Help to make old man poorly cat more comfortable -

[QforCucumber]

Our old man cat (found as a stray 14 years ago, vets figures he was around 4 at the time so we guess he's around 18) has always carried the FHV virus, in his life with us he's probably had bouts of flare ups maybe 3 times. He's going through another at the minute, Vets have seen him on video call (he's a nightmare to get to them and it's really traumatic for him) and have said if he goes downhill to take him in but for now as he's eating, drinking and toileting fine then to manage at home.

He's indoors and being kept warm but he sounds so sniffly and looks so sad, any ideas for how we can help him through?! we're supposed to be going away in 2 weeks and I really don't want to leave him like this.

I’m so sorry OP. I think cats continue to eat and drink and go to the toilet even after they don’t have quality of life. Is he likely to “recover” from this episode?
Our vet’s advised we make a decision on quality of life.

thanks @Wolfiefan annoyingly I think if it was warm outside and he could just go lay on the garden box in the sun he'd be absolutely fine, but I truly have no idea if he will recover from it this time or not. He's found himself a quiet spot to spend the day asleep under ds2 chair in his bedroom and he's being fed king prawns and poached chicken by DH who's WFH so currently being treated like a prince, I guess the next few days will tell us which way he's going.

Oh I'm so sorry to hear about your old boy xx

I hope he pulls through 🤗

who is looking after him if you go away?

can your trip be postponed?

What you need to remember is that he deserves a quality of life. Not just existence, eating drinking, toileting isn't enough. That if he has no QofL, he's just existing & what for? More discomfort? If you PTS you can have someone come to your home & he won't know what's happening he'll just fall asleep in your arms.

its you that suffers. Not him. Sometimes we have to love them enough to endure the pain for them 💕

Thankyou both, it is definitely something to think about, we're due to be away for 3 days Tuesday lunchtime - Friday afternoon, and it's our usual cat sitter who is booked to come in and see to them. I think if he hasn't improved by this time next week we'll be looking at our options. I truly can't make a decision just yet in case he does come out of the other side absolutely fine, it would break mine and the DC's hearts especially if he was to pull through completely! I know he's had a wonderful 14 years with us, he was the DC's first friend (they're 10 and 6) and he absolutely dotes on them, he puts them both to bed every night with a meow and a cuddle hah!

Oh that’s lovely. I agree you shouldn’t jump to anything. If he’s been similar before and recovered fine then he well could do so again. Fingers crossed.

Just wondering whether a heat pad would be any good?

Our ancient kitties used to love theirs. It gave them a lot of comfort. I think it helps with any joint pain they may have as well.

If you search for "cat heat pad" or "cat heating pad" then there are quite a few (on Amazon and elsewhere). You plug them in like a mini electric blanket. Our vet has some for the poorly cats who have to stay in for treatment.

Our one is like this:

https://amzn.eu/d/0fZz9we4

I’m so sorry. As others have said quality of life is so important. Not an easy decision to make (I’ve been there) but it’s better a week too early than a week too late. Having said that I do hope he makes a recovery.

To update - he’s coming out of the other side after a few days of major rest, he’s already told me off becuase it was sunny yesterday and it’s back to raining today. He’s asleep now on ds1 bed but has had a run around and just overall seems to have perked right up: he definitely gave me a big scare!

I’m so so glad he’s feeling better.