I've just started noticing a change in behavior in my 6 1/2 year old cat. He found a spot under the bed where he spends almost his entire day, except to come out to eat. He doesn't come out as normal when I get up or come home from work, won't come out for treats, won't come when called and doesn't seem interested in playing. This is all very unlike him. When he does come out to eat, he quickly "hops" across the floor instead of walking, as if he were trying to get through snow or some other uncomfortable ground below him.

He seems to be washing himself, all over, more often than usual. I don't see him drinking, but the water dish is empty more quickly the past couple days. He is very alert, and he purrs and rolls around when I pet him. There haven't been any changes in his environment whatsoever. Just in the past week or so he has started watching TV! He'll watch for minutes at a time and has never done so before. Maybe he is going a little crazy? I say that in jest, but I don't know what to think- I don't know if his behavior warrants an expensive trip to the vet. I appreciate any advice!

Hello,

It almost sounds like your cat (and your house) has a major flea problem. Sometimes when there are an overabunance of fleas feeding off a cat, the cat can become anemic to the point of death - they just suck the blood right out of them.

I highly suggest you pull a flea comb (or other small tooth comb) though your cat's fur to see if there is a bunch of black peppery stuff and fleas.

If that is the case, simply applying Advantage Flea Control (readily available at your vet) as soon as possible for at least 4 months in a row will get rid of not only the fleas on the cat but in the house as well without the need for spraying dangerous chemicals.

PLEASE DON'T USE ANY KNOCK-OFF FLEA CONTROL PRODUCTS FROM WAL-MART, AG STORES, OR PET STORES. THEY ARE MORE LIKELY TO KILL YOUR CAT THAN THE FLEAS.

Sometimes a blood transfusion is needed if the cat is too anemic. Giving a liquid vitamin supplement with iron can help them recoup faster.

If fleas are not the problem, I highly recommend you have your cat's urine checked and some lab run.

Some illnesses start to manifest themselves as early as 6 such as diabetes and hyperthyoidism among others.

Make sure your cat is eating a high quality diet such as Iams Hairball or Hill's Advance Protection Adult. A good diet can help alleviate (and in some cases ward off) future health issues.

I hope all goes well. Keep us informed!

Regards,