Is this the beginning of the end?

[LuisSuarezTeeth]

Sorry for dramatic title, that's just how I'm thinking.

My old girl is 17 in August. Last six months, despite always being an outdoor cat, she's doing her business anywhere and everywhere. Got a litter tray, she's using it but still doing it elsewhere.

Unbelievably clingy. Always liked a cuddle and sits on my shoulder, but now literally begging to be picked up constantly.

Doing the "got here, forgot what I came for thing".

No fleas or worms. Sick occasionally if she gobbles her food. Increasingly picky - currently on steamed white fish/complete dry food.

Utterly adorable, sleeping a lot but still playful. Checked by vet, weight ok.

Is she suffering? I don't think so but I need opinions please.

That was about the age that Seniorboy started having accidents outside his tray and was diagnosed with arthritis. (Since then, he's been on meds and things have been pretty OK.) Did your vet consider that?

And yes - 16/17 is getting on (and they do get a little forgetful and close at times - like people) but she could have a few years yet. It depends on the cat, really, and how good their constitution is.

Thanks cozie. Vet says nothing wrong -
Just old age maybe?

It could be. Give her lots of warmth, love and tasty treats. As long as she's happy, eh?

When you say checked by a vet have bloods been done? Hyperthyroidism would be high on my list with some arthritis thrown in too for good measure.

Useful tips, Lone. I know that my own vet practice is very active for older cats - but also that not all practices are.

Thanks all. Vet has not suggested bloods as she appears healthy and happy. Should I take her back and ask for them? Im reluctant because she HATES the box and the car.

I would if they've not been taken. It gives you a better idea of what is actually happening inside her body. (I appreciate that she may not like the box and the car - it's not Seniorboy's favourite thing although he's learned to endure it with relatively good grace.)

PS - and if the bloods are normal then at least you've gone the full mile and know what it's not going to be.

Good point cozie.

Is the clingy thing common in older cats?

I suspect it's common but it's difficult for me to judge properly because I have mostly Siamese and they're pretty attention seeking by nature anyway. (Obsessed with their humans.) Other posters could probably give you a more objective view on that one.

Good luck with her.

Thank you

Hi Luis my old boy is 19 next month & his behaviour has changed a lot. He's clingy some days, confused others & always hungry. Bloods are the best way forward because lots of geriatric probs can be helped with medication to help your girl be happy & comfortable in old age. My poor boy is hyperthyroid & in latter stages of kidney failure but with TLC & drugs he's still enjoying his time. All the best

Hi I am another one saying maybe have another chat to your vet about bloods just to see if it's worth checking thyroid, kidneys & also for diabetes

I have an old male cat who is nearly 18 and in the last couple of years he has gone through quite a lot of health problems - overactive thyroid, high blood pressure and now he is blind . I also think his kidneys are starting to pack up & DH thinks he's a bit demented because he spends a while staring at the same spot on the walls. He also has a little habit of pooing on the floor at the side of the litter tray, although he reliably wees in the tray...

However he is healthy & happy and still has a pretty good quality of life with lots of fuss made of him, so although it's the beginning of the end I think we can keep him happy & comfortable in his last months. He had his thyroid taken out and he's now on tablets for his blood pressure, he has lasted 2 years since the thyroid op which to be honest is way longer than I or the vet had expected.