My cat is ill, I am worried?

Question

My cat recently got fleas, yesterday we got him medication to get rid of them which I put on him [It was some sort of liquid] anyway at the same time my dad bought us de-worming tablets because he was concerned that our cat is thin, he only weighs 9lb he is old well at least we think so, he was a stray that started following me around 5 months ago and we have since taken him in anyway back to the problem I was going to give him the worming tablets but my mum said not to give him them both on the same day so today I gave him the tablets however tonight he is ill, I mean normally he sleeps alot but he has been restless and when he walks he is wobbling about a lot which is worrying me. We have never taken him to the vet although I had considered it because I think he might be diabetic my question is should I be worried? Is there anything I can do to make him better? Should I try and take him to a vets tommorrow regardless of whether he looks better? Thanks in advance

Thanks everyone, he does constantly drink and also lately he has been wandering around upstairs which he is not allowed to do. I am going to take him to the vets in the morning if he is still unwell and I am going to check on him during the night, thanks for trying to help :)

Houston, I am reading this and not going to the vets because one it is 12am, two I don't actually have a vet's as I explained before and three I am 17 so even if I found a vet I have no method of transport to get there! I am doing the best I can and if he is unwell tomorrow I will take him to the vets tomorrow and if he looks ok tomorrow I will take him to the vets as soon as I can [When I have enough money!]

@ Chalice thanks, the products were from a pet shop unfortunately I didn't know they were unsafe the dewormer tablets are "bob martin" Dual Dewormer tablets. After everyone's suggestions I am 100% going to get him to the vets, thanks for your help

Answer 1

My first question would be where did you get the flea and worm medication? If it was from a vets it shouldn't cause the symptoms described, or any illness. If it was from a petshop, beware, I've seen cats and dogs suffer from petshop stuff - and to make matters even better it doesn't tend to work. There is no problem giving veterinary flea and worm medication together.

If you suspect the cat is diabetic, of course you should take him to the vet regardless of whether he gets over these symptoms or not. Diabetic cats can get into serious trouble at any time if their diabetes is not stable (by being treated). If he is diabetic, I would worry about the wobbling, could mean he is becoming hypo or hyperglycaemic which is dangerous.

Please do take him to the vets tomorrow, if only for a blood sample to find out if he's diabetic. Please also only use veterinary flea and worm products, then you'll know he's at least safe with these.

Chalice

Answer 2

9lbs is within the normal weight range for a cat. Unless it's a Maine Coon, or another very large cat breed, I wouldn't worry about the weight.

If the cat's behavior has changed recently, though, there could be something wrong. It might just be coincidence that you gave him the medication and now he's acting strange, but I'd take him to the vet anyway. He should have gone to the vet once you got him. Cats need to be seen once a year by the vet - starting when you get them.

In the future, don't use worming pills unless you get them from a vet. The ones you get at pet stores often do more harm than good. Cats also don't have worms when they are thin. Worms cause bloating in the belly region, so they appear to be fat. But because worms steal all of the nutrients from any food the cat eats, they will always be hungry and wanting more food even though they look "fat".

Answer 3

Cats can go down hill really quick. You should always be cautious. If you can afford the Vet by all means take him. Diabetic cats will lose weight for sure, but they also are very thirsty and will constantly seek water. With Kidney problems they don't pee like they should, sometimes there is blood in it. They also tend to go where you don't want them to go, because they are trying to get you to notice. They are very smart animals. I would not give my animals any medicine that did not come from the Vet. I don't trust it. Also, what food are you feeding. There is a lot of bad food going around right now, I am sure you have heard about it. If not search the web or go see a Vet. Good luck

Answer 4

yes you need to take him to the vet asap this doesnt sound right and any body with pets knows this... if her normal activity changes there is a reason why...and we of course cant communicate with them so take him as soon as possible all i can say to do is call around there are alot of vets that do emergency calls if this is worrying you that much but beware they are expensive, but if he can wait until tommorow then call and get him in the first thing.. good luck and give him lots of attention and try not to handle him cause you said that he wobbles alot so that might mean he is in pain while walking so go to where ever he is a just pet him that will make him a little more comfortable.....hope everything goes ok with mr.kitty

Answer 5

So why are you reading this instead of taking him to the vet? Fleas? Not the first day of this, grab a stool sample so vet can look for tape worms commonly carried by fleas (if you see 'em, they look like grains of rice). You think he might be diabetic....well you are overdue for a visit to the vet to confirm this as his disease could be controlled by diet alone like mine is. You took him in, you take him to the vet because he was sent to you to save his life. Worry is no more than a suggestion for you to take control, anything other than than is a waste of your time and your friend's life. If he looks like the Lion King tomorrow, you are still going to want to know what ails him and how to prevent it in the future.

Answer 6

it could be many things, maybe he did have worms and the pills are killing them that will make any animal feel sick for a day or two, but with being a stray there could be alot of other things as well, i would take him to the vet for a check up ans shots and have him tested for feline luekemia b/c that is what my cat has and he does things like that as well.

Answer 7

I would take him in and get him checked. It is really hard to say what the problem is and if you take him to the vet, they are a professional who has studied illness in animals and you would be much better off taking him there.

Hope he feels better soon!

Answer 8

take it 2 the vet

Answer 9

all you really can d to help the poor kitty was to take him to the vet. its really crool not to. if your cat is a toirtoise shell he/she is fine its the breed of cat!! im sorry to hear this but its all u can do. Did you put frontline on him?? he could be allergic to it. HOPE I HELPED!!

lots of luck (for YOU and your KITTY)
Lara,

Answer 10

take him to the vet asap before its too late