My poor old girl

[BernardsBum]

DCAT is 15. She hasn't eaten properly for a couple of weeks, probably last had a meal a week and half ago. She is drinking. We took her to Vets on Friday, who did lots of tests/checks - liver, kidneys, heart, teeth etc - all of which came back fine (Vet said test results were the best she had seen for a 15 year old cat!). Vet gave puss an injection which she said might stimulate her appetite, and said to come back in few days if no improvement.
There has been no change - still not eating. Other than looking very thin, she looks well: eyes clear, coat shiny etc & she's still sociable. Today when I came home there were some lumps of a tar like substance where she had been sleeping, they didn't really smell so I assume she had vomited them up.
I've booked her back into vet's tomorrow - but has anyone had similar or have any suggestions what might be going on with my lovely girl?

I'd guess she's in pain. (Seniorboy had a similar depression when his arthritis meds weren't cutting it - I had to obtain supplementary analgesics.) Has your vet considered arthritis? (It wouldn't show on the bloods etc.) Many vets don't, I'm afraid.

Here's some general guidance. Do any of the symptons ring a bell for you?

Thankd but I've had a look & she doesn't really have the symptoms - she's going outside, is still moving & jumping, coat is fine & she's still coming for attention. I'll mention it to the Vet anyway.

I think I would - at least on the pain side. (Whatever its cause.) I've seen this before: cats cover up desperately and the changes are ofen quite subtle.

She's had - vitamin or steroid injections? - did you ask? - sp I'd go for some painkillers and see how she does on those.

No, I don't know what she was given, vet didn't say & we didn't ask. I will ask about pain.
She's currently curled up on sofa, next to DH, purring away.

Always ask before they do something. (You would if it was yourself wouldn't you?)

I have massive respect for most vets. They're a bit like GPs - never know what's really coming in the door at them - but without the very large GP salary. They're not necessarily perfect though so always best to do your homework.

This is probably a really silly question but did the vet check her teeth. My extremely elderly (she was 21) cat had bad teeth which made it difficult for her to eat.

In fairness, the vet may have said what she was giving her - all i can remember is that the vet described it as an appetite stimulant, which may take a few days to kick in. I will ask in future, however I'm not sure what difference it would have made - i'd have still agreed to something that the vet recommended to help.
Vet said teeth are fine. She's had dental probs before, so it was something we had thought of too.

Fair do's.

I'd have thought teeth also if you hadn't already mentioned teeth in your OP so I think I'd be asking the vet about pain relief tomorrow. There's clearly something badly wrong in her world and pain may just be it. (I mentioned arthritis because statistically she likely has it at her age anyway - but who knows what the cause might be.)

Sorry - I should have asked also. When did she last poo?

Purring can be a way to self soothe when in pain. Hope the vet finds the cause soo, it must be so distressing for you.

Thanks all for your posts. We found some bloody, tar-like stools in the garden this morning. Vet said could be gastric ulcer or even cancer, we decided we didn't want her to suffer any longer.
Sleep well lovely girl.

I don't blame you, poor girl.

I'm so sorry, Bernards.

You made the right decision. A loved and cared for puss. Just been through it myself.

Sorry for your loss.

Bless you both.

You made the right decision for her.