Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My cat is stiff, can't move, suspect cleaner poisoning. What to do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Norwegian Forest Cat | Female | spayed | 6 years and 6 months old | 25 lbs

my norwegIan Forest cat is 6 years old. we found her in her own pee about 3 days ago with foam that smells coming out of her mouth the next day she was walking than fell over we put her on my bed at this point she could still move her paws and shuffle around today she can't move at all she is very stiff she can bend her legs or open her jaw to eat. but she can meow . she likes the smelled of cleaners so I'm wondering if she got poisened

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 22nd, 2018

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Based on your description and the photos you provided, I am very concerned about Joker. I would get her seen by an emergency veterinarian as soon as possible as she could have ingested a toxin and / or she could be in shock. The sooner she is seen the bettter. She may also be extremely dehydrated, which has led to her being in shock. If she is in shock, this needs to be addressed immediately. I hope Joker gets better! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My cat isn't eating, struggling to move, and vomiting. Is it poisoned?

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The symptoms Chiolfe is showing can be caused by intoxication indeed. Please, take him to your local vets today, as it sounds that he is struggling a lot. There are no remedies that you can give him at home, so the sooner you take him to your local vets the better for your cat.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

My cat is howling and can't move his back legs. Is it an emergency?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. I would strongly recommend having him seen by a veterinarian sooner rather than later. I am worried that he may have thrown a blood clot to his back legs causing paralysis. This is known as a saddle thrombus and can be quite painful and serious. This is typically due to heart disease. The sooner he is seen the better. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat is limping, disoriented, and slow to wake. Is she poisoned?

That is possible although I hope not. But typically with toxin exposure or ingestion you will also have vomiting and or diarrhea. Disorientation can also be a sign of a neurological disorder, brain lesion, hepatic encephalopathy vestibular disease. Based on your description she sounds rather weak and lethargic with a musculoskeletal injur or even a clot is possible. She needs to be examined to determine the exact underlying cause so that the appopriate treatment is recommended for her overall care and we being.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my cat not jumping, pupils dilated, and uncomfortable?

Hello. This is a bit concerning because Meep's behavior indicates she either was injured, or perhaps got into something toxic. Is she breathing OK & not panting or showing any strong efforts to breathe? Regardless if this just happened or she has been doing this for awhile, it might be best to take her to the nearest emergency clinic, especially if there are any respiratory issues at all. I hope she is OK. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My kitten is suddenly very weak, not moving, and falling over. Why?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I am very concerned by the pictures of Dior. I recommend that you take him to a Veterinarian ASAP. The missing hair under his chin is minor compared to how lethargic he appears and how he is acting. Possible causes: low blood sugar, Feline Infectious Peritonitis, toxin, severe dehydration or anemia. He is very sick! I wish you the best of luck

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat ate something and is not moving. Should I take her to the vet?

Hi there and thank you for using Pet Coach. With your description I would strongly suggest having her examined by a veterinarian as an emergency. If she ate something toxic this needs to be addressed immediately. I hope she improves and gets better soon! The sooner you take Chichi to the vet the better as she could have eaten something potentially fatal.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat suddenly can't walk, is unresponsive, and having seizures.

It sounds like Lily is in critical condition! She may have seizures, a thrombus cutting off blood supply to her back legs, or she may have ingested a toxin. I would recommend seeing a veterinarian as soon as possible. There is nothing that you would be able to do at home to help her at this point, and I would be worried that she may not survive much longer from what you describe.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share