Sudden behavioral change: High-like symptoms

[*Wynter]

Hey there,

I was wondering if anyone could help me. My cat has suddenly started to act very strange, beginning about thirteen hours ago. She almost seems like she is on drugs-- she's hyperactive, frantically cleaning herself, and seeing something below her line of sight (on the floor, if she's looking nearly straight) that's not there. She's been chasing whatever she's seeing, running in circles, running around the house. She can't jump up on the window sill, and I don't think she has very good balance. She also stiffens and tries to get away when I pick her up, which is odd because she normally loves to be held by me.

I realize that if this does not go away soon, I will have to take her to a vet; unfortunately they are very expensive in my city and I can't really afford to.

Does anyone know what this may be?

Thanks very much. =)

[MJ]

It could be so many things... It's impossible to really tell you.

She could just be hyper for some random cat reason. She could be sensing something you don't sense. She could have eaten something poisonous.

That's my highest concern with behavior like that. I've seen a family member's cat act "high" from eating/being bitten by spiders. Allergic reaction or venom, I dunno, but it was weird and clearly not good.

She could have had a stroke or something. She could be going blind.

Endless possibilities. I know it sucks, and it can be a hardship... I know very well... But you definitely won't get any concrete answers without going to a vet.

[E's]

Let me ask just one quick question, before everybody else on this pet board jumps all over you, Wynter: WHY are you wasting precious time sitting at a computer, while a helpless pet is in an emergency health situation?? Whether your credit limit or bank account was tapped out or not???

Or look at it this way: If a heavy object - say a steam iron or a toaster - had fallen off the counter, hitting your cat on the head - and the cat got up and ran around frantically, obviously suffering... would you not get the poor thing into some kind of carrier and take it to an emergency vet clinic ASAP??? Whether you had money in your pocket or not???

Okay, that's two versions of a question... but you get the idea.
db
Austin

[*Wynter]

Do you have free vet clinics? I sure don't. Just a visit costs a lot of money, in which I do not have. I couldn't bare to be turned away.

I'm actually at work right now. Sitting on the computer, yes, because it's what I do, but frantically searching for some sort of answer. I can't afford to take a day off of work.

I didn't realize I was being such a cruel person; all I wanted to know is if anyone had any similar experiences, to shed light on what's going on, while I sit here at work, distracted out of my mind, paranoid that she's extremely ill and has fallen off the window sill.

Thanks for your concern.

Thanks for your insight, MJ... at least I have a little bit of an idea. I'm going to see how she is when I get home, and then start calling around to see if I can get a consulation on the phone.

If anyone else has anything constructive, that would be greatly appreciated.

[MJ]

For the record, far from "everybody else on this pet board" will jump all over you.

Obviously we are ALL going to strongly encourage you to take your cat to the vet. Because it's the ONLY way you will get any real answers or peace of mind. But some of us are far more understanding of your situation, because we've been there.

Also, some vets will take payments... Even sometimes you won't have to pay anything that day. Someone can probably also link you to care credit if you want to look into that.

[E's]

No apologies from this quarter: especially since Wynter has indicated s/he is employed in a position requiring computer skills, which in turn indicates s/he is not a child, which latter impression is the one given by her/his initial post: Many such clueless queries as this show up on pet boards, posted by immature people who don't yet understand that owning a live pet has responsibilities attached, such as having veterinary services lined up from the beginning. How sad.

[*Wynter]

As I inferred, I am well aware of the "responsibilities of owning a live pet," for I have cared for many different kinds of animals, large and small, and although I don't feel it fair to have to justify myself and my actions, it may be noteworthy that I have recently moved to a new city in a new province and have little knowledge about our clinics here, except the $200 quote that was given us the last time we wanted a checkup.

I have never stated that I will not take my animal to a vet, but that I cannot at this moment. The options available to me are different than those to you- I live in a different country.

But I'm not here to debate this, all I wanted was a little insight. Perhaps someone had a similar experience, and could enlighten me as to the reasons for this recent behavior.

I guess its wrong to assume that all pet owners are compassionate people.

But Scully thanks you for your concern... I'm positive that she'll be alright and that she'll get the help she needs, albeit obviously not from here.

[Traci]

Wynter, your kitty needs to see an emergency vet RIGHT NOW. Since you knew something was obviously wrong, why didn't you get her in right away, take a couple hours off work and get this nipped in the bud immediately!?

It doesn't matter if other people had "similar experiences", the problem is the symptoms could be any number of things. Many, many conditions have symptoms that can mimic something else and should never be assumed it is a particular condition. For that reason, we ALWAYS give owners a push in the right direction, which is: TO A VET, IMMEDIATELY.

Could be hyperasthesia, could be reaction to ingesting something toxic, could be pain as a result of a fall, stuck in something, hurt by something, could be seizure activity. Could be anything and only a qualified vet can determine what the problem is via complete exam and bloodwork if necessary.

Don't wait for this "to go away soon", would you do the same if this was happening to YOU or your child? No, so get her to a vet/emergency vet RIGHT NOW. No amount of searching/posting/asking on the internet is going to help you, only a VET can.

[Cindy]

Wynter, if you get a relationship going with a vet now, in the future it will be easier to ask for payment plans. Once you establish yourself with a vet practice as a reliable customer, they are more likely to extend you the courtesy of letting you make payments instead of having everything up front.

Since you just moved, this will be like starting over. For now, is there any way you can bring your cat to your old vet and ask them if you can make payments? Unless you moved too far away, could this be an option?

[mamabear]

Hello, you said in your first post that this has been going on for about 13 hours. Assuming "it will be fine" is not the right answer. "seeing" how it will end up might break your heart dear. WE do not want there, we are very passionate about what we say and some say it differently than others. If you do not like those answers so be it but the truth is , is that poor kitty needs a vet visit to find out if there is a serious illness going on. Traci said something that I also agree with it might be BUT you have no clue until you get kitty seen.

Is there a way to go back to your old vet?
How long have you been in this new place? If over a year has kitty even seen a vet since being here to make sure annual visit is ok?

Starting to establish a rapport with a new Vet is always key in any situation. I assume you meant $200 in USdollars. That is high for where I am , as we might pay $40 for a visit. Are you sure that they meant $200 just to walk into the door?

Did that include shots and tests, deworming? Did they tell it was just for the office visit but didnt ask them what was included in the office visit.?

Did you call other vets for quotes on office visits and what they included?
Did you try to go to a different city to get quotes?

Not saying you have to answer these just saying these are things you might wnat to try.

You need to get kitty seen if this is still happening when you get home. I understand that you can not get off of work but this is your kitty and he is relying on You and only you to take care of him. Look into his eyes and you will see he needs you to figure this out.

$200 is a lot of money, you wouldnt want to know what i would tell that vets office if it were just for a office exam and nothing else. BUT when an animal is in trouble you look for other resources and get help some other place. Drive if you need to. Ask your family or a friend.....

i truely hope kitty is better