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My cat was fine this morning, but hasn't eaten much today and is walking with an arch to his back. He was laying on the dog's bed on the floor, which is unusual for him, as he usually sleeps in his donut at the foot of my bed. He just seems "off" and very subdued, not moving much. Of course, it's a Saturday night and my vet won't be available until Monday a.m. and is often booked. This is a small Bengal that several years ago had a complete blockage (ate an earplug my son had left in his room) and had surgery, and complications. He has been looking and acting so fabulous for quite some time, and this is totally unexpected.
Optional Information: Type of Animal: feline Gender: Male Age: 8.5 years Name of Cat: Ron Already Tried: Have kept other animals away and let him stay calm on my bed.
Hi there, this is Dr. Elaine.
"Blockage" can be either within the gastrointestinal tract (i.e. he swallows a foreign object that gets stuck) OR within his urinary tract--i.e. he cannot urinate.
I would be very concerned about the latter, and given the very RAPID onset of his symptoms, he needs to be seen on an emergency basis ASAP.
Kindly,
Dr. Elaine
Experience: D.V.M.; Small animal emergency and general medicine for 24 years
He has used his litter box since last night. I am assuming that walking with an arched back is indicative of pain. Going to an emergency vet hasn't been a very successful venture in the past. It is a Saturday night and I am not sure about taking him to a vet that doesn't have any past info about him. Maybe that's irrelevant. What should I be telling the emergency vet if I call so I don't get a generic blood test, etc.
I am trying to reply and it sends me into a ridiculous loop. What is the arched back and discomfort with sitting up indicative of? Is this just too general? I haven't had a good response with emergency vets before - low quality and insanely expensive.
An arched back is indicative of pain--could be abdominal (i.e. bladder, stomach, intestines)--spinal (back) pain can also present these symptoms. My greatest concern would be for a cat experiencing acute abdominal pain, which can be life threatening, especially if he is blocked (i.e. cannot pee).