if he was really unwell, surely he wouldn't have eaten it? We are really worried about him as he means everything to us, and is a super friendly white and black cat. We have trained him to sit on command and to give paw for treats. He also does high-fives bless him. I am trying not to get too worried until we go to the vets and get their opinion, but it's hard because I can't stand the thought of losing him, although I know he's not a young cat. Any thoughts on what it means that he was able to eat the chicken? Many thanks.

Thinking of you OP, here to handhold. Vets today is a great shout - you know your cat and having been through a similar situation this week, my advice is to go with your gut! Let us know how things go at the vets - hopefully he'll perk up quickly 💐

I'm sorry your lovely boy is unwell.

Most of my cats won't eat when they are seriously unwell, so I'd say that eating is generally a positive sign. Does he go outside? I wonder if he's been hurt in a fight or something.

Hopefully you get good news from the vets

Thanks so much @Hamsterrific and @fieldsofbutterflies. Just got back from the vet. Vet is concerned as he has quite a weight loss. Couldn't feel any lumps thankfully. He has half a claw missing on his little toe so could have been in a fight. There is a massive, highly aggressive black cat nearby who keeps going for him and I think he's really scared of it. He's managed to eat a bit more chicken. Vet has taken bloods to check thyroid and kidneys so will know more next week. Hamster, have you had a similar problem with your cat this week?

This happened recently to my old lady. There was actually nothing wrong with her, the vet gave her an anti-emetic injection and she perked up within a day. She also gave us a tube of cream to put on her ear to increase her appetite. And finally, suggested Lick-e-lix, they are like frubes for cats and are honestly cat crack. This was a few months ago and she's still with us, wombling round the house all shabby and old.

So please keep trying not to worry until you've seen the vet, because it's not a given that it's something serious.

Ah just saw that you've been to the vet already. Still don't panic until the bloods come back!

Thanks @Swearwolf that has given me some hope! I'm glad your old lady is still doing well. My boy has been hiding under the whole table all evening. Still not eaten. The vet gave him a tablet for his appetite but it hasn't worked 😔

@moggo , I totally understand how upsetting and unsettling this will feel. Don’t let your mind rush to a worst-case scenario with the weight loss - it could be down to any number of things. Our cat was taken ill after deteriorating from being seemingly fine to in a very bad way on Tuesday night - she had a 40+ fever and I was terrified we were going to lose her. So I’ve felt these emotions acutely the past few days! She’s fortunately better now and I’m keeping fingers crossed your boy will be fine too - you’ve done the right thing going to the vet when you did and are clearly a very loving owner! Sending positive and healing vibes x

How is your cat doing now @moggo ? Been sending positive vibes to him and you!