My male cat is 12 years old! He is a big orange tabby. These days, he pretty much sleeps all the time, he still eats but he does'nt play anymore! He's not sick!! Could anyone tell me if he's dying slowly of old age or does he still have a couple of years left in him?? He is a fat cat!!
2006-11-13 02:26:27 · 18 answers · asked by CTU 7 in Pets ➔ Cats
pah - dying???!! I don't think!!! the old boy has done his nights on the tiles and now he is happy to be at home and to be pampered - he will live for a few years yet - he doesn't play now because he is of course far too aloof to do so!!! however - I reckon a piece of string with a little something on the end would eventually tempt a paw to shoot out!! As long as he still comes for his food and he still gives you a love then he is fine!!
2006-11-13 03:32:49 · answer #1 · answered by Grace - baby No.2 due in October 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am quite sure your cat isn't going to die soon. I really don't think 12 is that old. If he's over weight you can definitely extend it's life jurastically by getting him to exercise. Most lazy cats will still play with string. Try different toys and see if any work. I would also recommend bringing in a new playful kitten. Usually when older cats start to get lazy that means it's time for new life. He's probably just bored. Just make sure you introduce new cats VERY slowly otherwise they will never get along. I'm curently doing this right now and it's been almost two months and I'm still keeping them separated here and there BUT IT'S WORKING. They're almost friends. And my older cats are definitely more lively.
2006-11-13 11:25:49 · answer #2 · answered by smileysweetits 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your cat is just old. Look at old people do you see them away and playing all the time?? :D No he's just old and sleeping. The way you'll know your cat isn't feeling right is when he stops eating. Eating is usually the first sign. There could be other signs, but thoes would depend on what was wrong with the cat. Animals don't just die of old age, body systems shut down causing death. So whatever body system would be shutting down would be causing different signs.
The cat just sounds like a 12year old cat.
2006-11-13 10:38:12 · answer #3 · answered by Adriori 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think 12 is that old for a cat. I would suggest a visit to the vet for a general checkup--I have 2-12 years old cats, and while they do sleep alot, they do play, too. Also a question to ask yourself, is he still cleaning himself and does he come when called? Is he drinking an excessive amount of water? If no to first question, or yes to second, a vet check is necessary. I have had cats live to 19 years, so your cat should still have plenty of life left in him.
2006-11-13 10:34:02 · answer #4 · answered by Erin P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats as they get older sleep alot. They are less active and play full. Long as though hes eating drinking and not showing signs of being ill. Losing weight. Hes probably good for a few more years. You could take him into the vets for a senior cat check up and blood work. It would be a good idea too.
2006-11-13 10:29:43 · answer #5 · answered by cin_ann_43 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a 22 yr old cat, two 14 yr old cats and 13 yr old cat. So I would not consider that your cat is old. All my cats have regular exams and blood work done as that is very important for cats as they age. There are health problems associated with cats as they age and early detection can catch things early as many problems can be treated if they are caught early.
An overweight cat is particularly prone to develop diabetes (like people) so you should take steps to take some weight off your cat. At www.ThePetCenter.com there is an excellent article on obesity in cats and I suggest you read that so you will be well informed and motivated to help your cat take off excess weight.
2006-11-13 10:44:30 · answer #6 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
He may be OK, just getting old and laid back.
We have a Pekingese and he is 18 years old now. He slow on the go, but, he still has his growl. He was a chew toy for the bigger dogs in his younger days, so, he learned to growl a lot to bluff the other dogs, and it worked. His eye sight not good, but, he can see and still has most of his teeth though they are worn after 18 years.
2006-11-13 10:38:49 · answer #7 · answered by Snaglefritz 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a 19 year old cat. She's gotten a little slower these days but she's still kicking. I don't think he is dying. He still has some time left.
2006-11-13 10:30:50 · answer #8 · answered by greylady 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your cat is not old. He is fat because of the type of food you are feeding him. He needs to consume loads of wet and very little dry. He is sick, his energy is down, which usually means something has gone wrong in his system. My cats are 16, 14 and 6. They all act like kittens. Please check these web-sites and change his food a.s.a.p. The bigger the variety, the healthier. From all 4 of these brands.
www.breeders-choice.com
www.bynaturepetfoods.com
2006-11-13 12:10:01 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
most cats live to about 17 years but if he's tubby I'd only give him about 3 more years. you can tell a cat is dying because he wont eat-sleeps alot more than usual,wont go in his box and the final nail in the coffin is when he leeks bile-the gut juices out-you can tell by the smell
2006-11-13 10:29:38 · answer #10 · answered by cassiepiehoney 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋