lizmo1221
Senior Member
So I got home from work today and none of my girls were eager to meet me at the cage door as always. They did not come out when I opened the door, and were very skittish when I took them out, trying to run back in the cage. When I put them on the bed to inspect them for injuries (I thought there may have been a fight or something), all they wanted to do was cuddle into my neck (which is NOT like Gemini and Libra!!). There are no injuries, but Gem and Libras breathing was audible, which had hardly ever happened before, only in extreme stress (bath time, for example). The noise is hard to explain, but its kinda like a creaky door sound whenever they breathe, and they seemed to be breathing fast and hard. They also wont take a cheerio from my hand, or will take it but not eat it. They do not seem lethargic, just dont have the excitement they usually do.
Virgo I cannot hear breathing, but is skittish and down as well, though she is the chill one of the three, and doenst really come out of the cage on her own that often.
I first thought it was because I had been handling my friends new kittens that day, and that I smelled like cat and it freaked them out, so I washed my hands, removed my clothes from the room, and left them alone while I went to dinner. I just got back and there is no change.
The only thing that has changed lately (besides the kitten handling), is that they started chewing on their tissue box (could the ink harm them? Its royale brand), they have been hoarding a lot more (not just food now, but toys and even their dish towels). I have noticed that Libra has some âcoughingâ episodes sometimes after she wakes up. It doesnt seem to bother her too much and goes away quickly. I was going to post this video tonight that I took this morning: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4dWx-yecu8
The problem is I have not found a vet yet. Admittedly I havent looked beyond one small clinic, as I have been uber busy with apartment hunting lately. Its also a Sunday night, and I have no idea where to go!! Please give me advice on what this could be (with my two weeks of rat experience, I suspect resp infection). Anything would be helpful! I will be on all night to answer questions to clarify the situation.
Right now Virgo is in the cage, in her sleeping spot, Libra is in the carrier, and Gemini is buried in my bed sheets (SOOOOO not like her!). Libra and Gem I can sometimes hear breathing, Virgo is asleep. I am leaving them alone as to not cause more stress.
Sorry for the long post, I just want to get as many details out there as I could. I am really worried.
EDIT TO ADD: They also ate grapes for the first time last night, if that matters.
Virgo I cannot hear breathing, but is skittish and down as well, though she is the chill one of the three, and doenst really come out of the cage on her own that often.
I first thought it was because I had been handling my friends new kittens that day, and that I smelled like cat and it freaked them out, so I washed my hands, removed my clothes from the room, and left them alone while I went to dinner. I just got back and there is no change.
The only thing that has changed lately (besides the kitten handling), is that they started chewing on their tissue box (could the ink harm them? Its royale brand), they have been hoarding a lot more (not just food now, but toys and even their dish towels). I have noticed that Libra has some âcoughingâ episodes sometimes after she wakes up. It doesnt seem to bother her too much and goes away quickly. I was going to post this video tonight that I took this morning: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4dWx-yecu8
The problem is I have not found a vet yet. Admittedly I havent looked beyond one small clinic, as I have been uber busy with apartment hunting lately. Its also a Sunday night, and I have no idea where to go!! Please give me advice on what this could be (with my two weeks of rat experience, I suspect resp infection). Anything would be helpful! I will be on all night to answer questions to clarify the situation.
Right now Virgo is in the cage, in her sleeping spot, Libra is in the carrier, and Gemini is buried in my bed sheets (SOOOOO not like her!). Libra and Gem I can sometimes hear breathing, Virgo is asleep. I am leaving them alone as to not cause more stress.
Sorry for the long post, I just want to get as many details out there as I could. I am really worried.
EDIT TO ADD: They also ate grapes for the first time last night, if that matters.
I don't think you need to rush them off to an e-vet.
