My cat bites the air and use his paw against his mouth

[mariep]

Hello.

My cat, who is around 13 years old, starting licking his mouth more often than usual ~2 weeks ago.

Then, he started acting randomly a bit crazy, running around at what seemed like random times.

Then, he stopped eating and started having these "crisis" where he bites the air, takes his paw, and put it against his mouth. He very often lifts up his left gum.

We went to the vet, at first, I thought it was in his mouth as it was very much directed to his left gum. The vet said his mouth looked fine, but my cat was very much resisting the exam. The vet draw some blood, and he says he found nothing wrong from the blood work. His kidneys are showing some ageing, but nothing bad enough to trigger this pain he seems to have

This morning, he did 15 times in a row (probably more) the crisis like shown in video 2. When I went to the vet to get pain, the vet suggested bringing my cat again and making him asleep, and looking at his mouth thoroughly.

I'm a bit frustrated because I wish he did that thorough exam when I first went to the vet, as I told him it seemed to be something around his mouth.

I'm aware it might be something other than his mouth... I guess my question is that... I am very confused as to what to do. Should I go back again with my cat, pay more fees to check again at his mouth? Meanwhile, my cat seems to be suffering. He has not been eating much for so many days, I lost count. I'm giving him water with a syringe now...

How do we know if the time has come to put him down? I am at a loss...

Video 1: Video 2:
Thank you for listening

 

[FeebysOwner]

Hi. I am not able to access the videos, sorry. Hopefully, some other members can. Your cat is only 13, I would definitely have his mouth/jaw/neck checked out more thoroughly before even remotely thinking of having him pts. He needs to be seen sooner than later because his lack of eating is just making things worse on him. Sometimes, they can slightly sedate a cat, rather than having to put him under anesthesia. Better the former than the latter, if possible.

If you have any friends/family/neighbors/co-workers who could recommend another vet for you to see, you might want to consider that.

Secondly, he desperately needs to eat. Try to see if he will eat baby food meats (Gerber Stage 2 or Beechnut). They are very soft and he might be able to eat them; plus most cats love baby food meats. Sheba Perfect Portions and Nutro have pates that are very 'mousse' like that he might be able to eat. And, there is always Tiki Cat Mousse that you could try.

You need to get him to eat some. If he won't eat them, you can mix them with water and slowly syringe some food in his mouth, as you are doing with the water.

 

[Furballsmom]

To me that appears that he has something stuck in his mouth or at the back of his throat. Since he's not able to eat I would strongly suggest you get him back to the vet as soon as you possibly can, or a different vet and take these videos along so they can see what he's doing. It's very helpful when they can see the cats' behavior.

Also be sure and tell them how long it's been since he's eaten.

 

[mariep]

Thank you so much for your answers!!!

My cat has JUST eaten almost an entire can of the wet food given by the vet. I could cry, I am so happy. He did seem to have some very mild crisis after eating, but he kept going back to the food.

I will definitely get his mouth checked then, and go from there.

And yes, I showed the videos to the vet when I went there at first... :/

Thank you everyone

 

[Furballsmom]

oh thank heavens he's eaten!!
Sending love and hugs!

 

[neely]

I am not able to access the videos, sorry.

I could not see the videos either. When you said the vet put your cat to sleep to examine his mouth again, did they take x-rays? I'm thrilled your cat finally ate an entire can of wet food but it worries me that your vet didn't seem concerned about his lack of appetite. I agree with FeebysOwner that you may want to consider getting a second opinion, possibly from a veterinary dental specialist.
Best of luck, please keep us updated.

 

[jeannem]

I could see the videos. I think a second vet opinion might be in order. Do you have a Vet school near you? They might have more answers.
j