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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 - advice needed please

9 replies

rosebud5678 · 12/01/2020 22:22

Our cat is a grand old lady now at 17.5. She can still just about jump up on to the sofa, eating well etc. However, it has become very clear that she can no longer clean herself from mid back downwards...the fur towards her tail is now quite matted as a result. She will tolerate a little brushing, but the main problem now is the lack of cleanliness under her tail after pooing. I frequently have to try to clean her up with a damp cloth - something which is distressing for both of us as she struggles, scratches and growls. I think the issue is that her back legs just buckle (currently trying something called Yumove recommended by another cat owner, which can help with stiffness in older cats). Any other ideas? All advice gratefully received!

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Toddlerteaplease · 13/01/2020 06:37

Thanks to the vet or groomer and ask for a hygiene trim.

mrscatmad31 · 13/01/2020 06:54

Have she been to the vets? If her arthritis is properly managed that will help

SingingLily · 13/01/2020 07:16

Watching - I have similar problems with my Senior Boy, aged 19.5. He submits gracefully to being sponged after every poo but it means I have to make frequent checks just to keep up. I did raise it with the vet and all he could suggest was to carry on with what I was already doing or a hygiene trim but SB is, erm, pretty bald in that area anyway.

Amicompletelyinsane · 13/01/2020 07:18

If the yumove doesn't make a big difference you could see a very and get an antiinflamatory liquid to give daily to help her.

rosebud5678 · 13/01/2020 07:25

Thanks all - I'm considering taking her to the vet for advice. The last visit was quite traumatic though (for both of us!) My cat got really distressed and they ended up having to give her oxygen! Just wondering if there are any arthritis treatments available without prescription....?

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SallyWD · 13/01/2020 07:56

You can make a golden paste out of turmeric, coconut oil and black pepper. There's a group on Facebook called "turmeric support group people and pets". You can join the group and they will give you the recipe and advice for your pet. There are lots of people with dogs, cats and horses with arthritis who are benefitting greatly from taking the paste.

Want2beme · 13/01/2020 15:25

I've given/give my creaky old cats Loxicom for their pain. This is not prescription medicine where I live, so i just buy it at the vets. The vet recommended it to me.

HardAsSnails · 13/01/2020 15:30

I think your cat needs a vet check and appropriate medication.

Cats live longer than they used to and arthritis in elderly cats is quite common, but often missed for some time as we don't notice the slowing down, and of course cats are buggers for hiding pain, so please see a vet and get painkillers.

rosebud5678 · 13/01/2020 16:07

Some really useful advice here - thanks again

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