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Ask the Veterinarian/Cat - Change in Behavior. Won't eat.

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Expert: - 1/31/2011


Question
My 2-year-old, DSH neutered, indoor-only cat is not eating this morning. His fur seems dull, and he didn't crawl up my legs as he normally does.
He lives in very large house with 6 other cats and 3 dogs. He is what I'd call an 'alpha' cat, as he's the first to eat, demands attention.
The change alarms me, but he was fine yesterday, and I'm a little strapped for cash if he doesn't need to immediately go to the vet.
What I have done is separate him from the others, so if he ate something that disagreed with him, he can have the chance to feel better.
Can I keep an eye on him, bring him to the vet in a few days? I don't want to over react; it's just he's normally such an incredibly social, in-your-face kind of cat.
Thanks,
Maureen

Answer
Well you want to be careful about waiting too long. Cats that go over 3 days not eating risk serious complications from developing fatty liver disease.
You could wait until tomorrow,but if his coat is dull this didn't just happen overnight. He has been feeling bad or something is brewing inside of him.
That is why I wouldn't wait too long. He could just have a gut ache, but that is pretty rare with cats as well.

Is he current on his vaccinations? Has he been tested and vaccinated for leukemia? These are things to ask the vet about when you do see him.

You might want to call them first, but I would make an appointment. Cats can go from bad to really bad pretty fast.  

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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

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PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

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I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

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Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

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