She has drastically lost weight. She pees in unknown places other than her litter box. She recently has a limb and moves from the one spot she has been in for the past 3 days maybe once a day to drink a little water and maybe eat something but it's not much. Is this old age or could there be something very wrong?
2006-11-21 04:39:07 · 15 answers · asked by morrison 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
A 17 year old cat is definitely a senior. That doesn't mean that she has to die soon. As cats age, their digestive systems become less efficient. They are not able to break down the food as efficiently as when they were young. This happens to people too.
I had a similar (not as severe) problem with one of my guys. Even feeding senior cat formulas didn't help. I started feeding him Royal Canin baby cat formula. It is a bit more expensive than Purina or Friskies, but it is easily digestible and your cat should gain both weight and strength after a few weeks. You might also look into the possibility that your cat has some dental problems. Just like people, they get plaque build up and cavities, even abcesses on their teeth. Your cat may be avoiding eating because it is painful.
Whatever the cause, dental problems or food digestion, she may be weak from malnutrition, in spite of your best efforts to feed her properly. Why not try a kitten or baby cat food and see the vet about the possibility of some dental work. They can also lose weight from diabetes (common in older cats). The blood work for diabetes is not expensive. Her litter box problem may be the result of being too weak to get up and go to the litterbox when the urge is there. A vet check for kidney and bladder problems sounds in order too.
I have several teenagers and one who is 20 and another 21. They can live active, happy and long lives with a little extra attention to detail.
2006-11-21 04:49:23 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋
Sounds like your cat could be diabetic, those are a few of the symptoms.
Call the vet. A blood test will be able to deterimine whether or not your cat is diabetic. The test can also tell other things like how organs are functioning.
I would try to make this appointment today if possible or Friday. The sooner you get this done, the better.
2006-11-21 13:11:30 · answer #2 · answered by BVC_asst 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know exactly what is wrong and take action with the Veterinarian immediately.. The poor kitty has diabetes and should be given 2-5 units of insulin twice a day... The vet will have to take a blood test to determine how much insulin is required and if the cat has diabetes(which I know it does)... Have pity for the poor kitty and give it lots of love.... I lost mine at 16 from a Brain aneurysm but it had diabetes for 4 years and I gave it shots twice a day... I got that VERY small needle(certainly NOT THE BIG one) at Sam's club and also got the insulin there.. With insulin, it should Be able to carry on life until it MIGHT later on have kidney problems...
2006-11-21 12:52:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
It could be either or, they say when a cat has a u.t.i or diabetes they don't go to the bathroom in their litter box and the same could come from other diseases or from old age maybe you should take her to the vet just to make sure through whatever she is going through she is not suffering.
2006-11-21 13:39:57 · answer #4 · answered by T.T. 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your cat sounds like it has hyperthyroidism. my cat is 18 1/2yrs old and went down to 3 1/2 lbs. she was peeing and having diarrhea all over(not in the litter box) she currently takes medicine 2 x day which I have made to apply in her ear because giving her pills was too stressful for all involved. she is up to 6 lbs and still has accidents but is much improved. you need to take your cat to the vet and have blood work done. hope this helps, Diane.
2006-11-22 19:32:14 · answer #5 · answered by Diane P 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Something sounds very wrong. When cats start peeing in places other than their box for no reason (like a new cat in the house or you go away for a while and it has a petsitter), then something is seriously wrong. Please bring your kittie to the vet today.
2006-11-21 12:45:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It certainly is "old age". She is around 80 in human years. She desperately needs to see a vet to be evaluated for hyperthyroidism (treatable) and/or diminished kidney function (pallative measures are available).
So there is definitely something wrong and a vet needs to investigate the situation to tell you if there is any way you can help her.
2006-11-21 12:57:16 · answer #7 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You should immediately take her to the vet to check for Renal Failure, Diabetes or Tumours. I just put my 17 year old baby down on friday from a brain tumour and 3 years ago one died from Renal (Kidney) Failure. She is not happy and needs medical attention.
2006-11-21 12:43:32 · answer #8 · answered by izzy 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am very sorry to have to say this however her system is shutting down due to her long life. she needs care from a vet and I know in your heart you do know what is next for your baby. I am so sorry. Please help her immediately. Old age with a pet is very sad.
2006-11-21 13:06:32 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take her to the vet! Don't go to Yahoo Answers!
What is with you people!
2006-11-21 12:45:25 · answer #10 · answered by Gypsy Doctor 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋