Hi,
I have a very sweet and lovely 17 year old tabby. For the last year she has had an issue with an overactive thyroid and most likely kidney issues related to this as she now drinks a lot more water. She reacted poorly to the thyroid medication and so we manage her issues to a degree with the specialist thyroid food/diet.
On the positive side, she has remained affectionate and seems happy. She eats well and enthusiastically. We feed her frequently in small portions, otherwise she might overeat and vomit. While very slim, her weight is stable. She doesn’t really go outside anymore but happily mooches around the house and is always happy to see us. She sleeps a lot more and other than always asking for food, seems content.
In the last few weeks she has started to have issues with peeing. She can get in the litter box, but sometimes misjudges it and pees outside the box. She doesn’t have problems getting in, but her aim is off and she is getting the edge of the litter tray, and sometimes mostly on the floor. In the last week, this has happened 3 times. It had happened occasionally in the last 1-2 months but has increased in frequency this week. It doesn’t happen every time and seems to happen more at night/early morning and not in the day.
I am happy to clean up and get puppy pads for under the litter box. I was just wondering if this par for an old cat, or a sign that we are coming to that point where a decision may need to be made?
When we last saw the vet 8-10 months ago, they did not think it was time, and said that cats can live a long time, with managed thyroid issues. I know we need to check with the vet, but I would like to mentally prepare if it might be time?
I would hate for my cat to suffer, but do not want to give up before I need to.
If you have been through this, I would appreciate your advice/thoughts?
Thank you