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Should I Be Concerned?

I have a 9 year old neutered male cat.  Due to fighting with the neighbors cat, he is now, and has been for a couple years, indoors a great majority of the time.  I moved several months ago and have left my cat there with my dad temporarily until I can find a place of my own.

Anyway, over the course of the last few months my dad has "accidentally" let him out a few times recently that I know of.  I know he had one overnight adventure and he hasn't been allowed outside overnight since I got him.  That seemed to wear him down and he spend most of the next couple days sleeping and I ended up having to doctor a wound on his head.  Also, I know, despite keeping him mostly inside, he had another fight with the neighbors cat a several weeks ago.  I have a speaking suspicion my dad doesn't pay as much attention and keep an eye on him like I do.

Now, on to the reason why I'm writing: I've noticed over the last couple weeks (I stay at home on weekends just to see my cat) that he seems to be having difficultly jumping up on things like he used to.  While he doesn't appear to be in pain, he does hesitate or won't jump up on the counter like he used so.  Also, if he wants in the window he uses his front paws to pull himself up into the window instead of jumping up in it (this looks odd).  There was one instance where he was laying on my bed and I went to roll him over and he actually put his teeth on me like he was about to bite.  This is incredibly odd for him as he has NEVER bitten or scratched me.  It makes me think I unintentionally hurt him while moving him.

I have no idea whether this is actually part of normal aging for a cat that has been an indoor/outdoor cat or maybe he has gotten injured in the fight or while outside that night.  Should I take him to the vet or wait this out a few weeks to see if it subsides?  He seems to be in good spirits, is eating well, his behavior hasn't changed, and he still wants to be on my lap most of the time.

Please let me know what you all think as I am very worried!  I don't understand what is going on.  This has been for 2, maybe 3 weeks....though my dad may have indicated a bit longer.  There are no visible injuries, he just cannot jump up on things like he is accustomed to doing.

Old age?  Injury?  Does he need to see a vet?

5 Responses
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874521 tn?1424116797
good to hear a positive update....your kitty sounds like a little darling:)

I don't believe a Vet visit is warranted right now esp. since he has improved, it was more likely a sore muscle but just something to keep an eye on now that you will once again be near him daily...

good luck on finding a pet friendly apartment, its sure not easy being separated from our little ones♥
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Avatar universal
Thanks for all the responses.  I greatly appreciate hearing from each of you.

I do have a bit of an update as I spoke with my dad today regarding my cat.  Apparently he has been very rambunctious yesterday and today and back to his normal, jumping up on things, self.  I, of course, won't believe it until I see it for myself.  

Believe me, I'll be paying close attention to whether he is reluctant to jump or in any pain.  Could it be that maybe he was just sore from a fight or maybe tweaked something?  If he is still reluctant to jump I think I will take him on to the vet because I do not want him to be in pain.  He really seems fine though.  But maybe a vet visit, if he isn't back to normal, would put my mind at ease...I don't know.  I have this fear that something will be wrong with him and I can't stand the thought of not having him around.

I've been really upset this week thinking about all of this.  That cat is my best friend.  He is super excited to see me when I get home, waits at the door for me to come in, wants me to carry him around over my shoulder, and pretty much stays in my lap or beside me all the time.  He is the most gentle and loving animal I have ever encountered.  It's been a rough not having him to come home to everyday.  That will change soon as I'm moving back home temporarily until I find a pet friendly apartment of my own.

AKC_75: I definitely need to work on making the windows more accessible to him because he probably doesn't need to be jumping around if he has been sore.
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Avatar universal
Hi Worried.

I agree this could be arthritis or it could also be a mild form of hyperaesthesia, which one of my cats has.  She has always been a bit "flinchy" and sometimes when I used to stroke her she would be loving it and purring but then lash out and scratch/bite.  I got used to spotting the signs when she'd had enough petting, but my vet eventually diagnosed mild hyperaesthesia which meant she constantly feels slightly uncomfortable.  In more severe cases they can bite themselves etc.
She now has medication every day and is much improved and I can stroke her as much as we both want now.  :-)

Whether it's a wound you haven't spotted yet, arthritis, hyperaesthesia or something else, I do think it's worth a trip to the vet even if only to put your mind at rest.

Hope all goes well,
Lorraine.
Helpful - 0
7052683 tn?1392938795
Hi Worried,

I think AKC has pretty much covered it, and the idea to build up furniture so he can get up to where he needs to go without jumping?? Brilliant.

Where I would disagree is the Vet visit---I can see waiting makes sense, but for me I am a Hypo-Ca-_Riac, so off to the vet we go! But then my Vet is living it up on his new 40ft Yacht I BOUGHT him, LOL

I have noticed my Meezy starting to re-consider her jumping days also!
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Avatar universal
I am sure a lot of ppl will disagree with me but if it were Reese I would probably wait a bit. Even if he did hurt himself, not all injuries require a vet just like not all injuries in ppl require a dr.
I would be careful though. Dont roll him over like u did that one time since u know it hurt...etc
I would also help him get up to where he likes to be. Move some cat furniture in front of window to help him get up there in small steps rather than a big jump. Same with the counter IF that is a place you allow.
If it doesnt go away then he might need a vet visit but it could be something long-term like arthritis...if so, I know those warm beds are good for that.
I hope all turns out good.
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