Old cat miaow?

[BetweenDogandWolf]

In the last couple of months my oldest cat who I estimate to be around 20 (she turned up as a stray about 5 years ago with a 15 year old microchip, previous owner untraceable) has started miaowing really loudly and persistently when she wants something! In the morning she's there making sure I feed her before I do anything else. Then she eats the jelly off the cat food, lets another cat eat the rest and then starts miaowing again. It is loud and continual until I provide the expected service.
I am wondering if this is a normal old cat thing - to get so loud and demanding- or a sign that I should get her checked over. Like maybe she could be in a bit of pain making her more cranky? I can remember my parents' cat making the same noise when she reached a similar age: she would start when she got up in the front room and continue all the way down the long hallway to make sure the door was open when she got there!

[cozietoesie]

Seniorboy is definitely a little more cranky than he was but if he talks at me I just keep on answering him back and he seems to be satisfied eventually. Life is one long conversation at Cozietowers sometimes.

When did she last have a vet check though?

[cozietoesie]

PS - and remember to up your standard of service!

[BetweenDogandWolf]

I think it's about 10 months since she saw the vet. She had a limp then, which the vet thought was down to her landing funny on an arthritic leg. It got better quickly and she can still jump up onto beds, sofas, window sills etc.
I often imagine her previous life was as much adored only cat and she finds her service in this house a bit lacking. I get a paw poked in my face if I don't stroke her!

[cozietoesie]

Ah. What treatment is she on for her arthritis?

[BetweenDogandWolf]

None but I'm thinking she maybe should be. She had metacam temporarily after she hurt her leg but seemed fine within a few days. She hasn't got any of the obvious signs of arthritis my late cat had : no obvious stiffness, still jumping fine etc but I wonder if she could still have some discomfort.

[cozietoesie]

She surely could. At 20 and with previously acknowledged arthritis, I would be staggered if she wasn't in pain - but they cover up so very well.

(There's a lot of recent research on senior cats with arthritis and how many of them have it - a huge proportion. \link{http://www.icatcare.org/advice/cat-health/arthritis-and-degenerative-joint-disease-cats\Here's} some guidance on it.)

I'd speak to your vet. My own Seniorboy (19+) has bad arthritis and has been on NSAIDs for about two years. They've made a big difference to his life.

[cozietoesie]

PS - I should add that my own boy has just recently gone on to additional pain meds in view of his increasing issues. The NSAIDs held the problems at bay for a good long time though.

[BetweenDogandWolf]

Thanks, I will take her to the vets. My late cat had really bad arthritis, I think because this one seems in such good condition in comparison I've sort of assumed she was ok. I'll get her checked over as I definitely don't want her to be in unnecessary pain.

[cozietoesie]

Good idea. Not all vets are as assiduous as Seniorboy's vet is in managing elderly cats and their problems so they sometimes need a little 'prompting'.

Good luck to her and you.

[BetweenDogandWolf]

Although she hasn't really got reduced mobility, she is long haired and she isn't looking after her coat as well as she used to.

[BetweenDogandWolf]

I'll try and see the vet who looked after my late boy. He's really good.

[cozietoesie]

I give Seniorboy a hand with his grooming and claws these days. He's a bit less mobile now and some stiffness means he can't always groom as well as he used to, particularly on his back and flanks. Loss of power on his front legs also means he can't keep his front claws down as he used to - and lack of most of his teeth means little or no chewing of the back claws.

He does actually enjoy being groomed as well though. Apart from feeling better, I think he loves the concentrated attention.

[BetweenDogandWolf]

Yes, my cat likes being groomed too so long as it's nice and quiet with the children in bed! She has loads of really soft white fur Her claws are ok as she still goes out but my late cat needed his trimming for his last couple of years so I know what to look out for there.

[cozietoesie]

[shggg245]

My old girl is exactly the same! Constantly looking at me and just sits there meowing really loudly. She's doing it now's in between loud purring. She also does the jelly licking thing - few teeth left.

Her coat is a bit ragged and her eyes are milky.
She's also taken to sleeping on my head. I'm cherishing every day - she's the coolest cat.

I've been told they need extra reassurance.

[cozietoesie]

Lots and lots of love. Seniorboy sleeps with me every might and, I think, finds that calming. (That is also the bed that he has his electric blanket on and where he sleeps most of the day easing his old bones in the warmth.)

[SecretWitch]

My old miss has become much more vocal in her dotage. She often lands on top of the wardrobe to give her considered opinion on our clothing choice.

Cozietoesie, thank you for mentioning arthritis. I never would have given it thought as she still seems very agile. Hate to think she might be having pain :(

[cozietoesie]

I suspect it's one of the things we'll see a lot more of in years to come. Cats live so much longer these days that there are many conditions which simply wouldn't have been thought about until fairly recently. (And they're such masters at covering up.)

[SecretWitch]

My girl has her check up in August. I will be asking the vet about arthritis. I have arthritis in my hip and knee and know how stiff and painful the condition is. Feel stupid that I didn't think of it with older cats.