Why does my cat yowl, spit, and run, then get hungry and thirsty?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! A few main concerns are coming to mind for Bubbles. 1) Hyperthyroid disease- the vocalizing fits with this but usually an increase in appetite is noted. We also usually see weight loss. This can be diagnosed with a blood test that may or may not be a part of the "regular" bloodwork done. 2) Pain - a severe arthritis flare up can cause vocalizing and reluctance to move. If bloodwork comes back normal, x-rays and or a pain medication trial would be my next steps. 3) Cognitive dysfunction (senility) or other neurological problem - Though it is not as well documented in cats as in dogs, we do definitely see cats that have dementia. This usually manifests as: wakefulness/vocalizing at night, loss of litterbox training, seeming to be lost, sudden anxiety, and other signs. I have seen cats act like this with sudden blindness (a few underlying causes) because they are anxious to leave the places they know best (bed, food, litter box). Finally, brain tumors, clots in the brain (underlying heart disease) and other neurological problems may manifest similarly to this. Long story short, get a good eye exam and some bloodwork done. Then consider x-rays and/or a pain medication trial. If none of these help, discuss possible next steps with your vet. Best wishes to you and Bubbles!

Hello Matthew! I am sorry to hear about Spotty. I would be very concerned about her. Cats are usually very good at hiding their pain, so if she is obviously yelping she is definitely in pain. I would recommend an examination by a veterinarian as soon as possible. They will do an exam and try to localize the pain to a certain area. I am concerned about her abdomen due to her lack of appetite. Things that would concern me in a young adult cat such as Spotty are foreign boys in the intestinal tract (did she eat a toy or a ribbon etc) or possible kidney infections. The vet will most likely want to do some bloodworm and possibly some radiographs (x-rays). If she hasn't been eating or drinking, she might need some supportive care such as IV fluids.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Excessive thirst is always a cause for concern, and there are numerous causes of it. I would highly recommend having Missy seen as soon as possible for some blood labs and a urinalysis as well as assessment of her wounds. It is possible she has nothing serious, but she could have something like an abscess forming which would need drained and flushed under sedation in addition to antibiotic therapy. As for the behavior, environmental enrichment is a must in a house with a cat, especially if more than one cat is in the household. Always have one litter box per cat plus one, and use Feliway to aid in calming which is available at PetCo. Discuss further enrichment with your primary care veterinarian. I hope this helps!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your cat. I would recommend a trip to the veterinarian to ensure she is not suffering a medical problem causing this behavior change. A disease known as hyperthyroidism can cause increased vocalizations in a cat. It is usually accompanied an increase in thirst and urination, hyperactivity, possibly vomiting/ diarrhea and weight loss. She will likely have blood work performed to rule out this as well as other internal diseases. If she is found to be healthy, then you can discuss behavioral modifications at home. I hope this information helps!

These sudden changes in temperament and the weight loss are commonly due to an endocrine problem called hyperthyroidism. The thyroid starts working more than normal increasing the metabolism (that is the cause of the weight loss) and causing behavioural changes similar to what you described. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm this clinical suspicion and treat appropriately. A blood test and urine analysis are needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm so sorry to hear about Bayleigh! My very first thought is that she needs to go in for an exam and to have bloodwork done. Hyperthyroidism can cause everything you're describing and is treatable. Another medical explanation could be pain. A hurt back, etc. can make even the nicest cat an absolute nightmare. Finally, though I hate to say it, brain tumors, adrenal gland tumors, and dementia are also possible (though usually they do not come on so quickly). Long story short, take her in to your vet for a good exam and work up. Best wishes to you and Bayleigh. I hope she is back to her happy self soon!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your cat. She will need to see her veterinarian for laboratory work. Increased vocalizations and increased thirst are common signs of hyperthyroidism. This is a disease where the body makes too much thyroid hormone thereby increasing metabolism. Other signs can include weight loss, hyperactivity, increased urination as well as vomiting and/or diarrhea. If this is her diagnosis, the disease is typically managed with medication. I hope this information helps!