What is wrong with my cat???

Question

Hi. My cat, Pumpkin, has been acting weird lately. I was wondering if anyone could please give me some insight. I am worried that something is wrong... I bought her some new food the other day, (she was eating Purina Kitten Chow) I got her the Whiskas "Meaty Selections" brand of food. And that night, I went to bed, and in the morning, I woke up and she had tipped over her food bowl. I thought maybe it was an accident... and I tried to refill the dish, and carry on. Then I saw her knock it over again. She grabbed the dish with her mouth and she just flipped it over. SO, I thought that maybe she really didn't like the food, or I sprung it on her too fast... and that maybe we should try to go back to the kitten chow. She seemed happy at first, but tonight, she knocked it all over again. And she has been running around and acting weird. If anyone can give me some insights, I would greatly appreciate it. She is about 10 months old. A calico. I got her from another family. Thank you!!

Oh yeah, Pumpkin eats dry food, and occasionally I give her a pouch of the Whiskas Choice Cuts. She really like that kind. I guess maybe it could be that I started work recently, and she just feels neglected. But I try to spend as much cuddle time as possible. I already checked to make sure that I didn't have the contaminated cat food. So, I am pretty sure that isn't the problem.

You can see her on her myspace page! http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=163516668&MyToken=c6d92761-e57b-4eb2-9a91-9ba96cf33493

Answer 1

I would go back to the Purina chow. a calico is very is very high strung. but i would also buy regular cat chow as she is old enough to get off kitten chow, but NEVER ,EVER, change food on a cat , all at once. and as far as whisk as cat food goes, i would replace it with 9lives wet solid canned food, mix a teaspoon, with a 1/4 cup of cat chow , and put her kitten chow on top. wean your cat off the kitten chow and throw the whisks away.or just get Purina cat chow, and mix it in a little at a time, with the kitten chow. the throwing the food bowl, is normal for a young cat, as i had 3 that would do this, or walk in it , and i learned my advice to you, the hard way. but stick to the foods mentioned, as they are the only safe ones, that is factual.hope this helps.

Answer 2

Re: your calico concerns...First of all, there has, as you may know, been a contamination of cat and dog food, and many brands have been effected, and many pets have died because of it. You should google the name of the food that pumpkin eats, and google a list of the safe and un-safe foods. All the foods that were contaminated were, as I recall, wet foods; the dry-food, if I remember correctly is safe. Secondly, a 10-month old cat loves to play, and it's not unusual for them to act in a strangely comical way. So, you ought to also consider this. Finally, if you are still concerned you can always call your vet. But first and foremost, check out the list of foods that have been contaminated, and those that are safe. And, in the meantime, consider giving Pumpkin dry food.

Answer 3

If she's never been given wet food before, then she may not know what it is, or that she's supposed to eat it. My bottle-fed orange male does not realize he can eat canned food. Calicos can have a temper too, like redheaded people (being a redhead myself, I can say that). She may also be coming into heat if she's not fixed, she's certainly old enough and the time of year is right. She may also be trying to bury the leftovers.

Whiskas is not on the list, canned and pouches of sliced or chunk meats in gravy that got ingredients from Menufoods. Go to www.menufoods.com/recall for a complete list.

Answer 4

If she's a good size and weight, you can start switching but you need to do it gradually over 6 weeks. Start by adding just a little adult food to her kitten chow and then slowly increase the adult and reduce the kitten food. If you change too quickly it can give them tummy upsets, perhaps she knows this and that's what she's trying to tell you.

Is she speyed? She may be coming on heat.

In any case, behavioural changes can be indicative of illness in cats, they hide it well, in the animal kingdom signs of illness will leave them vulnerable so they hide it to protect themselves. A chat with your vet would be a good idea.

Answer 5

Sounds like she doesn't like the food. I had a friend whose cat did the same thing. Just cont to feed her the food and Pumpkin will eventually learn to like it. If you notice signs of kidney failure (from the recent wet food outbreak), contact your vet. Signs of kidney failure: lethargy, cont urination, vomiting, weight loss.

Answer 6

i would mix half kitten and half cat food and not just change it just like that. she could have a temper and think she is going to get your attention that way. It sounds to me that she might not like the food either though. try putting half with half and see where it gets you okay.

Answer 7

well arent all the wet cat foods being recalled right now? maybe you should stick to dry food for a while until they work out all this wet food rigamarole.

Answer 8

Is she spayed? Female cats behavior can change dramatically while going into a heat.

Answer 9

She wants to get your attention. Maybe you don't give her cuddles or something...

Answer 10

unfortunately, your cat has realized that it is a cat. things will only get worse. i suggest that you terminate with extreme prejudice