Really old cat and increasing toilet issues

[polkadotpjs]

Be gentle. We've got a 19 year old girl who's been getting worse and worse in terms of where she pees and poos.
She's been going on clothes- think discarded pjs in bathroom or blanket thrown off the bed in the night in kids room. We changed litter and it got worse so went back to wood based as I think the more gravelly ones weren't to her taste.
Just been away for few days and my house stinks now upstairs where she is living - found poo in son's room under a cushion on his rug. She's weed on bath mat and I think missed her tray on the landing. I've put more trays out and trying to ensure nothing left on floor but it's not guaranteed. She has been checked by vet who thought thyroid or kidney issues but all bloods clear so said she may just be confused. She mainly sleeps but does hop up onto windowsills for a nosy- moves from one bedroom to another according to the sun. She doesn't seem in pain and comes for cuddles/ wakes me at 5am hungry, so is ok but the smell and wonder about where I'll find the next toilet accident.
Can I do anything extra? I'm keeping an eye on her but she seems happy enough in herself. Thank you. And please be kind. I'm just finding it hard and kids don't want friends round because of it 😢😢

'I'll have to try to believe I was kind.'
No, you were kind. You know I'm sure that cats are very dignified creatures. When it gets to the point where they are toileting where they shouldn't, and also when they are not enjoying life, it's not a good thing for them.
Please, just allow yourself to grieve, but also recognise you did the right thing.
Whilst the decision you had to make was horrible, it was the only one that was right.

Yes, you were as kind as you could be - allowing a cat to slip away into the last sleep is the best gift we can give to an elderly, unwell cat. Cats are naturally clean animals - it's distressing for them when they can no longer look after themselves, and when illness manifests itself like that, they'll be hiding all sorts of aches and pains. Cats are hardwired not to show pain because it makes them vulnerable in the wild - we have to look at their behaviours which tell us when the kindest thing is to give them a peaceful, gentle ending to the pain.

Allow yourself to grieve. In time, the pain will be less raw and you will be able to look back at your cat's long, happy life and remember the joy you brought each other.

So sorry for the loss of your lovely girl.... 19 is a great age, and you made the hardest choice to give her peace but it was the right one. Sending hugs and

Just stumbled across this thread and didn't want to read and run. You did the kindest thing in not letting her suffer anymore. Sounds like she had a great life with you and shared so many happy memories ❤️ Take as much time as you need to grieve!! Cats are family, and saying goodbye to them is just as hard as saying goodbye to a human! Big hugs x

I am so sorry. It’s awful and so heartbreaking but sometimes it’s the last kindness we can do. She had a wonderful life, knowing only love and kindness. You will, in time remember her and smile. Much love, OP.

Thank you so much. Crying again. The car by mine in the car park had the radio on as I went in and the song playing was "only love can set you free". I hope I've set her free to see her sister who she was thick as thieves with. The sympathy I could see on the other people's faces when they saw me crying was true and gave me a little hug too. God I feel so sad. Thanks for being there to hold my hand

Oh god I'm crying now
I'm so sorry to hear about your cat
She sounds lovely

The car by mine in the car park had the radio on as I went in and the song playing was "only love can set you free".

The morning I had my 19 year old cat put to sleep, a song came on the radio about being 'freed from pain'. Several months later, I felt ready for a new cat in my life and had arranged to adopt one. As we drove to pick him up I was fretting to DH about this, that and the other and the Bob Marley song 'Don't worry' came on the radio. I'm the least 'woo' person in the world but I couldn't help taking both those as omens - as my new cat proved to be wonderful, and I sensed I had my old cat's blessing.

@SquirryTheSquirrel actually my son had Mr Brightside on yesterday too and the line stuck in my head was "let me go" too so maybe there's something in it. Woke up (obviously) without her this morning and just feel sad. It'll ease I know but oh, my heart feels twisty and sore. I hope she's dicking about with her sister and chasing leaves now with all the other beloved pets. I haven't asked for the ashes as I believe the body is just a vehicle for the soul and she's not here now but im getting paw prints 🐾

This made me cry. I have a much loved black cat. She's 14 but I can see the aging process starting. Hopefully she'll be with us for many more years but my heart aches for you @polkadotpjs as I know how I will feel if I have to make that decision. But your lovely girl was so lucky to have been so loved and cared for, right til the end. 💐