Need advice ... old cat, poo problems ...

[wishingchair]

My cat is 15 years old, mostly stays indoors but has a cat flap and will go outside if it's sunny. About 3 years ago we had to put a litter tray inside as she was just pooping immediately outside. She's never had a great constitution (sloppy poo the norm --- sorry if TMI ) but over the last year she has got worse and worse. The vet can't find anything specific but says there could be slight kidney issues ... no cure, dietary changes, may not impact poo problem.

She will often poo 10 times a day. Often it is liquid. As she gets off the litter tray, sometimes it drips onto the floor. Sometimes when she's covering it up, she gets her paw in it and then walks it all over the house. I got up this morning to find poo-ey litter scattered over the floor, drips, 2 lots of vomit and poo on the rug in the sitting room.

I love her but it is getting to the point where I'm not sure I can deal with this any more. I've got 2 young DCs and they should be able to play on the floor without crawling on poo-prints! Don't get me wrong, I'm not hysterical about hygiene but this is pushing even my tolerance levels. This isn't a sudden thing either ... as I say, she has been like this for months and months. She also seems to be stiff, can't jump up onto my lap and occasionally her breathing seems laboured.

My DH is ready to have the vet put her to sleep. I've never had to make this decision before and don't know what to do. At what point do you say enough is enough? I feel so evil even thinking it ...

I'm in the same situation with my old cat but not so advanced. He has kidney problems (which he is on meds for), is 18, keeps being sick, is very clingy etc. I'm looking at him thinking what you're thinking and also never been in this situation before.

I have decided that while he is still able to move around on his own and is still quite chirpy I'll just keep a close eye on him.

I would ring the vet and ask them what they think, if there are any particular signs to look out for. I'm going to be asking the vet those questions myself this afternoon when I take him in (he has mouth problems at the moment) and will let you know what they say if that helps?

poor you, poor cat.

Don't have any advice really, and would hate to be in your position. We too, have a 15 year old cat and he does love a spot of pooing round the house. But solid ones and only once in a while. I personally couldnt bring myself to having him put to sleep but then I am not in your position.

That's exactly it ... don't know if I can bring myself to do it, but don't know if I can cope with this situation much longer. Makes me to think of us and the cat like this for much longer.

Clairedeloon ... would be helpful if you could post what your vet says ... signs to look out for etc. Almost wish she would just drift off in the night (then feel awful for it).

My parents old cat drifted away on the doorstep one warm summers evening - I wish that for my old boy too rather than having to make a decision. Don't feel bad for feeling that way, you aren't alone. I'll let you know what the vet says.

wishingchair I asked teh vet and she said as long as the cat was asking for food, eating OK, moving OK and didn't seem in pain then it was OK. I guess you just need to watch her closely, I don't know what to suggest about the poo issue though, maybe she newspaper around the tray to catch the worst of it?

we had the same thing with an elderly dog a couple of years ago and although we loved her we just had to think of the children first. you cannot have cat poo on the floors where your childen play. Is it a fastidious cat that minds making a mess of itself? what is her quality of life like>