Old cat, is it time?

[VivienScott]

He’s nearly 20 and deteriorated rapidly in last 6 months. He’s not looking after himself at all (matter fir), he’s not able to walk very far without needing to lie down, can’t jump into sofa and his legs often give way, lost so much weight. Even a few weeks ago he was mousing (and bringing them in!) but there no way he could catch or kill anything now.
Trouble is, he’ll have good hours where he’s relatively normal as well, but he’s still to poorly for me to let him out.
He’s at vets tomorrow and I just don’t Know if it’s the right time or not. Mentally he seems to want to fight on.

I’m not sure about the legs giving way, but does he seem happy? My old boy, Harry had me really worried a couple of weeks ago (lethargic, not fab on legs, fur looking scruffy) and I was scared this was the start of the end. But this week he’s perked up.

I think generally jumping around etc does get more difficult but if he’s eating ok, making it to the loo and seems happy enough....

I dunno 😞 Harry is 18 and the first cat we’ve had all their life.

Thinking of you x

I have 2 beautiful cats 18 and 20. I’m carefully grooming them to help with the fur and giving them plenty of fresh food as well as cat food. The eldest also enjoy cat milk as well as the usual water. I just baby them along and they’re on various meds. Why not just keep him cosy and loved at home with plenty of food and warmth and regular input from your vet. They're very old in Human terms so theyre bound to slow down considerably.

Is his legs giving way, do they look skinny around the back? is he drinking more or eating less?

I don't want to unnecessarily worry you but if he's displaying signs of the above ask about his kidney function. Cats as they get older are prone to kidney problems. I've had 3 cats (nanas pets actually) that got to a really good age and then suddenly got very sick with this, one cat starting going blind and then we found out he had kidney failure as the hind legs went very skinny.

He could just be old though, our girl is only 13 and her legs are very sore lately, think she has possible arthritis. But she's happy sleeping for now and hiding.

I think quality of life matters hugely. Does your cat still enjoy the things they've always loved doing? I also strongly believe in "better a week too early than a day too late" - it's ok to say goodbye on a high note, when they still have some good days.

That said, of course you'll want to rule out any easily treatable health issues first. When I was in this situation earlier this year, our vet, who we'd been visiting at least every six months for the past couple of years, said once everything reasonable had been tried and if there was no improvement then you'll know when it was time...

Thanks all. I did take him to vets a month ago who couldn’t find anything obvious, no masses etc. His heart was racing but there was no fluid on the lungs, he has a heart murmur though. But he’s massively deteriorated since then. He’s been kept in for past few days and seems brighter for it, he still can’t walk far though. Will see what vet says tonight. My feeling is it’s his heart packing in.