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Expert: - 10/9/2007


Question
Hello.  My feline family member is acting really weird lately.    She is normally out with the family every day/night, and lays on everyone's lap.  For the last couple of days, she has been very distant.  She lays under the bed all day and doesn't want to come out.  She usually greets me when I come through the door, but everything is different.  From what I can tell, she still is using the cat box, and she is still eating.  My wife said the she's been moving kind of slow.  She's always been an indoor cat, but occasionally she's been outside with the kids.  She is about  3 1/2 years old and mostly active.  It's like an all of a sudden thing.  Any advice, or guidance?

Answer
Hi Jason,

Whenever you see a big change in a cat's behavior you need to take her to the vet. She could be developing arthritis. She could have gotten into something outside. There is a lot of different things going on. But a change is one way of your cat telling you, "Hey, I don't feel too good". Have her checked out. Let me know what the vet says. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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