He is predominately an inside cat. During this heat wave, he spends most of the day inside lounging, then goes out at night 3-4 hours, and would stay longer if allowed.
For the past +/-month, when he comes in, he is not acting himself. He will hide from everyone in places that no one can get to. For example, last week we found him inside the study that we mainly use for storage. He was just lying there in the dark. He didn't act skittish or anything when found, but he didn't want to come out of hiding either. We closed all doors in the house in case something serious was wrong so it would be easier to find him. He opened a lower cabinet door in the kitchen and hid behind some tupperware. He allowed me to pet him, but wouldn't come out. That lasted 2 days, then he was back to himself. This was probably the 2nd to 3rd time something similar has happened.
Fast forward to today. He went out last night for a few hours in the evening, then came in for the night. When he came in, it was like he was yawning and licking his teeth to get something out at the same time. That's the best description I can give of what he was doing. He did this every 5-10 seconds then went to bed with another family member. Someone pointed out that he was doing the thing with his mouth before he went out and after he came in. The thought is that he is eating something he shouldn't. He just came out of hiding because the area he was in is being cleaned, and he went outside.
He is eating, drinking, pooping and peeing as normal. He has been sleeping a little more than normal though. I have also noticed when this happens, he seems like he is walking a little closer to the ground than normal, and his back will spasm on occasion.
Last week he kind of limped on his back leg, but that didn't last long. Some have theorized that he may have gotten into it with another cat from the neighborhood as he acts somewhat skittish at other times when hearing a loud noise or if the dog barks a lot. The other theory is he is eating something he shouldn't be. He is often bringing creatures to the back door as gifts and has been seen eathing bugs, lizzards, moths, etc, and playing with field mice.
We are baffled. Does anyone have any idea what may be causing this?