18 year old cat lethargic

[Beachy77]

Hi folks, I have alovely 18 year old boy who has been pretty healthy other than poor vision and has been on solensia for 5 months for arthritis.

I was late in getting him this month's injection and he has been very vocal since Thursday morning. He wasn't himself at all yesterday, grumpy, was really sick and I took him for the injection at teatime yesterday and asked the vet to check him. He said he's not showing signs of infection or pain other than his joints. Gave him steroid and aolensia injection incase it had worn off and that's what's causing him to be lethargic. Said should know by Monday.

He has pretty much slept since then. Got up for drinks of water and had a tiny bit of chicken earlier.

The vet reminded me that they are open this weekend and I am not very good at picking up on hints. I'm not sure if he was telling me to expect the worst. I wish they would be direct. I just have a feeling and don't want to prolong anything or do the wrong thing.

I don't even know what I'm asking but he's been my wee bestie for 18 years and I want to do right by him.

.

Also he had full blood count done 2 months ago and everything OK for his age.

I've just looked his his (dog bed, he likes the room) and he was washing his face before going back to sleep). I'm going to get out for a bit and buy him some wotsits and chicken. See if they will tempt him to eat.

Bless him. I would be tempted to spoil him rotten this weekend and see how he is Monday with the view of letting him go if he hasn't shown any signs of improvement. 18 is an incredible age.

for both of you.

I had an elderly cat, she would sleep most of the time. She only really wanted food, go to the toilet and lots of cuddles.

Yes, it is normal to some extent - but a pet owner who knows their cat well would also know if something suddenly changes.

Did the vet check his teeth? A gum or tooth infection is quite common in elderly cats and is likely to be painful enough to buy them off their food.

Cats don't really go beyond late teens. It's an amazing lifespan OP, but I imagine it's time
to let go. 😢 sounds like he's had a wonderful life with you.

Thanks everyone. He has perked up a little, had a wee drop tuna and ate some catfood and is now lying on my bed enjoying the sun.

@sjj28358 yes he did, he had a good look and said all look OK apart from the expected plaque at his age but even that's not too bad.

@andrainwillmaketheflowersgrow thanks. I think that will be the plan. He has been very lucky to not have any of the usual old man cat illnesses so I'm not planning on treating anything with loads of meds other than the solensia.

He is.normally pretty active for his age and eats 4 small meals a day so was a pretty noticeable difference him not wanting to leave his bed or eat.

It's so hard when you've had them such a long time isn't it. He is my wee sidekick and a fun wee cat, still plays some days.

Thanks for all of your messages, I appreciate you all sharing advice and your experiences of having a senior cat. I will update how he goes. Added a wee pick of.him recently

He looks incredible for 18 - he must be very well looked after with you.

I'm glad he's perked up a bit and eaten.

Bless him, it sounds as though he's at the end. Ensure he's warm, comfortable, and in a quiet place. Try him with tuna or anything else he might fancy (although he might not want to eat). I had cats for 43 years, and my last one lived to be 18, the one before him was 17.

Hello, wee positive update.

He was hungry last night and seems back to his usual self. Still spoiling him with Tuna and a few wotsits with his catfood.

Fingers crossed he stays this way and I get to enjoy having him around a wee while longer.

Thanks everyone for the messages, I really did appreciate feeling supported when it looked like it might be time.

Best wishes to you all and your feline overlords x