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Cats/Cats and howling, etc...

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Expert: - 10/18/2009


Question
I have a 5 year old cat who has never had a serious medical condition, he did have worms once and he got into a fight where a bit of his ear was taken and he had a hip injury then as well. He has always been a fighter and very territorial. Recently, it has happened twice in the last 2 weeks, he has howled and been bite to me and to his co-owner, his dad. During these episodes he has had problems with his eyes and has had some limping, like he did when he was in the fight before. As I was preparing to go to the vet the first time he miraculously recovered and was back to his same old self i.e. jumping onto the roof and down eating and scratching to go out. He always goes to the restroom outside and during this episode he used the litter box-which he usually hates, what do you think is going on with him? He did it again tonight-no drooling or twitching,no litter box, just weird behavior, I am worried it is a neurological issue, please let me know if you think it is behavioral.
Thanks-
Shelley

Answer
Shelley,

I'm inclined to say that based on the symptoms you describe this very well might be a neurological issue. I really think this kitty should see a vet ASAP, if you can make video of the cat's symptoms (since their transient) that would be very helpful for your vet. Honestly, I do think that if he's not neutered it would be good to have that done (it helps prevent fighting (and related injuries) as well as the more serious medical issues that go along with being an intact tom). I don't think this is behavioral, but I do wonder if he's ingesting something toxic in small quantities, anything is possible with an outdoor cat. I'm not a vet so I can't offer much more than that, but my recommendation is that he sees a vet ASAP. If you have any further questions, concerns or you'd like me to clarify anything please feel free to contact me again and I will do my best to help you out.

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Ali

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I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

Experience

I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

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