Should I keep her in the room or let her play with my cat?? dunno!!weird kitten
weird kitten
Hello, my kitten, who I got about 2 months ago is now behaving a little weird. A few days back she started sort of meowing... (not fully tho, you know how sometimes they just make a little noise but not the meow meow??). Anyways, she's been doing this waaay too much for probably a week or so. My husband is going crazy because she does it mostly at night and sleeps all day. Yesterday, I was busy on my computer, and she came complaining (as this last week). I said 'what's wrong', and she kept replying w the same thing over and over. Then she 'dragged' herself towards me and her eyes looked as if she was in pain. Then I tried picking her up and she kept going back down, and rolling on the floor. Also, sort of bringing her chin down to the floor and rubbing it on the floor. I thought that was funny, but then when I got up and left she tried following me and her stomach would drop to the floor, or she'd walk really close to the ground as if she didn't have enough strength in her legs. So I freaked out and managed to take her to my mom so she'd take her to my old vet (my new vet was closed already) because I was about to write a university final in an hour!! I wasn't there for the consultation but my mom says she looked totally fine, she was walking, apparently she had some sort of neurological testing done, and nothing could be detected. The vet gave meloxicam in case she is in pain of some sort and asked to re-check in 4-5 days. Apparently, when she was to the vet she was reacting and walking and playing and all, and here, only when you play with her she seems ok, then she goes back and walks weird and rolls on the floor... etc. I am wondering if this is a behavioural problem or something. I usually pay more attention to them but as I have been busy lately (last 2-3 weeks), I haven't been able to pay as much attention to her, and so she's doing all this weird things. I gotta admit, I was mean to her yesterday and sort of faked hitting her with a piece of paper so she'd get scared and shut up! (seriously, she's too much sometimes!!!). But I am concerned if this a health issue, and plus I have another cat, so Im a bit concerned about the fact of having them together too. I've locked her in another bedroom with her food and litter box, toys and all. I go play with her sometimes, but can't do it often and sort of sorry for her. She's now so quiet, but as soon as I open the door, she'll start complaining again. Sooo confused!! Any suggestions?? Should I keep her in the room or let her play with my cat?? dunno!!
Should I keep her in the room or let her play with my cat?? dunno!!Re: weird kitten
First of all, how old is your kitten?
Secondly, when you first got her two months ago, did you take her to your own vet for a complete check up and course of shots?
If she checked out fine at the vet, depending on exactly which tests, etc. were done, then it sounds like she could be in heat. Again, though depends on her age.
Even if it's "fake hitting", don't do it. You're exhibiting negative behavior towards her which is only going to confuse and hurt her. She really isn't doing anything to warrant this type of reaction. Locking her in a room isn't the solution either. If you're stressed and under pressure, busy with university finals like you stated, perhaps a kitten doesn't suit your lifestyle right now.
I am not saying this to be harsh but some lifestyles just do not warrant a kitten. This may or may not be you, but never let your stress or anger infiltrate onto kitty's wellbeing. It's just trouble all around.
How old is your other cat? Male or female? Spayed/neutered? Up to date on shots?
Secondly, when you first got her two months ago, did you take her to your own vet for a complete check up and course of shots?
If she checked out fine at the vet, depending on exactly which tests, etc. were done, then it sounds like she could be in heat. Again, though depends on her age.
Even if it's "fake hitting", don't do it. You're exhibiting negative behavior towards her which is only going to confuse and hurt her. She really isn't doing anything to warrant this type of reaction. Locking her in a room isn't the solution either. If you're stressed and under pressure, busy with university finals like you stated, perhaps a kitten doesn't suit your lifestyle right now.
I am not saying this to be harsh but some lifestyles just do not warrant a kitten. This may or may not be you, but never let your stress or anger infiltrate onto kitty's wellbeing. It's just trouble all around.
How old is your other cat? Male or female? Spayed/neutered? Up to date on shots?
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Shapeshifter
- Posts: 14
- Joined: Thu Dec 06, 2007 11:19 pm
Re: weird kitten
I'm very new at having little bitty kitties but I was wondering if maybe your pre-occupation with finals and the stress you are under is rubbing off on kitty. Of course, you must absolutely follow up with the vet quickly to rule out any physiologic problems.
It would be just like a human kid to act sick if that were the only way the human kid could get some attention. So why not kitty?
I find that interacting with my babies on a regular basis, even if only for five minutes or so eact time, actually relieves my stress, and theirs.
When I was at University, I wrote many papers and read many books with my kitty [she crossed the Rainbow Bridge in April] on my lap and helping me type on the computer.
Just a thought, maybe you could schedule some regular cuddling time, or keep her with you while you study.
It would be just like a human kid to act sick if that were the only way the human kid could get some attention. So why not kitty?
I find that interacting with my babies on a regular basis, even if only for five minutes or so eact time, actually relieves my stress, and theirs.
When I was at University, I wrote many papers and read many books with my kitty [she crossed the Rainbow Bridge in April] on my lap and helping me type on the computer.
Just a thought, maybe you could schedule some regular cuddling time, or keep her with you while you study.
Re: weird kitten
Since you never answered questions about this kitten a month ago, maybe you can answer some now. What happened with the diarrhea a month ago? Did she have a followup vet recheck? What are you feeding her?
The old vet, we advised you find a new vet...but since kitten saw the old vet again this time, it's no wonder he doesn't know what's going on. I would seriously question this vet giving meloxicam to a 3 1/2 month-old kitten without having evidence at the examination of pain, etc. Did you or your mother question him on that?
Did he even once, hint at the possibility that kitten could be in heat? Some of what you're describing is typical of cats in heat, and the vet should have know better.
However, if it isn't a heat cycle and if you suspect in the least that kitten was hurt, ingested something she wasn't supposed to, fell from something, or is weak etc, then you need to get her to a NEW, more competent, feline-only vet TODAY!!
You can't just yell at her and threaten her and get mad at her for being a kitten, she is young, and energetic, and needing love and attention and playtime and activity, she needs your active involvement with her. You can't just lock her up because you don't have time for her, that is so WRONG. You can take a break from studies and give her the time, love, attention she needs!
Get her to a new, more competent vet RIGHT NOW (TODAY!)
The old vet, we advised you find a new vet...but since kitten saw the old vet again this time, it's no wonder he doesn't know what's going on. I would seriously question this vet giving meloxicam to a 3 1/2 month-old kitten without having evidence at the examination of pain, etc. Did you or your mother question him on that?
Did he even once, hint at the possibility that kitten could be in heat? Some of what you're describing is typical of cats in heat, and the vet should have know better.
However, if it isn't a heat cycle and if you suspect in the least that kitten was hurt, ingested something she wasn't supposed to, fell from something, or is weak etc, then you need to get her to a NEW, more competent, feline-only vet TODAY!!
You can't just yell at her and threaten her and get mad at her for being a kitten, she is young, and energetic, and needing love and attention and playtime and activity, she needs your active involvement with her. You can't just lock her up because you don't have time for her, that is so WRONG. You can take a break from studies and give her the time, love, attention she needs!
Get her to a new, more competent vet RIGHT NOW (TODAY!)
..........Traci
I think you got me wrong here!! Im not an angry woman who just yells and screams to her kitty!! I don't even do that!! I did lock her in a room because I was concerned that if she had an infection she could pass it on to my other cat!!! THAT'S WHY!!!
And Traci, I do apologize about my husband not answering to your posts. About the dirrhea, it went away. Thank you for your replies. We did take her with another vet and he said that it looked that it was just the food. So I changed her food and problem solved. I started giving her the kitty food from Hill's diet.
About yesterday, my mom said that the vet tested for pain everywhere, temperature, reaction or something like that, neurological testing. The vet said he didn't see any sign of anything wrong being with her.
I have never had a girl cat so I don't have much experience in the way they behave when they are in heat nor when it starts.
I played with her a lot last night and this morning and she's been happy and playing so I took her out of the room because I thought it may be that she's almost in age of having her first heat period (~4months old) ... but still not sure. There are things that make me think that she may be for example, if Joey my male cat or I are not paying attention to her, then she starts meowing, and also doesn't want to leave him alone, she jumps on him bites him, licks him.... you get the picture.
Thank you all for the replies and don't think of me as a mad woman!!!
I don't do that!! (believe it or not) and the 'fake hit' was so random. I think that she actually got offended because of that cuz I never do anything mean to them. That's why I said it may be a behavioural issue.
PS. How can I get a confirmation email that someone has replied???
And Traci, I do apologize about my husband not answering to your posts. About the dirrhea, it went away. Thank you for your replies. We did take her with another vet and he said that it looked that it was just the food. So I changed her food and problem solved. I started giving her the kitty food from Hill's diet.
About yesterday, my mom said that the vet tested for pain everywhere, temperature, reaction or something like that, neurological testing. The vet said he didn't see any sign of anything wrong being with her.
I have never had a girl cat so I don't have much experience in the way they behave when they are in heat nor when it starts.
I played with her a lot last night and this morning and she's been happy and playing so I took her out of the room because I thought it may be that she's almost in age of having her first heat period (~4months old) ... but still not sure. There are things that make me think that she may be for example, if Joey my male cat or I are not paying attention to her, then she starts meowing, and also doesn't want to leave him alone, she jumps on him bites him, licks him.... you get the picture.
Thank you all for the replies and don't think of me as a mad woman!!!
I don't do that!! (believe it or not) and the 'fake hit' was so random. I think that she actually got offended because of that cuz I never do anything mean to them. That's why I said it may be a behavioural issue. PS. How can I get a confirmation email that someone has replied???
Re: weird kitten
I responded as I did simpy because of what your first post sounded like. I never meant to imply you were mean to her, but based on your posts, that you should not reprimand her or ignore her pleas for attention, since she is very young and needs attention at all times.
If the vet never found evidence of pain, then he had NO reason to prescribe meloxicam. This is a medication that needs to be approached very cautiously in cats, since it is an NSAID...and, typically, there would be no reason to prescribe it for a young kitten, unless there was the need for a surgical procedure or a type of pain that warranted it, based on clear evidence. Couple that with the vet not mentioning this could possibly be a heat cycle or something else, it doesn't sound like he's a competent vet at all. As a matter of fact, it sounds like he's passing the buck and doesn't have much experience with kittens, no comittment.
Can you tell me what the actual amount of meloxicam was prescribed? Personally, I would not give it, and get a second opinion with a new vet immediately.
As for heat, all female cats are different and will display different behaviors. The most common behavior is of an amorous nature, rolling on the floor, "chattering", constant need for petting or attention, sometimes they will place front and belly on the floor with hips and tail extended upward (mating stance). If there is a male present, she may be submissive to him, or play-attack at random, usually inviting him to mount or bite her neck, etc.
I think it would be worth a second opinion to determine the difference between heat behavior or to rule out any potential of pain etc. If it is determined to be a heat cycle, a new vet will recommend a spay appointment, but you want to rule out other health problems first! I'd also strongly recommend getting a presurgical blood screen done on her prior to a spay, this allows the vet to check vital kidney and liver function to determine health and anesthesia candidacy. Remember, for every heat cycle you allow her to endure, increases her risk for future health complications like pyometra, uterine cancer, mammary cancer, etc. ( Love Your Pets - Spay & Neuter! )
As for getting replies via email, in your profile, check the option "always notify me of replies".
If the vet never found evidence of pain, then he had NO reason to prescribe meloxicam. This is a medication that needs to be approached very cautiously in cats, since it is an NSAID...and, typically, there would be no reason to prescribe it for a young kitten, unless there was the need for a surgical procedure or a type of pain that warranted it, based on clear evidence. Couple that with the vet not mentioning this could possibly be a heat cycle or something else, it doesn't sound like he's a competent vet at all. As a matter of fact, it sounds like he's passing the buck and doesn't have much experience with kittens, no comittment.
Can you tell me what the actual amount of meloxicam was prescribed? Personally, I would not give it, and get a second opinion with a new vet immediately.
As for heat, all female cats are different and will display different behaviors. The most common behavior is of an amorous nature, rolling on the floor, "chattering", constant need for petting or attention, sometimes they will place front and belly on the floor with hips and tail extended upward (mating stance). If there is a male present, she may be submissive to him, or play-attack at random, usually inviting him to mount or bite her neck, etc.
I think it would be worth a second opinion to determine the difference between heat behavior or to rule out any potential of pain etc. If it is determined to be a heat cycle, a new vet will recommend a spay appointment, but you want to rule out other health problems first! I'd also strongly recommend getting a presurgical blood screen done on her prior to a spay, this allows the vet to check vital kidney and liver function to determine health and anesthesia candidacy. Remember, for every heat cycle you allow her to endure, increases her risk for future health complications like pyometra, uterine cancer, mammary cancer, etc. ( Love Your Pets - Spay & Neuter! )
As for getting replies via email, in your profile, check the option "always notify me of replies".
..........Traci
Re: weird kitten
Thank you Traci for your answer. I actually had schedule her appointment already for the end of January. My regular vet (not the one who had to see her yesterday) only guessed her age because we found her in the street. But now that you're describing all of those symptoms... they sound very familiar to me. I MEAN REALLY FAMILIAR!! 
I have to take her to the vet next week anyway for her last rabbies shot so I guess I'll just get her examined then. I hope that's alrite. Thank you for your help!! Really appreciate it! 
I have to take her to the vet next week anyway for her last rabbies shot so I guess I'll just get her examined then. I hope that's alrite. Thank you for your help!! Really appreciate it! Re: weird kitten
Out of all my 9 cats, I only experienced one of them in heat. It was my first cat and let me tell you, I was afraid!! Aside from the howls I sometimes heard outdoors in the distance, I never had first hand experience with a cat in heat. Between the vocals and the actions, I thought my girl was from outer space! Sounds like what you are going through and I hope that's all it is.
Please check back with us after the vet exam next week and let us know how it all goes.
Please check back with us after the vet exam next week and let us know how it all goes.
Re: weird kitten
Cleo is right and I should have mentioned, that some females don't even show signs they are in heat. Most do, though.
What's important, though, it making that determination with a new exam. And, don't give the meloxicam unless you can talk to another vet right away. I worry when vets use this medication in cats as it is, but in a kitten with NO clear evidence of pain to prescribe it, that worries me even more. Also, apparently, UK vets use this alot, and don't always prescribe it properly. I t was probably sort of pricey too, so if you have any indication the vet was an idiot, take it back for a refund or credit on your account, then see a NEW vet.
If you are truly taking her in for an exam next week (vaccs), then I suppose you could monitor her closely until then, but I mean closely, like a hawk, ok? If anything changes, worsens or anytime you're uncertain, don't risk it, get her seen quickly.
What's important, though, it making that determination with a new exam. And, don't give the meloxicam unless you can talk to another vet right away. I worry when vets use this medication in cats as it is, but in a kitten with NO clear evidence of pain to prescribe it, that worries me even more. Also, apparently, UK vets use this alot, and don't always prescribe it properly. I t was probably sort of pricey too, so if you have any indication the vet was an idiot, take it back for a refund or credit on your account, then see a NEW vet.
If you are truly taking her in for an exam next week (vaccs), then I suppose you could monitor her closely until then, but I mean closely, like a hawk, ok? If anything changes, worsens or anytime you're uncertain, don't risk it, get her seen quickly.
..........Traci
Re: weird kitten
haha like a hawk??!! yeah I will. I'll take her to the vet asap cuz my husband is going crazy!! lol. I did give her one dose though today in the morning, but she's been sleeping and playing as usual. I won't give her the rest and I'll try taking the meds back cuz yeah.. I did pay $100 for the consultation and the meds for nothing!! sooo upset about that. Thnx so much for clearing my head. I will keep you posted on what happens at the vet!! Thnk you all!! 