My cat can't eat, drink or groom himself

M
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Hi everyone,

I'm posting because I'm really worried about my cat. He's a male cat, looks most like a seal point Siamese. For nearly 2 days now, he hasn't been eating, drinking or grooming himself. It's not that he doesn't want to or doesn't have an appetite, but it's like he just can't manage it. Yesterday, he went to his bowl of dry food several times but didn't swallow a single bite. Same with water, nothing at all. I've tried hand-feeding him, but it didn't work (even though he tried). I've tried other foods and even milk, but he hasn't touched them despite being really keen to have some.

On top of that, he can't groom himself; when he gets ready to do it, he stops dead and won't even stick his tongue out. This has all been going on since Wednesday evening.

I should add that yesterday he was hypersalivating (drooling a lot) for some unknown reason. I wiped it away and it doesn't seem to have come back since.

So I'm guessing it's a problem with his mouth, maybe his tongue, I'm not really sure. But my dad says he can't see anything wrong.

He's very weak now and I don't know what to do to help him, so if you have any advice or ideas on what to do, I'd be really grateful. He's only young, just 3 years old, and I don't want to lose him. 😓🙏

PS: I'm only 18, so I'm not technically the owner, and my dad has refused to take him to the vet because of the cost. He loves him as much as I do.

Thanks in advance for your replies,

have a good day. 😊

Translated from French
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12 answers
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    • Soadly
    Soadly Icon representing the flag French
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    It’s really good news that your cat is eating and drinking again. That’s the most important thing. As he gets his strength back, he’ll soon start grooming himself again. If his fur is really sticky or messy, you can give him a gentle wipe with a damp cloth. But he’ll be back to cleaning himself soon; it might just still be a bit sore for him. Keep looking after him and he’ll be on the mend.
    Translated from French
    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Hello.

    Brush your cat.

    You can find cheap cat brushes in the supermarket or pet shops like Pets at Home.

    Give them a wipe with a damp flannel to help with their grooming.

    Translated from French
    Schtroumphy
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    Hi there,

    It just goes to show you did the right thing taking him to the vet. If he's eating and drinking, that's the main thing. I reckon he'll start grooming himself again soon, so don't worry too much about that; as long as he's eating, that's what really matters. ^^

    Translated from French
    M
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    Hi everyone, Thanks for all your replies. We managed to take him to the vet yesterday, and I wanted to share what the issue was in case it’s helpful for anyone else. It turns out he’s burnt his tongue—we’ve no idea how—and it’s burnt the taste buds along the edges of his tongue. He’s also got gingivitis. He’s on medication morning, noon, and night, and a special diet, just in case he also burnt his oesophagus while swallowing something. He’s doing much better now though, and he’s eating and drinking again. 😊 One small catch: he’s not able to groom himself yet, so we might have to do it for him, which isn’t an experience we’ve tried before! 🤔 Thanks again and have a lovely day.
    Translated from French
    G
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    Hi there, Explain to your dad that if he waits, either the cat will die, or you’ll eventually have to take them to the vet anyway—and the longer you wait, the more expensive it’s going to be. If it’s gingivitis, it might just need an anti-inflammatory jab and perhaps a course of antibiotics to help. Vets can often be quite flexible and let you pay in instalments. A cat that isn't eating is in immediate danger because of the risk of hepatic lipidosis. Your dad isn't a vet; just because he hasn't seen anything doesn't mean your cat is fine. Going off food for 24 hours can happen, but 48 hours without eating or drinking (!) isn't going to get better just by crossing your fingers.
    Translated from French
    Kikaah
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    He might have swallowed a caterpillar, or been poisoned... either way, if he hasn't had any water for two days, he’s going to die. Make sure you tell your dad that.

    Are there any low-cost clinics, maybe in your town? A vet school? Could you pay the vet in instalments? The RSPCA often have vets who might be able to help you... there’s no shortage of options.

    Translated from French
    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    We’d love to help more, but unfortunately we aren’t vets, so we can’t know for sure what’s wrong with your cat. Our advice could even make the situation worse if it doesn’t match the actual problem. The sooner you get them seen, the quicker your cat can be treated; by acting fast, you’ll stop your cat’s condition from worsening, which can make the vet bills skyrocket much faster than if you go right away. With a bit of ‘luck’, your cat might just have a mouth issue (ulcers, gingivitis...) that’s making it hard for them to use their mouth, and that’s easily treated. On the other hand, if it’s something more serious (which we obviously hope it isn’t), the vet will be the best person to advise you.

    Translated from French
    Soadly
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    Don't leave it too long. You really need to get your cat to the vet as soon as possible. Their condition will go downhill quickly if they don't start eating again. They'll become increasingly lethargic and dehydrated, which leads to all sorts of other complications.
    Translated from French
    M
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    Hi Misscatz, Thanks for getting back to me so quickly too. We’ll see what we’re going to do. Thanks again, have a lovely day.
    Translated from French
    M
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    Hi Soadly, Thanks ever so much for the quick reply. I had my suspicions, but as I’m not really in the best position to make the final call myself, I thought I’d ask for advice on here. Thank you, I’ll do my best to get them there. Have a good day.
    Translated from French

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