I'm feeling really overwhelmed and could use some advice. My sweet kitty, Muffin, hasn't been herself these past few days and I'm getting pretty worried. Normally, she's super energetic and loves chasing her favorite toy mouse around the house, but lately, she's been just lying around, barely touching her food or water. I also noticed she's been sneezing a lot and her nose seems warmer than usual. I've tried coaxing her with her favorite treats, but she just sniffs them and turns away. I have a vet appointment scheduled in a couple of days, but in the meantime, does anyone have any suggestions on how to make her more comfortable or entice her to eat? I'm feeling really anxious seeing her like this and any advice you all could share would be greatly appreciated.
I'm sorry to hear that your cat isn't feeling well. Cats are quite good at hiding their discomfort, so noticing this is a great first step. There could be many reasons for your cat's change in behavior, ranging from mild to more serious issues.
Common causes might include gastrointestinal upset, such as eating something they shouldn't have, or perhaps a simple bug. Stress, changes in the environment, or even something we've missed like mild dehydration could also be factors.
At home, ensure your cat has plenty of fresh water and access to a quiet space where they feel safe. Monitor their food intake and note any changes in litter box use. You can gently check their temperature if you feel comfortable doing so (normal is typically around 100.5–102.5°F).
Watch for signs of a more serious issue, like vomiting, diarrhea, refusal to eat or drink for over 24 hours, lethargy, or any trouble breathing. These warrant closer examination and potentially urgent care.
It's always better to err on the side of caution. Consider booking a video consult with one of our vets on Dial A Vet. They can provide more personalized advice and determine if an in-person visit is necessary.
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