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Buttons is top cat. He's the oldest, and has always had the position of "top cat". We have two other cats, who always deferred to him. When they are fed, the others hold back until Buttons eats some from each plate, then chooses his plate, eats his fill, then the others eat. Buttons has preferred spots, like my office chair, which has a cushion and cozy throw, its his favorite spot.
Just lately--about the last week---the other cats have been breaking protocol. They chase Buttons away from the food bowls, and get in his chair. Buttons follows me all around the house, its like he is afraid to be alone with the others. Physically, Buttons appears fine, no overt symptoms of anything amiss.
Could there be something wrong with him? Buttons is ~11 years old, the oldest of the three. In the past, when I've had a sick cat, the others shunned him. Could he have the beginnings of something not yet obvious to me? Animals sense these things long before us humans do. Its their way to winnow out the pride.
Perhaps I should take Buttons to the vet? For what? no symptoms---just a general checkup, perhaps do a senior panel? Or just watch/wait a few days? We do have pet insurance, perhaps now's the time to use it!
Buttons is top cat. He's the oldest, and has always had the position of "top cat". We have two other cats, who always deferred to him. When they are fed, the others hold back until Buttons eats some from each plate, then chooses his plate, eats his fill, then the others eat. Buttons has preferred spots, like my office chair, which has a cushion and cozy throw, its his favorite spot.
Just lately--about the last week---the other cats have been breaking protocol. They chase Buttons away from the food bowls, and get in his chair. Buttons follows me all around the house, its like he is afraid to be alone with the others. Physically, Buttons appears fine, no overt symptoms of anything amiss.
Could there be something wrong with him? Buttons is ~11 years old, the oldest of the three. In the past, when I've had a sick cat, the others shunned him. Could he have the beginnings of something not yet obvious to me? Animals sense these things long before us humans do. Its their way to winnow out the pride.
Perhaps I should take Buttons to the vet? For what? no symptoms---just a general checkup, perhaps do a senior panel? Or just watch/wait a few days? We do have pet insurance, perhaps now's the time to use it!
Yes, that would be advisable. There may be something going on with him that the others are picking up on. If nothing else it will put your mind at ease that he's ok, and you can go from there.
Has anything changed in your house recently (new person, new job, renovations, etc)?
It is also possible that either Buttons or the other cats saw another cat outside and are acting out. You could try separating them for a day or two and see if that helps.
Is he eating and using the litter box normally?
When was the last time he had blood work? It certainly can't hurt to have that done even if he is well.
I will make an appointment tomorrow---to late today. Buttons last visit to the vet was over a year ago, so he needs a check-up, anyways. He appears to be eating and using the litter, but its hard to tell with 3 cats. A change in behavior is reason enough for a checkup.
When my alpha male cat was working toward developing a urinary blockage, my female cat beat up on him. Ordinarily she would not dream of taking him on. But she had him fleeing here. So, I took him to the vet for a checkup, and they found the crystals. (That FUS issue has been well managed with diet and ample clean water supplies for almost 9 years now.)
So, yes, take him to the vet just in case there is something wrong with him, healthwise.
Once my cats hit 8 years old, they see the vet every 6 months.
Lily - my sole female (12) is the eldest of my 4. Charcoal who is 3.......loves to pester her to no end. About a year ago or so.....he wouldn't go near her. I picked up the phone and made an appointment with the vet.
She was running a fever.....and tested positive for a UTI.... Though she hadn't started any in appropriate piddling thank goodness.
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