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Listless 20 year old cat - emergency vet or ok to wait till Tuesday?

5 replies

Pepperama · 05/05/2024 14:46

Over the last week our very elderly cat has suddenly become quite listless. Over the last year she’s declined quite a bit, struggles to jump up to the sofa and sometimes misjudges distances. Doesn’t hear or see very well, very vocal etc. all pretty normal for her age. But for the last couple of days she’s just nibbled on her food - usually she’ll still get through a pouch or two and some dry food too - and been moving very slowly, mainly asleep in her favourite spot . Nothing obvious wrong or hurting, breathing is fine as far as I can see. She’s been very cuddly and seeks us out. So mainly just a bit more wobbly than usual, listless and off her food. Can’t decide if it’s just old age, if we should try take her to the routine vet on Tuesday (bank holiday here tomorrow), or to an out of hours one. Will do if needed but from experience, horrendously expensive. So wouldn’t want to do it just to be told she’s just an old cat. What would you do?

OP posts:
Flowersonmyorchid · 05/05/2024 16:12

If she's not dehydrated (gently pinch her scruff and check it doesn't "tent" - the skin should go straight back into place), can be tempted by food if you warm it or hand feed it and can get to her litter box and come for a cuddle I'd wait. If not I'd go to the emergency vets.

longdistanceclaraclara · 05/05/2024 16:17

It's sounds like time. It's a long time until Tuesday.

TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 05/05/2024 16:40

If she doesn't appear to be in any discomfort and is eating and drinking (albeit small amounts) I would wait.

With my cat (long gone!) just getting her in to the carrier was traumatic (for both of us) and then at the vets she was terrified. But that was my cat yours may love a trip out!

Floralnomad · 06/05/2024 11:12

How is your cat today @Pepperama ?

Pepperama · 13/05/2024 03:46

Sorry all - should have updated. Thanks for all your advice! Vet couldn’t find anything obvious but agreed she was definitely behaving off colour, so just prescribed a bit of a tonic that our dear cat ignored. It took a few days but she’s back to her normal noisy cuddly self. If anything she has a bit of a second wind due to the warmth and good weather, enjoying time outside sitting in the sun when usually she’s more of an indoor cat nowadays. We’re very relieved!

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