Is my cat ill?

[Howlin Mad Murdoch]

Our cat is our first cat, so I don't have a great deal of experience of reading what little signs they put out....

Albie is an 8 year old, male, tortoise shell (ginge).

Since yesterday he has been very clingy, much more vocal and slightly off his food, treats aren't a problem. I guess the answer is to just take him to the vet.

There has been a 'new' cat in the garden, which he hasn't taken too (understatement, and he is far from Alpha male, he's always been scared of his own shadow), so could explain something, but that shouldn't effect his appetite? Or could it?

[boyse7en]

Howlin Mad Murdoch said:

Our cat is our first cat, so I don't have a great deal of experience of reading what little signs they put out....

Albie is an 8 year old, male, tortoise shell (ginge).

Since yesterday he has been very clingy, much more vocal and slightly off his food, treats aren't a problem. I guess the answer is to just take him to the vet.

There has been a 'new' cat in the garden, which he hasn't taken too (understatement, and he is far from Alpha male, he's always been scared of his own shadow), so could explain something, but that shouldn't effect his appetite? Or could it?

He might be a bit under the weather, but being threatened by another cat could certainly be the cause of him not eating if he is stressed.

[Scrump]

I thought a male tortoiseshell was rare.
So maybe your cat has become pregnant by the new cat. Suggest you get her checked by the vet!

[Howlin Mad Murdoch]

Maybe not tortoise shell then, just a plain old ginger ninja.

He's definitely male though, I can see where his bks used to be!

Edited by Howlin Mad Murdoch on Wednesday 10th December 10:18

[Piginapoke]

You know your own cat and your intuition is generally right. I’d take him for a once over at vet.

[Howlin Mad Murdoch]

Thanks all.

I have got an appointment tomorrow.

Ive since noticed that he is licking/grooming his bed, which isn't normal.

[Howlin Mad Murdoch]

Think I have found the issue.

My wife discovered the new cat in our house earlier, despite having a chip operated cat flap. It appears that has broken and the other cat was coming in and eating my cats food. Hence he will not eat what is there, and he is stressed out.

Will cancel the vet, get a replacement cat flap and monitor the situation.

[Simpo Two]

Howlin Mad Murdoch said:

My wife discovered the new cat in our house earlier, despite having a chip operated cat flap. It appears that has broken and the other cat was coming in and eating my cats food.

An invading cat could certainly be the issue.

Make sure your catflap is set how you want it; mine has a choice of locked both ways, in only, out only or open both ways, selected by a rotating thingy. And check the battery.

Mine was set to open both ways, but I saw a neighbour's cat prise it open from outside with a claw so now it's set to in only.