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Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Elderly Cat Suddenly Quite Poorly.

44 replies

Topseyt · 25/12/2017 00:47

He was 16 last summer.

He was OK yesterday and this morning, but from late afternoon and early evening has been extremely low. Sleeping all the time, no interest in food or anything around him, not wanting to be touched. Extreme tiredness.

I first noticed something probably wrong when he showed no interest in his food. He then later fell off his favourite perch of our hall windowsill, where he often likes to snooze. He hardly seemed to notice he had fallen and just didn't seem bothered about getting up off the floor.

He is comfortable on a cushion on the floor, with a towel covering him. Let's us syringe some bits of water into his mouth every hour or so, but then starts to resist.

If there is no noticeable improvement in the next few hours I think I might be spending my Christmas morning driving him to the emergency vet, where at his age it obviously may not be good news. Can't leave it at this until Wednesday. Poor boy.

I couldn't have driven him to the vet this evening as DH and I had already shared a bottle of wine for Christmas Eve before the problem became apparent. I've spoken to the out of hours vet. I am following all of their advice. A lot of calls due to Christmas, so looking as though I will have to visit them in the morning.

Need a hand hold. At least he doesn't seem to be in pain and is peaceful.

OP posts:
DramaAlpaca · 25/12/2017 01:09

Handhold here Flowers

How sad for you, it's so difficult when you get to this stage with a beloved pet, especially at this time of year.

Wishing you & your lovely old boy as peaceful a night as possible.

thecatneuterer · 25/12/2017 01:10

How awful for you all. Yes it does sound as though you will need to go
to the emergency vet tomorrow. Wishing you all the best.

Blogwoman · 25/12/2017 01:18

Thinking of you. We adore our cat so I can imagine how awful this is for you. Glad he is peaceful. Flowers

Topseyt · 25/12/2017 01:26

Thank you so much.

He has hardly ever been ill. Just a couple of times in his life really, so this is definitely out of character.

The timing really could hardly be worse. No vets except out of hours services open on Sunday's anyway, and even worse when that Sunday just happens to be Christmas Eve.

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catlovingdoctor · 25/12/2017 01:26

My best wishes for you all, your poor boy sounds very loved and lucky to have you. You are in my thoughts.

Topseyt · 25/12/2017 01:52

I am trying to decide whether or not it is a good sign that he just got angry with me for easing him back onto the cushion when he had rolled off it. At least it was a reaction, albeit definitely a miserable one.

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OtterInDisgrace · 25/12/2017 02:01

Massive handhold. As much as it pains me to say, the signs are not good. My darling girl went into a sudden decline last year - suddenly off her food and no matter what I tried wouldn’t eat. Listless; lethargic etc. Given his age it could be any number of things but you are doing everything right and taking him to the vet ASAP. Also giving him water is brilliant.

I would so love the outcome to be happy but if it isn’t just know you’re helping him as much as you can. There is very little you can do if they suddenly turn, and cats being cats they can hide the symptoms of quite severe illnesses for a while before they rapidly decline.

Much love. I know how it feels. Bless him, and you.

BulletFox · 25/12/2017 02:16

Hope it goes well Topseyt

Terrible time of year for that to happen

Topseyt · 25/12/2017 02:57

Thanks again. Still the same. I need to try and sleep. I will update tomorrow at some point, but it is likely to be a busy and difficult day. It could be late in the day.

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BulletFox · 25/12/2017 03:35

Sleep, definitely update when you can, best wishes and happy xmas

Want2beme · 25/12/2017 08:25

Sometimes they do feel a bit off and then bounce back. Hope he's doing better today.

Topseyt · 25/12/2017 12:08

Sad update. Just back from the vet. His problems were just too great and he was in increasing distress.

There was only one decision in the end. He has been put to sleep and is now at peace.

The kindest decisions are the hardest and saddest.

Thank you all for your good wishes. Today we will go out to Christmas Dinner as we had planned, and raise our glasses to celebrate his life.

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kingjofferyworksintescos · 25/12/2017 12:22

So sad to read your update , but please remember all the happy times you had together he had a wonderful life with you , wanted for nothing and he know he was a loved boy . Thanks

QueenOfAccidentalDeathStares · 25/12/2017 12:24
Flowers

You gave him a food life, and looked after him right to the end.

QueenOfAccidentalDeathStares · 25/12/2017 12:25

*good life

DancesWithOtters · 25/12/2017 12:26

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Hidingtonothing · 25/12/2017 12:58

So sorry Topseyt, you did right by him til the end though and he's not suffering any more. Thinking of you Flowers

Lanaorana2 · 25/12/2017 13:13

So sorry for your loss. You did the right thing, he had a good end. Thinking of you, with love and condolences.

Hope the New Year brings better times.

BulletFox · 25/12/2017 13:19

He's in peace, enjoy your celebration for his life and Xmas:)

DramaAlpaca · 25/12/2017 13:40

I'm so sorry. You've done the right thing for your much loved puss.

Raising a glass here to you & to him Wine

Lokisglowstickofdestiny · 25/12/2017 13:45

I'm sorry for your loss. You did the right thing, celebrate his long life.

TroysMammy · 25/12/2017 14:15

So sorry Flowers

catlovingdoctor · 25/12/2017 15:05

So sorry for your loss; your boy had a wonderful life with you and knew he was loved. ❤️

Could we see a nice photo of him if you have one? X

Topseyt · 25/12/2017 15:21

Thank you. I know it was the right decision. In a way I am relieved it is now done.

None of us in this family will forget Christmas 2017.

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Elmosmum · 25/12/2017 16:13

Awww I'm so sorry. Big hand hold Thanks