Unwell Siamese - any help appreciated

[RustyPaperclip]

I have an 8 yr old Siamese, no previous health problems apart from getting in the odd scrap. On Monday night we noticed he had a very slight wheezy cough and we put it down to a possible hairball (although he has never had a problem before).

DH got home from work yesterday and found him laying on the back of the sofa, with very quick but deep breathing. He didn't want any food, and didn't want to move. He was trying to sleep but clearly was unable to settle. Before bed I wrapped him up in a blanket and put him on my pillow (we totally spoil love our cats as you can probably tell). In the morning he seemed perfectly well, he was running up and do the hallway screaming for his breakfast. Dh went to work after me and said he was still coughing badly and quite often but otherwise seemed fine.

I have got home tonight and he now seems worse than last night. I placed my ear on his chest and it sounds like he is hyperventilating. He has also started dribbling from his mouth. We can't think of any changes in the house which could have cause this reaction, and anything that could harm him is locked away. We did wonder if he has been spooked by something as he is a rather sensitive would, but this does seem an extreme reaction and doesn't explain his wheezy cough. Also, he is kept in during the day as we don't have a cat flap, so he couldn't have got hold of/eaten anything whilst we were working.

Oh believe me little girl knows exactly what she wants and how to get it. I don't doubt that she is feeling lonely, but she is enjoying being top cat she can manipulate me all she wants as she has had a tough life. I think I said earlier in the thread that we always seem to get the cats no one else wants, but they give so much to our lives we wouldn't have it any other way. Thank god for insurance though, otherwise we would probably be bankrupt by now

Little girlcat here is getting tons of attention. While she and dearly departed boycat had an understanding , they couldn't have been described as close. She liked sniffing him when he came home after a few hours hunting , and they would lie near one another but never entwined in any way. We are hoping new babyboycat will be allowed to be close to her- we think she craves that, but we know it will be what it will be.
I've found great comfort in this thread Rusty. There are so many of us who cleave to our cats, and it's good to be amongst like-minded friends.

I'm glad it has given you comfort, it has certainly meant a lot to me

Oh dear I am in such a difficult position and hoping to get advice from fellow cat lovers. As you all know, it has only been a few days since our boy passed away and we had been thinking of getting another cat, either a rescue kitten, Siamese kitten or a rescue Siamese. Well today I was put in touch with someone who is seeking a home for a mother and son Siamese. Dh and I were thinking one young cat/kitten but these cats are older than our boy was. Dh is keen but concerned that 3 cats might be too much. That doesn't concern me, only the ages but I am a right softy and can't bear the idea that these cats might not have a home. I should say that they are very reluctantly being rehomed due to a change in circumstance of their owner. I'm confused because they are gorgeous cats and deserve a loving home which we could definitely give them, but we thought a kitten could be better for little girl (and possibly us). Although, if it was up to me I would give a home to every cat in need Perhaps I am too emotional to make a decision now, but a quick decision is needed. Any advice greatly appreciated!

My own current lad came to live with me when he was about 14. Just saying - to give you some perspective on the age thing.

Thank you, age wouldn't have bothered me before. We have taken in many a cat over the years who was meant to be on their last legs but kept going for many years. I think I am just worried about another loss so soon. Although saying that, growing up we had a few cats that made it until 17/18

I know deep down I would take them on in an instant but I am worried that I am rushing into a situation that might not be best or us. Although I know my lovely boy was rejected many a time. I'm so confused.

Oneago died very suddenly at 8 years old. (I think I posted about it.) Seniorboy came to me not long after when my Mum died (he'd been her cat) and to be honest, he wasn't expected to make 15 - at the outside. It was different with him because he was already a family member so there was no question of not having him to stay but even so, he just swanned into my life. (In a pallid and autocratic way! )

He was just a different cat and a different personality. He wasn't a 'replacement'.

I'd consider the 'cat-balance' thing of course - but age? Not these days.

My first Siamese was a 6 year old rescue and was a lone cat. When she died I thought part of me had died with her and I was devastated (single workaholic, she was the welcome when I got home, the furry body behind my legs under the duvet and the cat who knew that putting on my lippy meant I was off to work- cue flounce.
I could scarely bear her loss but she'd reached what I thought was a ripe old age and it felt appropriate for her to be gone (I now know from cozie just how long these beauties can live) I got a 5 month old Birman kit very quickly- poor baby had got very attached to her breeders but soon she was mine and I loved her to the moon and back.
We're getting new babyboy in a week, but I began to look for him at once (our boy died 12th Jan) I know it's right to have him and having him does not in any way diminish what we felt for our recently lost boy.
I'd go for these two Rusty- not to be all "woo" I do think cats can kind of present themselves to you- these two seem to be on your path and I'd grab then with both arms.

To be fair, Three, Seniorboy has lived an exceptionally long time. I wouldn't normally expect a Siamese - any cat in fact - to live as long as he has.

It can happen though. As can dying very young for various reasons. I guess what I was getting at was that, in my own view, if you meet the cat who is 'yours', you should grab the chance to live with them and give both yourself and them some love and fun, even if it's only for a short time.

I'd be a little concerned that two newcomers who are already established as a pair would be a bit overwhelming for your existing girl, especially when she is only just adjusting to the loss of your lovely boy. It's all very soon for her. I would let her settle down more before bringing new cats in. We have a mixture of rescue cats here (10 in total, 5 of each gender) but the best gender combinations are boy- boy or girl- boy. Most of the girls don't enjoy each other's company so that's another thing I'd avoid if poss. When our current cats have passed away, I wouldn't have more than one female in the household ideally.

As you can see we are suckers for animals in need so empathise with the feeling of wanting to offer a loving home, but if the two you've heard about are Siamese the chances are they will be snapped up fairly quickly even if you don't have them.

Sorry for the loss of your gorgeous boy, it's awful when you lose one, especially suddenly.

Seniorboy is a venerable old gentleman isn't he cozie? I confess I have a touch of longevity envy. I tend to think 14 is about as long as I'll get, because none of us (we are a family of cat and dog lovers) have ever got either a cat or a dog to a greater age.
Oh Rusty- I don't know- trust your gut. There are pros and cons to be weighed up. I sometimes do just that- write out pros and cons, try to weight the ones which are most important and then throw a way the list and go with your instincts.

MsMims I have had the same concerns as you. Our dear boy was dominant cat for sure, but little girl was still happy. However, we felt that two cats with such a close relationship might overwhelm her.

I was also worried about the gender of a new cat and we and said that a boy would be best.

As much as I would love to give a home to any cat available (and husband left it up to me to decide as he didn't want to sway me one way another) I have decided that they just aren't the best fit for our girl. I feel incredibly guilty, but I think she has to be put first right now as she is going through a confusing time. I sincerely hope they find a lovely home.

I really appreciate all the advice I have been given and sending good wishes to all your cats tonight

You have to go with your knowledge of your resident cat. (What I mentioned about the 'balance'.) I, unfortunately, have had a long line of natural born Siamese singletons so I'm wary on this topic - with that breed anyway - despite other people having had good success with introductions.

(Seniorboy, for example, despised and detested The Lodger, that gloriously sociable and well-mannered cat. (I reckon he'd have viewed The Lodger's public execution as a potentially jolly family day out and would have bought popcorn.))

Them's the breaks. He's happy running the house as sole cat right now and he's too old to try and change things.

Thank you cozie, I always appreciate your advice. Furthermore, I enjoy hearing about Seniorboy and The Lodger. I can't help but feel that there is a good book there, perhaps along the lines of the Lilian Jackson Braun books Cats fighting crime and all that

You have to do the best for your dear girl. The right time will come, the right cat will come.

Hi to everyone who helped me through a tough time. We are still very much grieving for our boy but we have also been lucky to now give a home to an amazing cat who is just right for us. He is a lovely boy and is currently sitting on my lap and purring away(with a few added dribbles for good measure!) It has been a tough time but I just wanted to say a massive thank for all the advice and good wishes. It is truly lovely to know that there are many cat lovers slaves out there who understand and appreciate the massive role they play in our lives. My only wish is that our lovely boy had met our new boy, they would have been kindred spirits.

I'm very glad you're able to have a new boy living with you.

Any chance of a picture?

I'm so pleased for you Rusty.

And I second Cozie, in requesting a photo.

That's great news Rusty, really pleased for you.

The photo really doesn't do him justice but here you go!

Not quite sure why the picture is up the wrong way though!

He's gorgeous! I'm so glad you've been able to give him a home

Gorgeous cat. He looks really happy.

Not as happy as he looks here though!