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Cats/Can cats throw thier backs out?
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Question
I have a 20 year old cat who sleeps on the top of the couch cushion (where a persons back would touch if sitting normally). Any how she was in a very deep sleep and started to slip off the top cushion on to the bottom cushion. I caught her on her back half way down and her body naturally wanted to flip over on her feet but she was still in my arms. When I placed her on her feet she fell on her side and kept doing this for about a minute...she was also still waking up and still seemed disoriented from her deep sleep, like she didn't even know that she fell. Then she sat up and walked slowly into the bedroom and sat in one spot for about 15-20 minutes. She seems ok but I'm worried she might of thrown her back out or something. I don't understand why she kept falling on her side after she first fell. Do you think she is hurt? Should I take her to the vet? She is moving slowly but she always does because of her age. I don't know what to do. Help!
Cari,
At 20 years old your kitty's roughly equivalent to a 96 year old human being. Given that fact she may be stiffer than usual due to arthritis or general aging. I think that it would be a good idea to have this kitty checked over by a vet just to make sure that she hasn't had a stroke, broken ribs or some other serious problem come up. I can't really offer judgement about whether or not your cat is hurt, I'm not a vet and even if I was I can't see your cat. I would say that it's far better to visit the vet and be told that everything is fine than to wait and see and have something go seriously wrong, especially given the age of your cat.
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Answers by Expert:
Ali
Expertise
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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