Help with my 17 years old cat

[INeedADayOff]

So my beautiful first ever cat is now 17 years old.

About 8 weeks ago I took him to vets as he’s lost a lot of weight, was always 6-7kg now he’s 4.2kg and I was really worried out him.

Vets did lots of tests and couldn’t find anything really wrong with him. Kidneys were fine, thyroid was fine, he’s not diabetic. We did discuss him having some X-ray on his back legs as they were worried about arthritis but he’d need sedation for it and due to quite a serious heart murmur both the vet & I were a bit reluctant. I was given some pain killers for him.

He’s now feeling even lighter, you can feel every bump on his spine, and back end, he looks awful, his fur isn’t right, he’s not really grooming himself like he used to, he’s aged really suddenly.

He is eating (wet abs dry food) drinking hasn’t changed, toileting ok, still his normally cuddly self. He’s up to date on all his flea and worming. He didn’t have his jabs this year due to covid and he never actually goes out.

I will make another appointment for him in the morning.

Just wondered if anyone had any good ideas for me to ask the vets - I have posted in the litter tray but thought I’d ask here as well.

I'm very sorry about your cat. It sounds as though he is nearing the end of his life, and from what you describe, I think he is in a considerable amount of discomfort. Cats are very, very good at hiding how much pain they are in. If he were my cat, and I currently have 5 and am a lifelong cat owner, I would have him put to sleep.

@Aquamarine1029 this is what I was thinking

I don't directly agree with aquamarine but I don't disagree either. I agree you cat is probably coming to the end of their life but pain management should help so you can spoil him for a few weeks/months. You know when the time is right

At 17 my dm put her dcat and her purse through £998 of tests for the vet to declare it just old age.
He then charged her 100 to pts.

Her dcat spent more of its last weeks at the vets nil by mouth than enjoying his last days at home fed and loved.

You know when the time is right

"He’s now feeling even lighter, you can feel every bump on his spine, and back end, he looks awful, his fur isn’t right, he’s not really grooming himself like he used to, he’s aged really suddenly."

The time to end his suffering is right now. Keeping him alive for weeks or months would only be for your sake, not his. I think that would be a very selfish thing to do. He's wasting away and not grooming himself. The poor thing is suffering.

Well he sounds like he is loved and had a great 17 years ❤️. You'll know when the time is right but not necessarily yet.
What food do you feed?
Maybe discuss with your vet if a change of food would help?

Bless him. It does sound like old age is getting the better of him. See what the vet says, but it does sound like the end is coming.
I do think you know when the time is right.

Did he have a temperature? Could be an infection. My boy had an abdominal tumour come on very suddenly and aggressively, which sounds similar to yours. Sending warm thoughts. 💐

He’s fed a grain free food from zooplus called porta 21 and wet food is Cosma his appetite is still going really strong, always pestering for food or snacks.

He’s certainly a spoilt pampered cat!

The pain killers haven’t made a noticeable difference, maybe made him more sleepy?

@Toilenstripes vets did check it, I’m assuming not as they didn’t mention it.

My lovely boy is 21. He is much thinner than he was but is still living a good life. He has regular check ups. He sleeps most of the days, eating and drinking well, seeks us out for cuddles. He has a litter tray now, only in the last few years, he still ventures out when the weather is nice. He had a lovely summer I brush him most days as he looks a scruff if I don't, I have also bathed him regularly the last few years which he actually loves and purrs throughout. He would not have tolerated this when he was a youngster. I also wipe him down daily with a warm flannel. The vet told me he has great teeth, no lumps or bumps and seems in good health. He still has lovely bright eyes and enjoys cuddles. We keep an eye on him every day and he has lots of extra snuggly throws etc to keep him comfy. I'm looking after him more than ever, he's my lovely old lad. I will know when he's had enough. I hope he falls asleep on his favourite bed when the time comes. Don't have your cat put to sleep just because he is old, thin and ungroomed unless you are advised or know he is suffering. My old lad is being treated like a king in his old age ❤️❤️❤️

21! That’s wonderful!

@Toilenstripes this happened to my 15yo boy too. He started dropping weight last autumn, vet couldn't find anything wrong. He had an appetite like a horse. He lost control of his bowels in Jan. Vet found a massive tumour and he was pts that same evening.

He'd dropped from 8+ kilos to around 3.5.

Op, I hope your boy is ok and it's something that can be managed for a while.

[quote WithASpider]@Toilenstripes this happened to my 15yo boy too. He started dropping weight last autumn, vet couldn't find anything wrong. He had an appetite like a horse. He lost control of his bowels in Jan. Vet found a massive tumour and he was pts that same evening.

He'd dropped from 8+ kilos to around 3.5.

Op, I hope your boy is ok and it's something that can be managed for a while. [/quote]
My vet told me the increased appetite was basically to feed the tumour! It’s devastating and it happens so fast.