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Lethargy
My Tweety is not herself, she is lethargic and seems to just lay around, she eats well, but wont come out with me like she used to ,she is inside /outside..
Just read all the other suggestions from you guys ,thank you so much its a worry for me as I am so bonded to her, I feel helpless .I will ask the vet,am going to get a new one, the other was not interested in any input I had. I moved here almost 3 years ago, left the other place as the neighbors wre abusive to their animals and animal control were no help, all one can do then is get out of the kitchen ...I will ask about the valley fever when I go ,I bet she has the FHS you mention as she twitches a lot .Thanks guys you are great ..
well it has warmed up a lot, but she is used to the heat, in fact she doesnt like being cold, not been too bad lately ,perked up a bit, still wants to eat a lot and now seems to be scratching I will have to ask the vet again, I dont get much luck maybe i will look for another one .
I had a random thought- is the temperature warmer or more humid than normal? My kit's want nothing to do with me when it's hot. Although hot, humid and windy are fairly relative terms here in KS.
Hi Margy,
I forgot to mention the matted fur on Tweety. Pip and Jade are right it takes time and patience for a cat to allow you to brush out mats---why---because they hurt like hell.
Many times in rescue we found Matted hair on the tummy of some of our new cats. We had to cut them of with a scissors and shave , but boy were they happy little kits once those mats were gone. They are very painfull because like it has been said they pull and pinch the underneath skin something fierce. Not a comfortable thing, Sometime we were given cats so matted they had to be sedated and completely shaved by our vet. That has now become the Lion cut for some summertime living --leaving just the Mane and Tail, LOL!
If Tweety's are just on the surface and can just be snipped with a scissor , that is what I would suggest. Then she will take to the brushing a little better.
I forgot to mention the matted fur on Tweety. Pip and Jade are right it takes time and patience for a cat to allow you to brush out mats---why---because they hurt like hell.
Many times in rescue we found Matted hair on the tummy of some of our new cats. We had to cut them of with a scissors and shave , but boy were they happy little kits once those mats were gone. They are very painfull because like it has been said they pull and pinch the underneath skin something fierce. Not a comfortable thing, Sometime we were given cats so matted they had to be sedated and completely shaved by our vet. That has now become the Lion cut for some summertime living --leaving just the Mane and Tail, LOL!
If Tweety's are just on the surface and can just be snipped with a scissor , that is what I would suggest. Then she will take to the brushing a little better.
It took us over a year before Teia would let us brush even a little and almost 2 years before we got all the mats out. They were all over her lower back and flanks, near an inch thick. From her reactions, I know Tweety is very uncomfortable with the way they pull on her skin.
With the good relationship you have with Tweety, I think it will not take nearly that long for you to gain her trust in this.
With the good relationship you have with Tweety, I think it will not take nearly that long for you to gain her trust in this.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hey Margy....didn't you move several YEARS ago? I'm wondering if any bloodwork was done on Tweety when you went to the vet? Bloodwork to check for Hyperthyroidism.
And you know, we've got coyotes in our neighborhood. I am SURE one of them was in our yard last year as Jade became totally freaked out. Once we began bringing her in at night, she calmed down.
Jade was sensitive on her back, too. I don't believe she had ever been brushed in her life, so it took her some getting used to, but I was diligent in brushing just a little at a time while gently holding her with my other hand. Eventually she LOVED being brushed. Those matts are painful and pull on Tweety's skin which is why she may resist brushing. Even just a small flea comb works great! Introducing it a little at a time, of course.
And you know, we've got coyotes in our neighborhood. I am SURE one of them was in our yard last year as Jade became totally freaked out. Once we began bringing her in at night, she calmed down.
Jade was sensitive on her back, too. I don't believe she had ever been brushed in her life, so it took her some getting used to, but I was diligent in brushing just a little at a time while gently holding her with my other hand. Eventually she LOVED being brushed. Those matts are painful and pull on Tweety's skin which is why she may resist brushing. Even just a small flea comb works great! Introducing it a little at a time, of course.
Tweety will get used to the desert, it will take time. When we were in Arizona there was a thing called Valley Fever. It comes from spores in the dusty desert. Mention that to the vet. It makes you very tired and lethargic and animals can contact it too.
I know but even if the Dh will move he wont yet so I am stuck with it, and we do live in a beautiful area.Tweety is sensitive on her back, doesnt like being brushed and because she rolls in the sandy areas, it gets matted , any ideas how one gets rid of the matted bits, she doesnt like being brushed .
Hi Margy,
Those skin twitches might be a condition called hyperesthesia (FSH) or "Twitch Syndrome"
My cat has that , she does not like to be pated on the back , there is sensitivity there and I can actually see her skin TWITCH in ripples when she gets these twinges. I think it is form of epilepsy....but VERY mild, due to neurological signals. Nothing to worry about they just get a little spastic and might start licking a lot or you will see their tail swishing around a lot. Only thing to do is distract them -food or play.
I agree with ZQ Moves are traumatic for cats that is why she is very needy with you--she feels you will protect her from all this NEWNESS and those pesky coyote's. I lived in Arizona and believe me NO cats should be allowed to be outdoor cats there, If coyotes don't get your kit,there are bobcats, javelina's and even the Horned Owls that will give cats a run for their money---Yep that is the desert for you!
TWEETY wants no part of the great DESERT outdoors--I can't blame her.
Those skin twitches might be a condition called hyperesthesia (FSH) or "Twitch Syndrome"
My cat has that , she does not like to be pated on the back , there is sensitivity there and I can actually see her skin TWITCH in ripples when she gets these twinges. I think it is form of epilepsy....but VERY mild, due to neurological signals. Nothing to worry about they just get a little spastic and might start licking a lot or you will see their tail swishing around a lot. Only thing to do is distract them -food or play.
I agree with ZQ Moves are traumatic for cats that is why she is very needy with you--she feels you will protect her from all this NEWNESS and those pesky coyote's. I lived in Arizona and believe me NO cats should be allowed to be outdoor cats there, If coyotes don't get your kit,there are bobcats, javelina's and even the Horned Owls that will give cats a run for their money---Yep that is the desert for you!
TWEETY wants no part of the great DESERT outdoors--I can't blame her.
Oh, that explains Tweety's behavior change!!! How long ago did you move? Cats don't like change at all. It takes them some time to get used to it.
If she's eating and drinking, give her a few months and some extra love and reassurance and I'm sure she'll bounce back in no time.
Keep us posted.
If she's eating and drinking, give her a few months and some extra love and reassurance and I'm sure she'll bounce back in no time.
Keep us posted.
She in fact has gained weight, I dont think she likes it here, its desert, and she has no company except us, no other cats except a wayward tom who she flees from.I also think she is somewhat depressed, I do give her quite a bit of company, and she is very demanding .Last place I lived there were a few cats around , we plan to move at some time but not for a couple of years.I did at one time think of another cat for her, but not certain that would work and the DH is not keen to get another ..
Hi Margy,
Sounds like Tweety could be a little depressed. Would there be any reason for that ? I don't think she wants to go outside any longer, sounds like she is trying to tell you she wants to be with you inside and not have to deal with those pesky Coyotes.
Maybe try some one on one time, playing with her, brushing her, keeping her indoors. If she is eating a lot but losing weight, check out hyperthyroidism--that comes with a multitude of new behaviors.
Poor Tweety, hope she bounces back soon.
CML
Sounds like Tweety could be a little depressed. Would there be any reason for that ? I don't think she wants to go outside any longer, sounds like she is trying to tell you she wants to be with you inside and not have to deal with those pesky Coyotes.
Maybe try some one on one time, playing with her, brushing her, keeping her indoors. If she is eating a lot but losing weight, check out hyperthyroidism--that comes with a multitude of new behaviors.
Poor Tweety, hope she bounces back soon.
CML
Have you tried the Jackson Galaxy Spirit Essences? I have some but haven't used them yet. There is one for scaredy cats or one called safe space that is supposed to help them with territory issues- feel safe from outdoor or indoor intruders. I don't know if they are a bunch of junk or if it would really help but is an option.
PS she twitches more I assume its allergies, I did tell them that but they said nothing..
hi Guys I went to the vet , they thinks its allergies and gave her a shot of cortisone and that made her sick..shes emotionally a bit of a mess, I think she is afraid, we get coyotes hanging out round here ,I am fenced in around my land , but it still frightens her, she seems to be more emotionally fragile than she used to be , hangs around me a lot ..wants to eat all the time ..not herself ..she must be around 8 years old now, not certain as she was a stray ..we are doing our best but she is not the same cat ..
Hi, Margy! Haven't seen you on the forum in a long time. I hope by now that Tweety is feeling better. If not, then it's definitely time for a vet visit.
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I think Tweety needs to see the vet for a check up. Sounds like there is a change in her behavior and that always indicates a problem of some sort
The vet is the only one who can tell you what is going on with Tweety (love that name).
Please let us know what he says.
Thanks
CML