In the last few days, my 5 year old cat has lost all interest in playing, is only nibbling at his food, and isn't grooming himself. His teeth look ok, and he doesn't seem injured or ill in any way. He just seems like all the life has gone out of him. My dad thinks he may be pining for my brother, who has recently gone travelling for a month, but i'm not sure. Any Ideas?
2007-07-21 03:55:06 · 13 answers · asked by Madfan 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
It's difficult to determine the reason, but it is a possibility that he is missing your brother.
Cats can become depressed, just as humans can. The signs your cat is displaying sound a lot like depression. Alternatively, he could be ill and this is why he is feeling out of sorts. Loss of appetite, lethargy and lack of grooming can all be signs of illness (such as parasites, mouth injuries or other illnesses) - even if he doesn't feel hot, isn't being sick, or has no injuries. Even if he looks fine to you, if he's been off his food for more than 2 days, get him to a vet.
I have just introduced a new kitten to my 1 year old cat and he behaved in the same way that your cat is behaving for a couple of days. I bought some special 'cat pate' and this brought his appetite back quickly. Meat or fish flavoured baby food is also supposed to work!
I would suggest you try to get his appetite back by buying something similar to tempt him.
However, when a cat doesn't eat (and especially if he doesn't drink) this can be very serious and lead to kidney failure and all kinds of problems. If your cat has hardly eaten for 3 days or more, I think that you need to get him to a vet. Even if he is simply pining for your brother, and the depression will pass, he still needs to eat.
You can read some more information about depression and illness here:
http://www.catchow.com/catcarecenter_emotional2.aspx?subcategory=Depression
http://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-treat-common-cat-diseases2.htm
I hope your kitty feels better soon.
xx Emmie
EDIT: Your cat is not old! (As the guy below suggested!) 5 years old is still young for a cat - this is only the first third of his life.
2007-07-21 04:02:47 · answer #1 · answered by Sparklepop 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think a trip to the vets is in order.
When you say you checked his teeth did you notice any tartar build up on the teeth right at the back and were his gums slightly red around the gum margin. Did you smell his breath?
Is he drinking more water than normal? as this can be an indication that he is dehydrated and could be and indication of kidney problems?
As his appetite has been affected I would certainly taken him to the vet for a check up if he were mine, especially as he's not grooming himself as well.
Has he vomited any saliva with grass or fur in it. He could be finding it difficult grooming himself and have a build up of fur. You can purchase cat malt from the pet shop for £2 to £3. It comes in a tube and just a dab of about 1/4 of an inch on his paw may help.
I would say it's unlikely that your cat is pining and at 5 yrs old is due for a check-up.
Hope he gets on o.k
2007-07-21 04:09:55 · answer #2 · answered by MAGINA & CAT 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Cats do grieve when they think someone died, your brother is missing and if he was attached to him, this could be the cause.
If he doesn't seem injured, and he's eating yet, spend some quiet time talking to him and do more physical contact (gentle, not pushing for play). A can of meat baby food is a good way to tempt him to eat, it works wonders with cats recuperationg from operations.
Make a point of going over to him several times a day and letting him know you see he's not feeling up to normal. It matters when they know someone cares. Use a soft brush to groom his face too, cats lick each other's faces to comfort them.
2007-07-21 04:04:44 · answer #3 · answered by Elaine M 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Take him to the vets. 5 years is NOT old for a cat, our last one was 21 when he died. I am sure they can pine, ours always sulks when we go away on holiday, but if he's not eating much and not grooming himself I think it could be a bigger problem than that.
2007-07-21 04:43:25 · answer #4 · answered by Meggan's Mum 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He could be pining for your brother, but it sounds like a trip to the vets is in order to be sure that there's nothing else going on. Make sure he stays hydrated and get him to the vets.
Hope this helps.
2007-07-21 07:00:37 · answer #5 · answered by JoeyBug 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It could be. Or he could be sick. Once an animal stops eating and grooming itself, then you know you have a problem. You should see the vet right away in case it is something serious like feline leukemia, a disease which can be triggered (not caused) by stress or life changes.
2007-07-21 04:22:21 · answer #6 · answered by ineeddonothing 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take him to the vet just to be sure as it could be anything.
My first cat died of FIV (the cat version of HIV) and I remember him slowly going off his food, just laying around all day and not wanting anyone near him. Just get the little tyke checked out.
2007-07-21 03:59:21 · answer #7 · answered by STICKMAN 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It could be because of your brother, yes. Alternatively I wonder if your cat is being bullied by another cat in the neighbourhood.
2007-07-24 16:25:27 · answer #8 · answered by kitty 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
and also this weather will make him down too as cats love to be out doors in the summer months
2007-07-21 06:05:22 · answer #9 · answered by ann113599 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats can suffer from anxiety, just give him lots of love, i'm sure he'll perk up. Cats love catnip why don't you buy him some might help.
2007-07-21 03:59:38 · answer #10 · answered by curlywurlybirdy 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋