What could be wrong with my cat?

IvyFlood

Hello, we have a moggy tabby kitten (he's 8 months old) who has been castrated but recently he's just not been himself and I'm wondering what could be wrong.

This last month he's been off his food. We were giving him whiskers, then switched to Felix then to Gormet. He does eat a bit but not half as much as he used to. We have tried dry food as well. He also used to love playing, chasing his balls and kicking into things but now when we roll a ball past him he just sits there looking very unimpressed and doesn't move. He sleeps quite a lot and when he is awake generally just sits curled up - its like he cant be bothered and is very lethargic.

He has also started licking walls, the fire coals and concrete planters. Its as though he's deficient in something?

I have read about cat depression and wondering if he could be depressed? We haven't let him out yet as we were waiting for warmer weather but that could be a possibility? But don't want to let him out if he's not well!

Thanks in advance

pinkteapot

What has your vet said?!

The behaviours you're describing are absolutely typical of a cat who is unwell or in pain. He needs vet attention. 

IvyFlood

pinkteapot said:

What has your vet said?!

Taking him tonight, we've just been monitoring him at the moment cause he still does eat a bit and still loves affection.

KxMx

You definitely need to take him to a Vet asap.

pinkteapot

It could be anything. Your vet is the first port of call - no-one on here will know.

If the vet rules out physical conditions then it's time to look at other possibilities (like depression). Something physical is much more likely though.

Silvertabby

If by 'licking fire coals' you mean a living flame gas fire, then stop him.  He thinks he's licking salt, but he's actually licking chemicals/paint.  We have a decorative guard in front of our fire for this very reason.

Tell the vet that he has been licking the coals.

KimBaumgart

M cat has the same problem. Do you have any feedback after the vet visit? 

Pollycat

KimBaumgart said:

M cat has the same problem. Do you have any feedback after the vet visit? 

Best advice:

pinkteapot said:

What has your vet said?!

The behaviours you're describing are absolutely typical of a cat who is unwell or in pain. He needs vet attention. 

KxMx said:

You definitely need to take him to a Vet asap.

pinkteapot said:

It could be anything. Your vet is the first port of call - no-one on here will know.

If the vet rules out physical conditions then it's time to look at other possibilities (like depression). Something physical is much more likely though.

KimBaumgart

I have a Tomcat 1 y old. He is also not eating as much, sleeping all day long. Maye at night he is doing something I don't know. fortunately, I have a friend who is a veterinarian. She said cats during summer months are like that. They eat less and if they are neutered they don't go as much. I would not say my cat is sick, he seems happy, but definitely not what I  am used to

Trina90

KimBaumgart said:

I have a Tomcat 1 y old. He is also not eating as much, sleeping all day long. Maye at night he is doing something I don't know. fortunately, I have a friend who is a veterinarian. She said cats during summer months are like that. They eat less and if they are neutered they don't go as much. I would not say my cat is sick, he seems happy, but definitely not what I  am used to

If it is enough for you to notice - I would say it is not normal. I have two cats that are fully grown, at 5 years old, and I do not notice any difference in behavior in different seasons.