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The litter tray

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Elderly cat not eating

6 replies

Sowingaseed · 03/01/2023 10:43

My 17 year old cat has suddenly changed her eating habits. She adored tuna so, although she is on a dry food diet, I give her a nightly treat of a tiny amount of tuna in spring water. She comes and cries for it every night as she loves it so much. Over the last week she has stopped eating it and only eats a tiny amount of dry food. I gave her some dreamies a few hours ago and she only ate about 3. She sleeps a lot because she’s elderly but is still going in and out of the garden. She now makes wet, slurpy sounds as she eats. I have a vet appointment this afternoon but I’m so worried. Anyone experienced this?

OP posts:
Iamacatslave · 03/01/2023 11:26

It could be a dental problem. Let us know how you get on at the vets.

Clarich007 · 03/01/2023 11:34

I was about to say dental too. My cat's problems had developed into stomatitis, causing him to have all his teeth out. Devastating I thought, but he is fine and now eats anything including biscuits. It hobestly saved his life.
Good luck

Sowingaseed · 03/01/2023 18:39

Vet says its oral cancer. Offered biopsy under sedation to confirm but the next step would be some type of surgery and chemo and she’s too old and creaky for that. Vet gave me some kitten mousse and hydro treatment which my little cat has licked up enthusiastically so I’m giving it a few days to see how she goes. The cancer will be aggressive apparently so I’m going to have a decision to make very soon as I don’t want her to suffer. Little cat is sleeping contently beside me now she’s eaten.

OP posts:
tattychicken · 03/01/2023 18:41

So sorry to hear that. Sounds like you are being very sensible. Get as much delicious easily palatable food into her while you can, and be ready to make the decision to send her off when you think the time is right. Lucky cat to have a thoughtful caring owner. ❤️

Beamur · 03/01/2023 18:42

Sorry to hear that. Unfortunately I have lost a cat to this some years ago. A combination of pain relief and high calorie food kept her going in comfort for quite a few weeks but it was obvious when the time came to say goodbye.
Enjoy the time you have left.

Iamacatslave · 03/01/2023 19:30

So sorry to read your update. Enjoy the time you have left. ❤️

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