Lisatexmom
enthusiast
Posts: 758
Reg: 01-19-05
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05-11-11 10:54 AM - Post#131129
Does anyone know the signs of when your cat is getting to old? What should I be looking for?
I think she might have a couple more years in her, but I just keep a close eye on her for signs, like she doesn't seem to have good balance on her back legs, she wabbles when she tries to stand still on all 4's, she use to be able to jump on the bathroom sink, she can't do that anymore - so now she found she can get water from the bath tub.
I have never really been a cat person, but I have raised her since she was a baby, I bottle feed her and I trully think she thinks I am her mother - she can even meow "Mama" at least that is what I hear. But I will trully miss her when she is gone and I want her last years to be happy.
Thanks.
| Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don't walk behind me, I may not lead. Walk beside me and be my friend. - Albert Camus |
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tawny
enthusiast
Posts: 255
Loc: East Allen
Reg: 12-14-05
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05-11-11 12:28 PM - Post#131148
In response to Lisatexmom
Everything you have described is normal for an aging cat. Some other things to watch for are not making to the litter box, not covering up their waste in the box, drinking a lot of water, not grooming...
My baby died at 19 and most likely when she's ready it will come on quickly. Just like an old person...things start shutting down. Just keep her comfortable and give her lots of love. She'll let you know when she is ready.
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Lisatexmom
enthusiast
Posts: 758
Reg: 01-19-05
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05-11-11 12:53 PM - Post#131151
In response to tawny
Thanks
She does most of what you have mentioned - except for the grooming part, she still does that.
She wants to be on me all the time, everytime I sit down she goes straight to my lap - I don't mind, because I want her to be happy - it is just going to be really hard when the time does come.
| Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don't walk behind me, I may not lead. Walk beside me and be my friend. - Albert Camus |
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tawny
enthusiast
Posts: 255
Loc: East Allen
Reg: 12-14-05
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05-11-11 04:55 PM - Post#131199
In response to Lisatexmom
My girl always wanted to be right next to my husband. She never was a lapcat but we setup a fluffy pillow next the computer desk. She would lay there all day if she could. She probably wants to sit on you for warmth too so you might consider a heating pad on low heat under a blanket or towel. They lose muscle mass and fat as they age so can't control their temps as well.
One other thing to watch for is loss of hearing.
It's sad to watch happen, but I always put it in the perspective of how I'll probably be when I'm in my 90's. That helped me some.
Edited by tawny on 05-11-11 04:57 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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kellyf
enthusiast
Posts: 1691
Reg: 05-21-07
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05-12-11 10:45 PM - Post#131310
In response to Lisatexmom
I just went through that with my kitty Teddy Bear. She was going on 17. She kept making messes around the house. I knew it was time when she couldn't keep anything down. I miss her so much. She was such a little doll!
Kelly
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csquare
enthusiast
Posts: 540
Loc: Allen
Reg: 01-16-08
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05-13-11 12:01 AM - Post#131316
In response to kellyf
Same thing with our geriatric kitty. She was always a sweet cat, and never got mean in her old age, but one day she no longer wanted to eat, and after several days of trying every tempting treat I could think of, and carrying her to the litter box every two hours, we knew it was time to let her go gracefully. She had had regular vet visits and had been on thyroid medication for a couple of years. We had discussed previously with the vets that we probably would not want to go to any extraordinary efforts to prolong her life in the event of illness, since her organs seemed to be slowly failing anyway. She was 18 and had a good life as a well loved pet.
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denisew
Community Expert
Posts: 8758
Loc: Allen, TX
Reg: 02-18-02
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05-13-11 07:38 AM - Post#131323
In response to Lisatexmom
When my cat was 21, she suddenly got wobbly where she could not stand one evening and died overnight in her favorite sleeping spot. We would have taken her to the vet the next day, but thought she would last the night, but didn't. She had been losing weight probably due to her kidneys going bad with old age. She had a good life as I am sure your cat has in the 19 years with your family. I know it is a difficult time to see your fur baby going downhill like that and I know you'll make the right decision when the time comes.
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