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Question
Hello,
My male 3 year old cat, Charlie, has been acting strange for a few days. He seems very lethargic and is gagging a lot as if he is about to be sick, but nothing passes. He also has not used his litter tray in over a day. He ate about a pouch of food last night, but that is all since Friday (It is now Sunday). At first we thought it might be a hairball and waited for it to pass, but we are now getting a little worried as his behavior hasn't changed at all since yesterday. He is usually a very lively, boisterous cat but at the minute he will let you touch him anywhere without kicking or playing.
Should I see if this passes in a day or so, or should I take him to the vet?
Hi Sam,
I would get him to the vet at this point. It's possible that he's not used the litter tray because he's not eating enough to pass anything, but I also worry that he may have an obstruction or severe constipation that could be the cause of his symptoms. That can be deadly in a matter of a day or so once symptoms like nausea and lethargy begin to arise, so I would feel better to have him checked out right away. There are certainly other possibilities, like a stomach bug, which the vet will be able to help you out with, as well. I'm sure Charlie could use an anti-nausea medication and perhaps a gastrointestinal antibiotic/anti-inflammatory, and maybe even some fluids under the skin to combat dehydration since he's been so under the weather.
Best of luck!
Jessica
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you for your reply and advice. I took him to the vets today. It was the emergency vets because it is bank holiday, but was worth it. They said they don't think he has a blockage, but they have given him an anti inflamatry and antibiotic to see how he goes and we can take him back wednesday if we need to. Thank you again | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Jessica
Expertise
The areas in which I have gained the most experience are cat health and feral cat management/rescue. I provide supportive care to chronically ill cats, hospice care to terminally ill cats and also am involved in trap-neuter-return efforts. My specialities lie in taming feral cats and in the allopathic treatment of cats with illnesses or special needs. I also have owned Siamese, Himalayans, Abyssinians, Russian Blues, Savannahs, Bengals, Peterbalds, Don Sphynx and Oriental Shorthairs and am well-versed in cat breeds as well as cat behavior and nutrition.
Experience
I have 15 years of extensive experience with cats ranging from breeding to medical care. My daily routine consists of caring for cats with diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney failure, feline leukemia, feline AIDS as well as feral cats. I have experience with liver patients, heart patients, feline infectious peritonitis, cancer, recovery from amputation and trauma, congenital deformities and most every disease in between. I have assisted cats giving birth and hand-nursed kittens who were neglected by their mother from 2 days old through weaning.
Education/Credentials
15 years' hands-on experience
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