Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Siwsan

(27,833 posts)
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 03:40 PM Dec 2025

Merlin caused me some concern this morning

He at breakfast, as usual. A couple hours later he was just sitting and staring off into the distance. I picked him up and he just felt lethargic. I wrapped him in a blanket and held him for the longest time. He took a Churu treat, a tiny bit of pate and some water but was still just curled up, just looking out of sorts.

I grabbed the Pedialyte and an eye dropper and gave him about 3 squirts, directly into his mouth. It wasn't long after that he started perking up and started grooming. I broke out some Sheba cat food and he gobbled it down. Now he's off, just being Merlin.

I have no idea what brought that on. I do know that I'm WAY behind in today's pre-Christmas Eve dinner preparations, but that's OK. I will be keeping a close eye on him.

16 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Merlin caused me some concern this morning (Original Post) Siwsan Dec 2025 OP
Hmm... 2naSalit Dec 2025 #1
I hope he will be ok! It's scary when they are not themselves biophile Dec 2025 #2
Do keep us in the loop, and tell him all his devoted aunties and uncles here on DU... 3catwoman3 Dec 2025 #3
Urinary blockage? SuzyandPuffpuff Dec 2025 #4
He's definitely peeing. Siwsan Dec 2025 #9
I second that. piddyprints Dec 2025 #11
I have a couple who will go through things like this, slightlv Dec 2025 #5
Churu, Sheba and water...excellent therapy.. patphil Dec 2025 #6
Good vibes to Merlin MustLoveBeagles Dec 2025 #7
Keep checking the 'ins and outs' chowmama Dec 2025 #8
He's back to his regular self Siwsan Dec 2025 #12
Good. nt chowmama Dec 2025 #13
So glad he's OK, I know the anxiety that goes along with all that Walleye Dec 2025 #10
I'm glad he's doing better. MIButterfly Dec 2025 #14
Merlin, Merlin you are causing us great anxiety. Polly Hennessey Dec 2025 #15
He's back to his mischievous self Siwsan Dec 2025 #16

2naSalit

(102,664 posts)
1. Hmm...
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 04:14 PM
Dec 2025

Whatever you did seems to have been the right thing. Hope he doesn't do that again soon.

3catwoman3

(29,360 posts)
3. Do keep us in the loop, and tell him all his devoted aunties and uncles here on DU...
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 04:53 PM
Dec 2025

...will be waiting for at least one more positive report today.

SuzyandPuffpuff

(525 posts)
4. Urinary blockage?
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 05:20 PM
Dec 2025

Be 100 percent sure he's peeing. It's imperative to know that he's urinating. Blockage can come up fast and is devastating ... excruciatingly painful and a slow horrible death. I saw this many times while working in vet medicine for decades. Don't assume he's peeing. Be positive he is.

piddyprints

(15,104 posts)
11. I second that.
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 07:02 PM
Dec 2025

I would definitely keep an eye on him. My daughter lost one to that exactly a year ago yesterday. He was a little lethargic, so she took him in. He had a fatal heart arrhythmia while the vet was trying to insert a catheter. She was crushed.

My first cat died of that when I was 10. I’ve always been nervous about getting boy cats ever since, although we have had 7 other boys and only 1 of them had it. He survived it and lived to 19 years and 3 months of age.

slightlv

(7,785 posts)
5. I have a couple who will go through things like this,
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 05:44 PM
Dec 2025

just as I'm trying to get something important done. Once upon a time, it was work reports...now, it's more likely to be cooking or cleaning for company coming over. It's like they hone in on "Mama's not paying us the right amount of attention... let's change that!" and they start on their ignoring, I'm so sick, routine. Hopefully it's nothing more than that with Merlin.

chowmama

(1,087 posts)
8. Keep checking the 'ins and outs'
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 06:18 PM
Dec 2025

Eating, drinking, elimination. His scruff, when gathered up in your hand, should fall right back when it's released and not settle slowly. And his whole abdomen should feel soft and not elicit any tensing when you gently grope it.

I know you know all this already, but I'm worried and need to say, I don't know, something. It's all I got.

Siwsan

(27,833 posts)
12. He's back to his regular self
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 07:02 PM
Dec 2025

Although he now remembers that getting bundled up in a blanket and cuddled by his mom is pretty nice.

He's definitely drinking water and finished his meal, tonight. That's after having an extra meal at noon.

MIButterfly

(2,683 posts)
14. I'm glad he's doing better.
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 10:36 PM
Dec 2025

Hopefully, it was just one of those inexplicable things that just happens randomly.

I know you will keep a close eye on him. Please keep us posted on how he's doing. You know we love him and the rest of your kid cats! Indeed, as 3catwoman3 said, we are their aunties and uncles!

Polly Hennessey

(8,822 posts)
15. Merlin, Merlin you are causing us great anxiety.
Sat Dec 20, 2025, 10:53 AM
Dec 2025

Wizards are not supposed to feel bad. Good thing you have your Magical Mom to comfort and cuddle you.

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Pets»Merlin caused me some con...