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Ask the Veterinarian/Somethings up with my cat

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Expert: - 8/20/2011


Question
I have 5 cats. The one I am concerned about is 8 years old, male. My cats eat dry food only and have access to it all the time. This cat, his name is "Greenlee" has been staying in the exact same spot in the back bedroom for days. He doesn't come out on his own that I know of. I don't think he is eating. He seems to be favoring his front paws, however isnt bothered when I touch them in anyway. If I get him up, he tries to sit not allowing pressure on those front paws, he does not want to walk but if he has to, he favors those paws. I don't know what to think. I have felt and squeezed all around the paws, arms and shoulders. Everything feels fine and I get no adverse reaction from him. It doesn't make any sense. I do not know if he gets up at night to eat or use the box. But he certainly doesnt through the day.
Any ideas?

Answer
Time to take Greenlee to the vets. Something is really wrong and it might not be what you think. He could have some swollen lymph glands up around his neck that make walking painful, he could have some bites festering in his paws.

It's only a guessing game from online but I can tell you this, he needs to start eating and drinking or he is going to get a lot sicker really fast. Cats don't do well not eating after 3 days.

It is not normal for a cat to isolate itself for days and they only do this when sick.

He needs to see a vet and soon!  

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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

Expertise

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!

Experience

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.

Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

Education/Credentials
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!).

Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

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