Cat Trauma

My cat is a little over a year old and has always been an indoor cat. Two nights ago he got out and I found him outside the next afternoon and he hasn't been the same since.

I didn't actually realize he was out so I'm not exactly sure how long he was there. I found my cat lying in the back yard flower bed. I picked him up and brought him inside and he immediately went to the litter box. From that point on, my kitty has been in his bed or in his crate... which he never goes to unless I put him there.

I live on a very busy street and we have a number of other cats in the neighborhood. I might also mention that we have two dogs that he gets along with very well.

Anyway, he is not eating or drinking and is spending his days in his crate (again, not where he usually is). Normally, he's a very playful cat. I don't see any visible injuries and when I hold and pet him he's very calm and doesn't cry out. I have examined him thoroughly. He seems to be losing a lot of hair and obviously is not cleaning himself. I'm not sure if he's just traumatized and I should just give him a couple of days or take him to the vet which might get quite expensive and something I really can't afford right now. Can you offer any advice?



I am sorry to hear that your kitty has had such a difficult few days. An indoor cat getting outside for the first time can be a very scary experience for both the cat and the owner. However, the drastic change in behavior and appetite is cause for great concern. At this point, it would not be just from stress. Your cat’s hair loss and lack of grooming also indicates that he is not feeling well. He is undoubtedly dehydrated from not eating and drinking and could have a fever from a bite wound from a cat or other animal (which is often not detected by a cat owner until many days have passed and it is abscessed and ruptured).

I would strongly suggest you take your cat to the veterinarian right away. It is possible that some fluids under the skin and a course of cat antibiotics may be enough to rejuvenate him.

I certainly understand the financial concerns, but please your kitty to a veterinarian. Without veterinary care, he could become dangerously dehydrated from not eating, and the sooner he is seen and treated by a vet, the less likely his treatment is to be prohibitively expensive. Veterinary medical care is always less expensive the sooner you take your cat for help. During these rough economic times, it is more important than ever to consider pet insurance for all of your critters.

Best wishes,
Dr. Neely