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My cat can't move, won't drink, and has fluid in his neck. Help!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered

I came home yesterday morning and my cat was lying on the floor not able to move. He responded to touch and his eyes weren't moving fast but he can't hold his body up and just falls. He will eat, but won't drink. I have to shoot water down his throat and keep a pad under him to use the bathroom on. The vet did x-rays and said it was fluid in his neck. They gave him a steroid shot, detramexsone, something like that. It didn't work. His arms and legs stretch out every now and then. Please help!

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 5th, 2019

Poor Trouble sounds very sick. I think it may be best that he is hospitalized at the vet where they can monitor him day and night, and put him on IV fluids to keep him hydrated. The problem with shooting water down his throat is that he could accidentally aspirate it, leading to aspiration pneumonia. Please take him back into his vet now.
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