My elderly cat (15) suffers from arthritis and hyperthyroidism. We have a really good vet and have been doing all we can to try to make him comfortable. He’s having Solencia injections but they haven’t visibly helped after the first. The vet suggested Gabapentin but he won’t take it. (I tried two different flavours of the liquid version when he refused the pills.) The vet therefore prescribed Metacam to try to help with pain, which we started just over a week ago. He has it on Lick-e-lix with his Thyronorm, in the morning. I’ve also got him a heat pad to lie on.
I took the decision this morning that the he isn’t enjoying any quality of life any more. It’s very difficult to know, but all he’s really doing now is lying on the couch all day wanting to cover his head with a blanket. Nothing we’ve tried seems to have helped. The vet is going to come to my home next week to put my cat to sleep as he’s always very frightened when going to the vet.
My cat has been on the Metacam for just over a week and seemed fine with it, but just now he’s been doing that thing where cats crouch down and cough. Nothing came up but I’m wondering whether this could be a sign of him having a sore tummy. He has been particularly strange today at times and I’m worrying that he’s in pain. I know he must have pain from his arthritis but now I’m worrying that he might also be having pain from the Metacam. (I know how horrible that kind of pain can be as I can’t take Aspirin or other similar medication. It gives me terrible stomach pain.) The vet told me to stop giving it immediately if my cat showed signs of vomiting or diahorreah. I’ll ring the vet tomorrow, but I’m just wondering whether any of you have any experience of how this pain from Metacam can show itself in cats. I’d be very grateful for any input. I’m hesitating to stop the Metacam as it’s the only painkiller he’s been able to take.