Should I take the cat to the vet?

[spinbaby]

I'm trying to decide whether to run Bud in to the vet tonight. He's a 16-year-old cat with declining kidney function but is otherwise healthy. The last couple of days he's been not quite himself. Not sick, just not quite himself--sleeping in different places and not as interested in food as he usually is. Should I take him to the vet for a look see just in case or am I just an overly worried cat owner who's going to annoy the cat for no reason?

[ET Awful]

1. I would at least call the vet and see what they say.

A good vet will be honest and tell you whether they think you should bring him in or not.

[slackmaster]

2. If you're not sure the only correct answer is Yes.

Take Bud to the vet. There are all kinds of things that could be going on with him, many of which can be treated.

[sui generis]

3. has he been taking in adequate fluids?

his CPK / urea may be building up and causing lesions in mouth or esophagus which makes eating painful. Also, the inability to clear toxins means that he may be feeling nauseous and have a diminished appetite.

It can't hurt to take him to the vet - try the "pinch" test on the skin between his shoulder blades. If the skin doesn't snap back quickly he's dehydrated. Also, take a peek in his mouth and see if you can see anything that looks like sores on the tissue of his gums/palate.

[spinbaby]

5. Yeah, he's eating and drinking

He likes ice water. And his appetite was good enough to polish off my goulash last night. But he ignored this morning's breakfast frenzy in favor of a nap--the breakfast frenzy is usually his favorite event of the day.

I'm waiting for a callback from the vet--I'll take him in if they say so.

[Samurai_Writer]

4. My 15 year old cat has been the same way the past few weeks...

well, except she still eats like a pig, because she is hyperthyroid. But she has been laying in the litter box almost constantly for the past week. She's also lost some weight and I have been giving her IV fluids every few days. The vet pretty much said as long as she's comfortable, eating, and still using the (other) litterbox, there was not much she could do. I've been doing constant care with her for the past few weeks, but it's been emotionally difficult, because it's obvious she's not going to get better. I just don't know how long she will last.

Big hugs for you, I know what you are going through. I hope it is something that is easily cured and that he recovers, and quickly.

Peace,
Bella