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Cats/What is wrong with my cat?

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Expert: - 4/6/2011


Question
I think my cat needs to see a veterinary but I am not sure. My cat he is throwing up. And I just changed his cat box and hasn't used it but it has only been one day. And when it looks like he is about to sit down he doesn't he stands there like he is going to go the bathroom and doesn't. And woke up this morning and he had gone to the bathroom outside my door. But it was only a little bit. It looks like he is trying to go to the bathroom but he can't it seems to me. And it seems like he won't stay in one place for a while. And I haven't really seen him eat or drink a lot lately.

Answer
Ashley,

Your kitty is having a serious medical emergency - he needs to see a veterinarian immediately - his urinary tract is likely blocked and this can be fatal to him without immediate treatment. He is in excruciating pain if this is what's happening... If your kitty's urethra is blocked he will need to be hospitalized for at least a few days possibly upwards of a week or more depending on how his kidneys recover from having the urine in his bladder wash back up into the kidneys while he was blocked. Cats, just like people should be using the toilet multiple times each day. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me again - I'm more than happy to help in any way that I can.

Kind regards,

Ali

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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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