A Rather Old Cat

Our cat is rather old - about 25!!!
She is in good health, but there are a few things I would like advice and/or comments on.
She eats well,but is just skin and bone - this is, I think, just age.
Her coat is very matted - she grooms,but not thoroughly. Once again, age I think. Clipping seems to help, but she´s not happy about it!
She is active, and will go out more when the weather warms up.
There are some toilet issues, but this is, again age (and weather).
She is a bit unsteady on her paws, and has had a few falls (without injury).
Basically, all the above is age related, and she is not in any discomfort.
However, some family members think she should be PTS, but I disagree.
If there was a genuine reason for euthanasia (apart from age) then that decision would be taken.

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27 Feb 2010 22:11

Brian Hill

Thanks Cat.
Sadly, we have had Mischief pts.
She displayed all the signs you described (for arthritis), and was not eating (except the odd mouthfull).
Given her advanced age, it was thought for the best.
She was in no pain, but her quality of life was deteriorating.
Right upto the end, despite her increasing wobbiliness,she was reasonably active,and would still give Marley the odd box around the ears!
Not bad for nearly 25 years old......

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10 Feb 2010 22:01

Cat the Vet

Hi Brian,

For any owner of an older pet, the thought about whether they are still getting enjoyment and quality out of life is never very far away. There are obviously lots of problems that can develop as pets age, many of which can be very successfully treated and this is why it is important to not dismiss any changes as simply ´old age´ but seek veterinary attention and advise.

Firstly, older cats are often thin, they tend to lose a lot of muscle bulk. This is one of the reasons it is important to feed them a diet specifically for senior cats, which they will find easier to digest and will help them maintain their weight. There are also several diseases which can cause weight loss, the most common of which are kidney problems and thyroid disease. Both of these are diagnosed by blood tests and, particularly in the case of an over-active thyroid, are easily treated. Also in the case of a thyroid problem, the cat will tend to have a good appetite, which can fool owners into thinking they are OK.

Matted fur is also a common issue in old cats, especially those with longer coats, which often become just too much for them. However, it can also be one of the first signs of arthritis as the cat becomes too stiff and sore to reach around themselves properly. Also, a poor coat condition can indicate underlying diseases, in-particular kidney problems. Arthritis can also cause significant muscle wastage, especially on the hind legs, as the cat stops exercising as much due to the pain in their joints. This can lead to weakness in the legs, a reluctance to jump and also, in advanced cases, wobbly walking or collapsing.

I think the best thing would be to take her to your vet for a check-over, many now do ´Senior Wellness´ clinics specifically for assessing the health of older pets. It would be very unlikely, no matter how well looked after an animal (which your cat clearly is to get to 25!), for them to get to a great age without any problems (for example 90% of cats over the age of 12 are arthritic) and it is important as owners we are vigilante and ensure they are not suffering in their twilight years. Some people avoid taking older pets into vets as they are concerned they will be advise to put them to sleep. However, no vet would tell you this without significant concerns and if they do it usually means there are very serious issues, as in most cases they will try to help you keep your pet alive and well if at all possible.

Do let me know how you get on.

Cat

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