I've been fostering a cat for a few weeks, and I've noticed a few odd little things. I'm not sure if they are just who she is, or if it could add up to a health problem?

1) She pees a lot, but she doesn't seem to drink much water really, and I know she's not getting it from anywhere else because she isn't allowed out. She also has a big appetite. She'll finish one meal and complain her bowl is empty. I give her three sachets a day, one more than she is supposed to have because when she only gets two she gets agitated and cries, she isn't gaining weight yet.

2) She flops on the floor like a dog. Often when she wants to lie down she takes a little run up almost, then throws herself sideways. It's comical to watch, but I wonder if it could mean there's an issue? She seems very sprightly in most other aspects though.

3) When I have to pick her up I need to lower her very gently, otherwise she collapses and has to scramble to stand up. Occasionally something seems 'off' about her walking, she'll wobble slightly.

She's ten years old and has a nervous but affectionate personality.

She went in for a general health check a fortnight ago and everything was fine. She has another appointment next week for shots, and I'm going to mention all this. I'm just posting it here in case any of you have an idea of what it could be, if anything?

I certainly don't like the sound of peeing a lot, collapsing, wobbling, or the failing to gain weight despite three sachets a day. I'm not going to speculate what it might be - but a cat of this age might be at risk of a number of conditions, some of which could be very serious. In your position I wouldn't leave it until next week, but would get an appointment with the vet as soon as possible.

I'm not saying that there is definitely something wrong with her, but what you've described certainly suggests that it's worth seeking a professional opinion.

You're right. I'll call the vet in the morning. I have mentioned these things to the CP woman, but over the course of a long chat. Listed together they look more of a concern.

The 'collapsing' thing has only happened twice (because I've been very careful since). It feels like she relaxes into me as I carry her, and she doesn't register that she's supposed to get ready to stand when I start to put her down, almost like there's a slight disengagment/lag between her brain and body.

When my little ones legs went the other day the vet was worried about kidneys, so I'd definitely get her checked, especially with the weeing

If she's hungry and not gaining weight it might be her thyroid.

Any odd behaviour is serious and a vet should be consulted.

My boy (2) doesn't go near water to drink. He pees about 6 times per day or more. He eats mostly wet sachets. However at 10, she may be developing kidney problems and it's probably worth having her bloods checked at next routine appointment which you have pending anyway.

Has she been wormed? 3 sachets doesn't sound a lot of food if she is active.


My boy has done this since he was a kitten. He runs ahead of me then throws himself onto his side. He is telling me he loves me or he wants something. The something could be a belly rub (he trusts me) or more than likely "where is my next sachet?" I don't consider this behaviour odd at all. It's just subservience and trust I think.


Not all cats are as gainly as we're led to believe but they are all good at correcting their balance. At 10 years old her balance and musculoskeletal system aren't what they used to be.


You are going to keep her aren't you?


I don't think there is much wrong with her other than she is going in to her senior years, may have beginning of kidney problems (common) and may need worming.
She definitely has responded well to your love and attention.

You are keeping her aren't you?

As you have a scheduled appointment I wouldn't rush to make another as she was deemed ok at a routine health check.

There. You have conflicting views now.

Are you keeping her? lol