Cat dry heaving and lethargic

[Lovemusic82]

I know I will be told to take him to the cat but it’s currently 8.30pm and the vets not open until tomorrow.

My cat is 14 years old and reasonably fit (slightly over weight), the last few days he has been keeping away from me, he’s usually pretty affectionate and is usually constantly meowing for food but he’s only been asking for food first thing in the morning. He was sick a couple days ago but this is pretty normal for him when he’s gone all night without food. Today he’s been indoors all day in DD’s room, has now come down stairs and he keeps heaving like there’s something stuck in his throat, I can feel a small lump under his chin, near his throat but not sure if it’s just a scab from fighting (I can’t really get a good look as I have no one to hold him still). He has eaten and not been sick so I don’t think it’s a stomach issue. It’s pretty normal for his behaviour to change when the weather gets warmer so I wasn’t too alarmed about him sleeping more and staying out of my way.

Could it just be a stuck hairball? He has been malting and does groom himself (mainly his imaginary balls) a lot.

Obviously if he’s still unwell tomorrow I will take him to the vets but I don’t want to stress him as he hates going. Also money is tight due to waiting for a UC claim. He is insured but my vet demands payment on the day and won’t wait for a claim to be processed.

My cat was doing this then coughed up a massive hairball so could be that. If he doesn’t seem himself bough and seems off his food I would give the vet a ring in the morning and get him checked out.

Our 14 year old cat acted similarly and it was unfortunately heart failure.

Has yours lost weight (even if eating)?

I would recommend the vets as soon as you can.

Hoping for the best for you.

No weight loss, he’s still very fat, he does look a bit scruffier than usual but he often does this time of year when he’s lost his winter coat. He’s a big ginger Tom and he’s my world, he’s usually by my side all the time but the last few days he’s been taking himself off, either to DD’s room (she’s away at uni so the rooms empty) or outside. He’s just gone out now and will probably stay out all night.

Yeah, mine once made himself really sick from a hairball.

You can get a paste from Amazon that helps dissolve them. It's called Lax-A-Past - we always have some in the cupboard just in case.

Does sound like a hairball, and it is the time of year for them.
If it is then hairball paste can be the best thing but can take 2 or 3 days to clear a blockage.

Thank you, I will get some of the paste. He slept with me all night and although he’s not himself he is eating ok, had his breakfast and went out this morning. I will see how he is in a couple of hours (I need to work for a hour this morning). I don’t want to rush him to the vets if I don’t have too as it makes him really anxious but I also don’t want him to become more unwell at the weekend where vet bills will double 😬. He’s doing everything he should be but at a slower pace but maybe he’s just feeling unwell from having a fur ball lodged in his throat?

How is your cat op?

Thankfully he’s back to his normal self, no more gagging which is good. He’s being picky with food but he does that from time to time and it won’t hurt as he is huge. I’m glad I didn’t take him to the vets and waited.

Glad to hear he is himself again!