Summer heat or something else?

[Howiesmom]

Howie has been lethargic the last 2 days. I’m trying to figure out if it’s just the summer heat or something else concerning. He eats fine and BGs have been decent. I tested for ketones tonight and they’re negative. He did go out on his leash last night for some fresh air and hope he didn’t find something in the garden. He doesn’t have teeth so I know he didn’t chew/ingest anything. Any other ideas to look for/consider? Today he didn’t go to the bathroom at all until after 730pm (pee only) but he did do both deeds last night. He’s also been groaning every time I pick him up (probably the last week) especially when he doesn’t want to be moved. Not sure if he’s just cranky or something is causing him pain.

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

@Wendy&Neko

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Can you gently touch his tummy to see if it is tender? .
Is he drinking Ok?
You can check to see if he is dehydrated by lifting up the scruff of his neck and see if it snaps back or is slow. Also rub your finger over his gums. They should be slippery. If they are tacky, he could be dehydrate
Were you with him outside. Could he have been bitten by anything?

 

[Wendy&Neko]

Would you say he's in pain? Feline Pain Scale

 

[Howiesmom]

Can you gently touch his tummy to see if it is tender? .
Is he drinking Ok?
You can check to see if he is dehydrated by lifting up the scruff of his neck and see if it snaps back or is slow. Also rub your finger over his gums. They should be slippery. If they are tacky, he could be dehydrate
Were you with him outside. Could he have been bitten by anything?

He doesn’t drink water but I add it to all his meals so I know he’s getting some. And his gums are healthy thankfully! I was with him outside but was pulling some weeds while he was wandering around. It is certainly possible of a bug bite. I don’t see/feel any sort of bite site. He has yakked up 2 hair balls in the last couple of days so I’m wondering if it’s a combo of heat and irritated tummy from grooming. He’s a medium haired cat. I don’t get a sense of belly tenderness.

 

[Howiesmom]

Would you say he's in pain? Feline Pain Scale

Oh boy…so many things to watch for. Thanks for sending this info. I will study it and see if I can identify any if these signs. He does groan when I pick him up to hold him or when I move him and he doesn’t want to be (ie off my lap). He’s joints are making some clicking noises in the last few months, so maybe it’s from that? I asked the vet about it when we saw him. He did some joint palpitations and didn’t get a sense of arthritis but it certainly could be starting. Any supplements (and brands) I should look into? I don’t get a sense of tenderness in his belly as Bron had suggested.

 

[Wendy&Neko]

Neko had bad arthritis from the acro. It caused her to be lethargic until we addressed the pain with buprenorphine. Then she became playful and interactive again. It was a game changer for her. Lightweight supplements are fish oil and Cosequin. Neko got beyond the lightweight ones quickly. I also tried hyaluronic acid (brand Hyaflex), MSM, Duralactin. Don't start the latter without asking your vet as it's higher in calcium and contraindicated in milk allergies or high calcium. Adequan is also a possibility that helps lots of arthritic cats. Eventually I also added acupuncture treatments and did daily acupressure, as taught by the vet.

Maybe he just has a lap addiction?

 

[Howiesmom]

Neko had bad arthritis from the acro. It caused her to be lethargic until we addressed the pain with buprenorphine. Then she became playful and interactive again. It was a game changer for her. Lightweight supplements are fish oil and Cosequin. Neko got beyond the lightweight ones quickly. I also tried hyaluronic acid (brand Hyaflex), MSM, Duralactin. Don't start the latter without asking your vet as it's higher in calcium and contraindicated in milk allergies or high calcium. Adequan is also a possibility that helps lots of arthritic cats. Eventually I also added acupuncture treatments and did daily acupressure, as taught by the vet.

Maybe he just has a lap addiction?

Lap addiction is real, for sure! Just ordered some fish oil to start with. I tried getting some from Nordic Naturals last month for his skin/fur but they lost my order and wouldn’t rush or comp shipping a new order. But I just read about theirs being super fishy. Hopefully he’ll take to the one I got! I forgot that fish oil can be good for joint health until you mentioned it! Thanks for your help!!

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

There are no pine trees here bigger than six feet or extra dead. Last week I pulled the biggest tick the vet had ever seen off the dog. I'm not sure there's a medical connection but it's something people put off every year. Live in a tent or the 40th floor, you're never safe.