Expert: Becky - 2/21/2006

Question
My cat is not her self my mom caught her eating leaves a day before and the next day she wasnt perky like she always is she recently went to the vet for a check up and her report was excellent nothing was wrong with her but also yesterday i noticed her walking down the stairs one at a time when usually she flys down shes fairly young about 23 years in human years and got her from a friend who saved her we think theres something wrong with her paw like in in grown claw or something shes scratching more than usual using the litter box more than usual and well she eats but i sense somethings not quite right she is seeing the vet tonight but she just saw the vet what do you think is the problem?

Answer
Hi Meg,
I'm glad you're taking her to see a vet. It sounds like she may have a urinary tract infection.  If she is using the litter box more frequently, and isn't up to par... that may be it. Cats will often go to the litter box and strain, because they have the sensation that they have to "go" but only a drop or two will come out. If you have ever had a UTI, you know what I mean.   She is being careful walking down the steps , probably because it is painful.  Of course, I have no way of telling for sure, and your vet will run tests, so it's good that you're going. If it is a UTI, she will need antibiotics.  
Regarding the leaves, there is a slight possibilty that she ingested a stick or something similar and it is lodged in her intestines.  That is doubtful though.
Something is not right for sure, so you are doing the right thing to take her in.

God Bless,
Becky