Dallas has been a healthy indoor cat her whole life. About 5 days ago I noticed that she seemed altered - she did not respond to me in the usual way, she acted as though she was too exhausted to get up, and i noticed she was suddenly losing her balance.
Yesterday she seemed more alert and her balance was better so i thought whatever was wrong was resolving. But tonight she's acting strangely again. She's always had a healthy appetite, but tonight she just stood in front of the food bowl. she kept lowering her head as though she was going to take a bite, but then wouldn't.
I have searched on your site for 'ataxia', 'confusion' etc., but found only references to inner ear problems. As much as I would like to believe that is all it is, she has not had any head-shaking, pawing at her ears, or any of the other symptoms of ear infection.
The only thing i can think of that could have this combination of symptoms is a stroke, but i can find no information about stroke in cats. It's Dec. 20 and I have no way to get her to a vet until after christmas (i am in a wheelchair and have to have a friend take her, and she's unavailable). The only other condition i can imagine is fatty liver disease - she has lost weight, but until a week ago I had her on a diet because she's overweight (nothing drastic - just low calorie Iams dry food. She still has a hanging-down belly, but she's very bony along her spine). I know she ate yesterday, but I don't think she has eaten at all today (i have 3 other cats so it's hard to know for sure).
She does not have increased thirst or urination, diarrhea, vomiting, or incontinence. Howver, the day before yesterday it sounded as though she was vomiting violently and when i went to check, she was in the litter box. There was neither vomit nor signs of elimination in the box. During the past year or so she has had episodes of constipation and has simultaneously vomited and had a bowel movement after several attempts at elimnation. Afterwards she has always appeared to feel fine.
I apologize for being so long-winded, but i want to give you as much information as i can. Thank you for providing this service and for any help you can offer.
Lenette
