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Original poster

A question about very old cats..

47 replies

S1ur · 01/01/2009 09:12

Basically.

I think my cat might be about to die

He is acting really oddly. I found him wedged inbetween the waa and the bookshelves, I pulled him out and tried to stroke him but he staggered away, oushing his head down to the floor and pushed/fell behind the chair. I went to give him a blanket to lie on at least but he once again staggered away.

I can see him and he is breathing but is he on his last legs do you think? He very ancient, and generally not well anymore.

I am wondering if I should perhaps be trying to give him a more calm, warm place, somewhere where the kids won't try to 'stroke' him.

Does death sound plausible or is there another likely cat disease involving weird behaviour?

OP posts:
Original poster
S1ur · 01/01/2009 09:12

scuse typos.

OP posts:
oxocube · 01/01/2009 09:17

How old is he Slur? I have had quite a few cats die of old age and this sounds a similar scenario. Does he still eat and drink? My oldest cat at the moment is 18 and pretty frail but he still gives the kittens a run for their money when there is fresh meat or fish on offer

Original poster
S1ur · 01/01/2009 09:18

I'm not sure tbh, was dp's cat first. I think about 18 sounds right. He is a bit of a mess of late though, not eating much and so on - he is very thin.

OP posts:
Chaotica · 01/01/2009 09:21

Sorry to hear this. Doesn't sound hopeful. You could try a blanket but he might resist being moved though.

(Although are you sure he's not sick with something? We presumed my old cat was on the way out but that was because she had an untreated tooth abscess and couldn't eat. She's had 2 more years so far after treatment.)

NAB3lovelychildren · 01/01/2009 09:24

Could you phone the vet for advice?

My cat is 14 and I dread the day she doesn't wake up.

oxocube · 01/01/2009 09:25

Maybe a trip to the vet to check he is not in any actual pain or suffering then try to keep him as quiet as possible away from little ones. Lots of water and nice foody treats if he will eat them - my 18 yr old Siamese will still bite my fingers off to get to a piece of fresh chicken or prawns!! You could always see if he will settle in a box maybe with an old sweater to line it.

I've been saying for the last 4 years that our cat is on his last legs but he's hanging in there and seems happy enough, even though he doesn't do much more than eat and sleep

Original poster
S1ur · 01/01/2009 09:27

oh dear he has just refused tuna.

I have him n my lap but may go and give him to dp to snuggle upstairs....

It is not looking good.

OP posts:
oxocube · 01/01/2009 09:32
Sad
NAB3lovelychildren · 01/01/2009 09:33

Is there anything we can do?

Original poster
S1ur · 01/01/2009 09:36

thanks for thought Nab but well, it has probably been on cards a while.

Maybe he won't die. I mean he is still breathing! and hey purring too, perhaps he is just very tired? and not hungry? or thirsty? or able to walk sensibly? Perhaps he is hungover after raucous new year's eve?

OP posts:
oxocube · 01/01/2009 09:40

Or maybe he's just relieved to have made it through another year! I know that feeling

watsthestory · 01/01/2009 09:40

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

Original poster
S1ur · 01/01/2009 09:41

Thanks all.

And wotcha Wats - long time, no type, Happy new year matey.

OP posts:
oxocube · 01/01/2009 09:42

I think fluids are the main thing and much more important than food. My old cat has been overnight at the vet's several times in the last 3 years because of dehydration and was put on a drip. He drinks loads now as I think his kidneys are failing but that is very common in old cats

Original poster
S1ur · 01/01/2009 09:43

oxo - thank you. You have been very thoughful hanging out here with me and mine.

OP posts:
watsthestory · 01/01/2009 09:44

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

LucyEllensmummy · 01/01/2009 09:50

Your poor cat - it is very difficult to say whether he is dying or not - i know its NYD, but i REALLY think you should take him to the vets, if only to end his suffering.

LucyEllensmummy · 01/01/2009 09:53

Is the cats head tilted to one side?

OutOfThinHair · 01/01/2009 09:56

slur, maybe the cat just needs a cuddle with a reet happy mouse? that'd help slurly?

hope you both feel better soon.

Original poster
S1ur · 01/01/2009 09:56

his head was mostly bowed low, kept trying to shove it into nearest dark corner...

He is with dp (asleep) now so when he wakes I will suggest vets. He doesn't seem in pain, purring etc but yes worth checking.

OP posts:
OutOfThinHair · 01/01/2009 09:57

though, you should ignore me, i'm a faux doctor, not a faux vet.

Original poster
S1ur · 01/01/2009 10:02

Ooth - (what a lovely acronym that makes!)

Thank you, you are sweet to come and spread your dubious medical knowledge around. and yes of course.. who wouldn't be happy with a cuddle right?

OP posts:
Dottydot · 01/01/2009 10:08

Awww - so sorry Slur. We just lost our cat and I have to be honest and say that she was behaving exactly like this for the couple of days before she died. We took her to the vets and she diagnosed a probably kidney tumour - too late/big to do anything about it. Our cat was put down because she was just so poorly and we didn't want her suffering any more.

Hope you're all OK - I'd take him to the vets for peace of mind to check he's not in pain and see if there's anything which can be done.

good luck and thinking of you.

NAB3lovelychildren · 01/01/2009 10:13

Please keep us informed.

Original poster
S1ur · 01/01/2009 10:14

Course Nab will do...

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