Old cat stuff

[TheConstantLurker]

He is 18. Got thinner over the last two or three years. Took him to the vet last year and he was put onto Royal Canin gastrointestinal food which corrected his runny poo. This has come back again and he regularly throws up too. He started peeing in the house last autumn so we encouraged him to use a litter tray which he has done since then despite always going outdoors up until then. He has gotten a lot thinner recently.
Today he has done a runny poo on the floor with some red blood in it.
Should I take him to the vet. It will stress him a fair bit. Or ask for a home visit? Should I try feeding him home cooked fish and chicken from tomorrow anyway. Not sure what's best. He is still active and friendly despite being quite shaky on his legs. Oh and he stinks.

[cozietoesie]

I'd be at the vet immediately. He's an old boy with a likely number of issues and the vet will probably want to do eg a full blood analysis etc.

When did you last take him and what was the result?

[cozietoesie]

PS - I'm assuming you've taken him to the vet since 'last year'.

[TheConstantLurker]

Last year was late last year. Get off your high horse.
The vet did not do bloods last time. He was given a vitamin injection and as I said put onto the gastrointestinal food.

[cozietoesie]

Then they probably should have done with his then symptoms. When was one last done?

[TheConstantLurker]

Don't think he's ever had blood taken. Surely unneccessary until an illness comes along. Oh actually he had a blood test around 2001 to test for aids. It was negative.

[cozietoesie]

My old boy is 18 - and by the time they get to that age, which is getting on a lot even these days, there is the increasing possibility of various things starting to fail or degrade. Joints, kidneys etc being just some of them. The vet can often see from blood work if there are potential issues which are not immediately presenting as clear symptoms - as with humans. Actual symptoms count as well of course.

So look at his situation. He's got a lot thinner recently, his legs are shaky, he's doing runny poo - now with blood in it. How regularly he throws up you don't say nor whether his stinkiness is from his breath or from no longer grooming. And that's just what you've mentioned.

I'd have him to the vet right away if only for a complete check up. You say that you don't want to stress him but while all of us can appreciate that position, you can't be sure that you wouldn't potentially leave him in discomfort - or even pain eg from arthritis. Cats will cover up discomfort until such time as they no longer can.

[greenhill]

constant I understand that you are anxious about your cat, but there was no need to be rude to cozie who was repeating your phrase.

4 months may not be a long time in human years, but can be too long if it is an elderly cat, who has been getting thin, has blood in his poo and 'stinks' to use your own words. He has had a good health run, if you've not needed any blood work for 12 years too .

Do you think the bad smell is a lack of grooming on your cats part, or could it be a tooth infection?

[Sparklingbrook]

Make an appointment and take him tomorrow. He isn't right.

[TheConstantLurker]

I think there was a criticism implied.
However.
I think the stink is probably down to bad breath in turn down to very inadequate digestion. He throws up about once a day. Sometimes two or three times. Small amounts.
Don't worry I am going to take him to the vet asap now which is the gist of the advice.

[Sparklingbrook]

It's for the best.

[cozietoesie]

If he has a stinky mouth and is throwing up up to two or three times a day it's entirely possible he has dental issues. Indeed it would be surprising if a cat of his age did not - and they can be pretty serious. Seniorboy had a full GA dental at 16, had most of the rest of his teeth out, and still gets the odd flare up which often presents as being sick frequently.

Get the vet to check his mouth out when you go.

Good luck with him.

[greenhill]

Good luck at the vets, I hope they are able to help you sort out his symptoms.

My cat is 18 and occasionally gets a bit thin, has a few fur balls that bring up the last meal and has had blood in her poo when she's eaten something unsavoury from someone else's garden, that has irritated her digestion and caused discomfort on exit. She acts like a kitten though and is always grooming.

Good luck.

[TheConstantLurker]

Hi, the cat had his appointment this morning and the vet asked to keep him in and be sedated for blood tests. Just got the call to say that he has got an over active thyroid, everything else is ok and he can have a special food to control his condition. Yay.
Will collect him after school with the DCs and pay the no doubt horrible bill.

[Sparklingbrook]

Great news Constant. My Mum's cat had it and the medication worked wonders. x

[cozietoesie]

Well done. He should improve a lot now.

[greenhill]

Good news. I hope you see an improvement in his condition really quickly x

[Sunnywithshowers]

That's great news.

I have an elderly tom (19). He's been on treatment for epilepsy and heart disease for 2 years and he's doing well.