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Very old cat, what is happening?

12 replies

tadpole39 · 25/03/2022 08:38

I got my cat from the RSPCA 6 years ago, she was between 8-12 at the time. It’s not been easy, she’s a stranger to the litter tray (probably why she was dumped) and tends to go anywhere but we manage. Over the last few days she’s changed, she wants to sit on my knee a lot, wanders around and doesn’t settle much. Appetite is keen but hardly eats (she has no teeth at all) and stares at me a lot. Last night she attempted to go outside when I let the dogs out for the last wee despite not going out for over a year, I didn’t let her cos she just seems so old. She’s recently had full vet check/blood tests all fine. She’s very very thin, I’ve been feeding tiny meals frequently, she always eats but small amounts. I’m wondering if she’s confused or demented? I don’t want to take her to the vet, I think she’s very old and she’s been checked out. Is there anything else I can do ? What should I expect?

OP posts:
Wentyworthy · 25/03/2022 08:46

Hello! Didn’t want to read and run. It sounds to me like it might be old age, they do go a bit senile. From what you have described it sounds like it could be overactive thyroid but if that has been tested for, then I wouldn’t rule out a tumour. I have had several oldies and lost two to tumours (one brain - she was 16 - one stomach/liver - he was 18/20). If she is 14 - 18 that is a great age for a cat. I know how upsetting it is but it might be time to get ready to say goodbye x

AMessageToYouRudy · 25/03/2022 08:53

Please take her to the vet she needs checking over properly, people can only speculate on here. Good luck

AwkwardPaws27 · 25/03/2022 09:20

As its happened quite suddenly over the last few days I'd definitely see a vet.
It could be senility but it's usually a more gradual onset.
I'm wondering about her vision - high blood pressure can cause retinal issues and poor vision could explain some of the changes in behaviour. So could pain, so she does really need to be examined.
You can also try warming up her food in the meantime to encourage her to eat, or using smelly foods (tuna in spring water, for example).

DoWhatYouLike · 25/03/2022 09:36

As this change seems to have happened suddenly, you need to take her to a vet. Has she got any wounds on her? Cats can often get abscesses from the bite or scratch from another cat - whilst sitting here, I've had to rescue my old, one-eyed boy from a big tom.

Had several cats over the past 42 years

SchoolSurvey · 24/11/2022 22:08

I know this is an old thread but wondered if OP was still around to update us? As I'm in a similar situation now...

tadpole39 · 25/11/2022 08:04

Hello, happy to update. Well, she’s gone from strength to strength, she’s eating much better, seems settled in her routine and cheerful. She’s stopped grooming and as a medium/long haired cat became very matted very quickly. I had her cut in a lion cut at the groomers and only increased her perkiness, I think she’s much more comfortable. We go frequently to Cornwall and I’ve been taking her along which she seems to enjoy. All in all, whatever was happening has settled and she’s actually much more a part of the family, I’m frequently sat with two dogs and a cat on my knee!!

OP posts:
lljkk · 25/11/2022 08:08

picture tax OP, come on, you know the rules

tadpole39 · 25/11/2022 12:27

Not a brilliant picture, she’s much smoother than this, the sunlight is making her uneven!! She’s sooo much more comfortable and even grooming a bit. I though am considerably poorer. Pic 2, happy in her sweater 😃

Very old cat, what is happening?
Very old cat, what is happening?
OP posts:
Elieza · 25/11/2022 12:42

Glad the vets happy with her as she does look a bit thin god bless her. But then that’s how they go sometimes when old, mine lost a lot of weight but was still perky and vet checked fine.

Her sweater looks lovely and cosy!

lljkk · 25/11/2022 13:49

Awwwwwwww... thanks for pic. 💕 💕 💕

Bestcatmum · 25/11/2022 21:30

Ask the vet what tests they did. My vet forgot to do thyroid twice and my cat had a serious thyroid problem. I was livid and took her to another vet.

SchoolSurvey · 25/11/2022 23:22

Thanks for the update OP and the very cute pics!! I'm so glad to hear she rallied and has continued to improve 😊

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