The cat is 18 years old and has been neglected as far as love and affection. She is arthritic and sleeps all the time but she does eat, drink and use the litter box. I have devoted a whole bedroom to this cat and give her alot of petting and affection every time I go into that room which she really likes. She won't go any farther than just outside the bedroom and into the hallway a little bit. I have taken her to the vet for a check up and shots, etc. The vet says she is just an "old gramma kitty" but in relatively good health for her age.
My question is - how long do cats generally live? She is already 18 for pete sake. When does there come a time that you put a cat down?
2006-09-26 04:46:47 · 14 answers · asked by Kim M 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
Yes that is old for a cat but I know of a cat that lived to 25 years old. First of all, I want to say that it is very humane of you to have taken the cat in the first place. Most people would want a kitten. I think that as long as you have taken her to the vet and the vet said that she was healthy for her age then just continue to care for her. I'm sure that when you show her affection she gets very passionate about it since she didn't get affection at her other home. If she gets sick in any way that can't be easily treated then I would put her down rather than spend alot of money and put her through surgery or whatever. I have one suggestion that you may already be doing. A cat that old needs to be put on good cat food for older cats. I suggest w/d or Iams. You can get it at most pet stores or vet clinics. It is a little expensive but may help her live a little longer. Good Luck with Gramma Kitty!
2006-09-26 05:31:16 · answer #1 · answered by Maggie 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Of Course You Can As Long As You Ask First,You Wouldnt Wanna Just Wanna Come Home With A Cat THEN You Might Get In Trouble,Just Tell Them Either Don't Pet The Cat Or If They Do Wash There Hands After Petting Them,Or You Can Ask Them To Take An Alergy Medication.
2016-03-18 01:33:42 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There have been quite a few housecats that live into their 20's, the oldest cat lived into his mid-30's, I believe. Mental and physical health, as well as a good kitty food and a nice clean litter box attribute to the cat's lifespan. I've seen many 20 year old cats that act like kittens still.
As far as euthanasia, there are basic things you need to look for. First, you need to see what the cat enjoys doing. This may be eating, playing, and sleeping in the sun (for example). When you start noticing things going away, such as the cat becoming less playful or eating less and less, you need to begin preparing yourself for the inevitable. When you see the look in the cat's eyes when you know it's suffering, you will know when it's time.
A yearly geriatric blood panel is a VERY good indicator of your cat's overall health. In cats over 18, a major concern is renal failure. If you cat has very bad breath, or suddenly has a decrease in appetite, you need to get a blood panel run ASAP to determine the cause. Cats are known for being very stoic, so they won't show that they're sick until they are VERY sick.
Good luck with little old gramma kitty!
2006-09-26 05:05:46 · answer #3 · answered by Sarah H 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Cats can live up to 30 years, but that is rare. 18 years is old for a cat.
The decision to put an animal down should stem from quality of life issues. If she does not have major mobility problems, a healthy appitite, and seems to be in good spirits most of the time, then there is no reason to put her down. Once the quality of life deteriorates, though, you should make the decision and stick with it.
Ultimately, after 18 years, she has led a long life. Fill the remainder with love and affection. If she becomes incontinent, stops eating, curls up in dark spots all the time and is arthritic/howls/etc., then it's time.
2006-09-26 04:53:09 · answer #4 · answered by Jeff 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I had a cat that lived for 17 years. I have heard of cats living to 20 or more. But I think that is rare. As long as she is in good health be happy and enjoy her company. The only time I would consider putting an animal down is if they are very ill and there isn't anything that can be done for them. Enjoy your new friend and give her lots of love.
2006-09-26 04:53:45 · answer #5 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Cats can live up to 20-25 years. If the cat starts to become unhealthy or has a diesease, that is when you should put her down. If she does not have any of those things, do NOT put her down. That is just plain cruel. The time will come and she will pass away of old age. She is very blessed to have you take her in!
2006-09-26 04:56:07 · answer #6 · answered by danca4life 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bless you for taking in this elderly kitty and giving her the love she needs and deserves!
The normal life expectancy for the domestic cat is about seventeen, but twenty is no longer really rare.
A cat at age eighteen is about as aged as a human in their mid to late eighties.
As for when you put them down, you do that when they're suffering or when they're no longer enjoying life. Kitty isn't suffering and she still seems to be enjoying life, and your love is a big reason for that.
A couple thoughts: Cosequin has shown itself to be almost a miracle cure for feline arthritis. It comes in little capsules that you open and sprinkle in their food. You can get it at http://www.healthypets.com in the joint supplements section. Get Cosequin for Cats; regular Cosequin is a dog product and the dosage isn't right for cats.
Another thought: an eighteen year old cat that never goes outside and never meets other cats should not be vaccinated, so please, no more shots for kitty! Her old immune system might not be up to handling the stress.
I hope the love and comfort you're giving kitty will come back to reward you a million times over throughout your life.
2006-09-26 07:02:00 · answer #7 · answered by Mick 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
We had two cats that were around twenty-twenty one. You put a cat down when a vet feels you can not do much more.for them because they are ill. Those two eldely cats I knew would have to be put down I got a little clingee holding them all night and getting water in them with a dropper. When they grow so tired they can't eat anymore. That is the time for them to go. I have one cat that was ten and my all time favorite after a lot of money there was no hope. Two years later I still mourn for him. But I keep saying any cat of ours was loved and spoiled but as short as their life is it is sweet.
2006-09-26 05:00:21 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have never known anyone who had a cat that old...the oldest any cat I have ever owned was about 10.
As for putting her down...if she is not in pain, doesn't require daily medication,if she seems to be responding to your affection positively and seems content in the home you have set up for her and you are able to offer her a home then I would say please don't put her down. Let her live the last (probably) months of her life with someone showing her love and affection.
If for some reason you are unable to keep her please seek a rescue agency in your area, there are plenty of pet lovers who would take her in.
2006-09-26 04:57:01 · answer #9 · answered by Monkey Queen 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Reliable information on the average life-span of cats does not exist and would be impossible to obtain. Well-cared-for, neutered house pets, however, may live into their teens. Some may reach the 20s, and a few have been reported to live into the 30s.
2006-09-26 05:10:10 · answer #10 · answered by DontHateMeCauzImBeeUteeFull 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋