Worried about dcat, 11

[SalitaeDiscesa]

Our rescue moggie, who's about 11, has started piddling & messing in odd places, usually around the (large) kitchen, where she sleeps and eats.

She has a litter box, well away from her bed and food, which she's always used without a problem. She also goes out in the day, but not for long & no further than the garden.

She seems easily startled & skittish. She's scared of any new object that's lying around, like a jumper on the floor. She jumps at nothing, stares as if petrified & dashes about.

About 3 weeks ago, I saw her try to jump onto the arm of the couch, fall off, and land on her side. I've only seen that once. It's a jump she does many times a day. Our vet checked her & couldn't find anything wrong.

When she's on my lap having a tickle, she's as happy as ever

Does anyone have any advice?

Does she have painkillers from the vet? Cats hide their pain very well and I'm wondering if she's in pain from her fall? Also, as she's 11 years of age, she may have general aches and pains and, therefore, need a regular painkiller, such as Loxicom. I give this to my 11 year old puss, as the vet told me that cats need painkillers when they're old and living in a cold climate. Hope she gets better soon.

She needs to go to the vets before you do anything else.

Once medical issues have been ruled out (pain, sight or hearing loss, a UTI) then you can try addressing the behaviour.

But all the problem you describe could easily have a medical cause so please get her seen ASAP.

Thank you both. The vet gave her a thorough check-up after her fall & we're working through investigations such as bloods and urinalysis. It seems all the symptoms are non-specific.