Charlie's acting weird. I don't know what to do.

[Mamanyt1953]

You know, and this is a pure SWAG (Scientific Wild-A$$ Guess), he may have had that BIG pee because he's holding it a bit, afraid that there will be pain. Once he learns that won't happen, you may see more normal urination. Cats avoid what hurts, which is what leads them to avoid the litter box when a UTI or digestive issue starts, in the first place.

BUT...he IS eating, and that's wonderful! I have a sneaking suspicion that he'll continue to improve daily, if not by leaps and bounds, then by baby steps.

 

[Krienze]

You know, and this is a pure SWAG (Scientific Wild-A$$ Guess), he may have had that BIG pee because he's holding it a bit, afraid that there will be pain. Once he learns that won't happen, you may see more normal urination. Cats avoid what hurts, which is what leads them to avoid the litter box when a UTI or digestive issue starts, in the first place.

BUT...he IS eating, and that's wonderful! I have a sneaking suspicion that he'll continue to improve daily, if not by leaps and bounds, then by baby steps.

He did a second BIG pee today, then another smaller one along with a poop. He's eaten better today than the other days too. Even got a lil feisty and tried to jail break out of his pen! He's sleeping/resting now, cause the meds kicked in but I'm overall feeling pretty good about how he's doing today! Even if he is very angry that the cone is back on.

 

[Margot Lane]

You know, and this is a pure SWAG (Scientific Wild-A$$ Guess), he may have had that BIG pee because he's holding it a bit, afraid that there will be pain. Once he learns that won't happen, you may see more normal urination. Cats avoid what hurts, which is what leads them to avoid the litter box when a UTI or digestive issue starts, in the first place.

BUT...he IS eating, and that's wonderful! I have a sneaking suspicion that he'll continue to improve daily, if not by leaps and bounds, then by baby steps.

I had that exact same thought! How weird. Maybe b/c I’d feel the same way in his position.

 

[Margot Lane]

Also I think angry is good (another SWAG): at least it shows he has fight.

 

[silent meowlook]

Hi. Sometimes the angry face is pain in cats. Just keep that in mind.

He may just have ECD “Elizabethan Collar Depression”. Made up name, kind of like “bandage paralysis” when cats refuse to move once a bandage is on.
How much longer does he have to keep the cone on?

You might want to ask your vet about doing SQ fluids at home if you are concerned about his water intake.

I am glad he is recovering so well. And, he is.

 

[Krienze]

Hi. Sometimes the angry face is pain in cats. Just keep that in mind.

He may just have ECD “Elizabethan Collar Depression”. Made up name, kind of like “bandage paralysis” when cats refuse to move once a bandage is on.
How much longer does he have to keep the cone on?

You might want to ask your vet about doing SQ fluids at home if you are concerned about his water intake.

I am glad he is recovering so well. And, he is.

It's hard to tell about his face, because he's always looking grumpy. However the last few days he's def looked more relaxed/calm. But yeah, he def does not like the cone. He sulks when it gets put back on. I've been taking it off here and there when I put food down for him and to let him groom (not near the stitches!) for a bit each day.

I'm assuming he's drinking at some point when I'm not looking because I feel like he's peed too much for it to just be the wet food?

As for how long the cone needs to stay on, he gets his stitches out on monday! so I think he'll be able to have it off then since the biggest fear was that he'd tear out stitches. Since I posted about him messing with them a few days ago, he's left them completely alone. He doesn't even TRY to lick down there except for maybe here and there after he just pees and even that's stopped. But I don't trust him enough to take it off when I'm asleep/can't watch him. >.<

I took this photo a few minutes ago when I woke up to get his gabapentin. I'm not sure he needs it, to be honest. He seems quite comfortable and the vet said we COULD skip a day to see how he reacts, I just haven't felt comfortable not giving it to him out of fear he'd be in pain.

 

[Krienze]

Just when I start to relax, he does something that concerns me.

After taking his big pee this morning after eating a bit, about an hour later, he started going in and out of his box a LOT. Squatting, does nothing, goes back out. Goes back in, repeat the process of nothing happening. He eventually ended up taking two poops and has now settled down in his bed and is laying there. He's alert though, def not lethargic (he was trying hard to bust out of his pen again just a bit ago before he settled down.)

Of course I panicked and called the vet.

The vet said it's possible he is going because he feels like he has to and is inflamed. It's also possible that a UTI has developed/or is developing. He said to just keep an eye on him and bring him in earlier tomorrow if he doesn't have his usual pee. Which works, since we have to go in early anyway to meet his actual vet who will be removing his stitches.

The vet didn't seem TOO concerned, but does want us to watch him. He also said he's eating a good amount, so there is that at least.

Crossing fingers that he's just a lil inflamed. I didn't give him his gabapentin because I realized the bottle was moved and I wasn't sure if my mom had done it while I was asleep. He's kind of acting like he maybe hasn't had it, so I'm waiting for her to get up so I can ask - I guess it's possible that the inflammation might be bothering him if he isn't on his gabapentin?

I also don't know if MAYBE he just had to poop and his body was reacting funky to trying to go, since he seems to have calmed down AFTER pooping.

Nose wet and cold, ears cool. He's also on an antibiotic shot that is supposed to last two weeks.

 

[silent meowlook]

He could have cystitis. Basic inflammation of the urethra. Having a catheter in can cause that. Plus the area is healing. Just keep track of his urinating, like you are doing and try not to worry too much. Easier said than done, I know.

 

[Krienze]

He could have cystitis. Basic inflammation of the urethra. Having a catheter in can cause that. Plus the area is healing. Just keep track of his urinating, like you are doing and try not to worry too much. Easier said than done, I know.

These past 2 weeks I feel like I have been a bundle of just flat out nerves!
I'll be so happy when he's running around like a lil lunatic again.

Thank you for the reply! He did pee when my mom picked him up, and I think if he was stricturing/blocking he wouldn't have done that or have good pees earlier. So I'm thinking it's likely inflammation.

His stitches come out tomorrow, though! so I'll make sure the vet checks him good. (though i'm sure they will anyway, this vets office is just... amazing.)

i felt so bad for constantly calling them and apologized and they just promise and assure me it's okay that i call.

 

[silent meowlook]

Don’t ever feel bad for calling your vet. That is what they are there for. They would much rather you call and ask than to wait until it’s a big problem.

 

[Krienze]

Don’t ever feel bad for calling your vet. That is what they are there for. They would much rather you call and ask than to wait until it’s a big problem.

That's what the vet said when I apologized. They're so nice and patient with me. I brought the office gifts when we went to pick up Charlie, but I wish I could have done more. They're all so amazing and I appreciate them so much.

As for Charlie, he took a good lil pee again tonight! So that's a relief!

 

[SundaesPerson]

Don’t ever feel bad for calling your vet. That is what they are there for. They would much rather you call and ask than to wait until it’s a big problem.

I echo this. It may seem excessive to you, but for them, it's likely a nice surprise. They probably don't get a large number of clients that do what you're doing for Charlie. It shows that you're a good cat mom and want to be on top of his health.

 

[Norachan]

They're so nice and patient with me. I brought the office gifts when we went to pick up Charlie, but I wish I could have done more. They're all so amazing and I appreciate them so much.

You`re so lucky to have a nice vet. Our vet is awesome too. He`s helped me with so many sick cats and never turns away even the very feral ones.

I`m sure your vet appreciates having a nice client who brings them gifts and shows so much concern for their cat. I imagine working as a vet can be very stressful at times, they must really value the friendly clients.

 

[Krienze]

I echo this. It may seem excessive to you, but for them, it's likely a nice surprise. They probably don't get a large number of clients that do what you're doing for Charlie. It shows that you're a good cat mom and want to be on top of his health

I`m sure your vet appreciates having a nice client who brings them gifts and shows so much concern for their cat. I imagine working as a vet can be very stressful at times, they must really value the friendly clients.

Thank you both so much for your kind words! <3


When we brought in their gifts, they kept telling us how sweet we were and I was like, us? No - do you have ANY idea how much we appreciate YOU guys? They saved Charlie! And just the way they handled me through out the whole process was amazing. They took what was a terrifying experience and practically held my hand through all of it. I feel so blessed to have found them.

His stitches come out today! So we'll be leaving around 12ish to head up there! I do feel bad about loading Charlie up and taking him back (i know i know he has to go to have them taken out!) One of my fears through this whole thing was that he was going to think we abandoned him =( Thankfully he won't have to stay over night again.

 

[Krienze]

On our way to the vet now for Charlie's stitches! wish us luck!

 

[Krienze]

We are home!

So to give a update, the vet removed the stitches. He says with the way Charlie has been peeing and how well everything looks, he feels pretty good about saying he thinks Charlie is out of the woods! The removed most of his stitches save for a few that the vet feels like Charlie can handle himself (or let them dissolve.) However Charlie DOES have a UTI and has been given meds for it. Other than that he's doing good and seems like he's in good spirits =) Vet gave the okay for him to have some dry food as long as he continues to eat the perscription food for a bit, so we have that and a few cans of wet food until his food ships to us.

 

[Mamanyt1953]

Man, I so love a happy ending! Not that this is quite ended, yet, but it is in sight! Keep us updated, for sure! We want to see him totally back to normal!

 

[Krienze]

Man, I so love a happy ending! Not that this is quite ended, yet, but it is in sight! Keep us updated, for sure! We want to see him totally back to normal!

He's def being a little goofball! He was rolling around in his carrier, totally happy to have the cone off haha. First thing I did when we got home was put some food down for him and he ate a good portion of it! He seems like he's resting now, likely because the gabapentin is in full swing

 

[SundaesPerson]

Huzzah!!! He’s a lil cutie too So happy for everybody!

 

[silent meowlook]

I am so glad to read this!!!