Is my cat dying?

Question

I've noticed a change in the last month with my 13 year old cat. She's never had any medical problems. Lately, she won't let me brush her, so I ended up having to shave her, which I then noticed how thin she's getting. I can feel (see) her bones. I'm not sure how much she's eating because she shares her food with two other cats. The last 3 days, she has been a little weak and is sleeping more than usual. I plan to take her to the vet next week, but just wanted to know if anyone else has experienced this with their cat?? Is the end near?

Answer 1

You have an older cat, and seniors will sleep more, eat less, and generally be less active. However, the weight loss needs vet attention as soon as possible. As the previous poster mentioned, this can signal some serious health problems that need to be ruled out. Refusal to allow you to touch, brush or refusing petting that she used to enjoy could be a sign of pain. Try to seperate the cats to see how much, if any food at all, she is eating. This, and an assessment of other symptoms will help your vet reach an accurate diagnosis.
I had a siamese cat about 10 years ago that displayed these symptoms (along with frequent vomiting) and she had cancer. We didn't recognize the symptoms right away and by the time we detected it it was terminal. This is why immediate attention is a must. A friend had a 13 year old cat with similar symptoms and she had diabetes and was beginning to have kidney failure. She was also vomiting, drinking excessive amounts of water, and was in the litter box frequently. These symptoms don't necessarily mean she has these conditions, so the best thing is to help her be as comfortable as possible, and to hang in there until the appointment time arrives.

I wish the best for Kitty, hope she pulls through and starts feeling better. Mine are like children to me, so I know how you feel, so hang in there, and let us know how she is doing.

Answer 2

There could be lots of things causing your cat to loose weight, a few of the conditions are serious but a lot are treatable, for example, an overactive thryroid gland can cause weight loss, behaviour changes and matts in the coat. This is very dangerous if left untreated but if a cat is having treatment it can have a pretty much normal life expectancy. 13 is still quite young for a cat.

You are definitely doing the right thing taking her to the vets they will be able to examine her and possibly do some blood tests or other investigations to find out what the problem is. Good luck with it all!

Answer 3

I just went thru a fortune in tests to be told that my 15-year old cat has failing kidneys, maybe. We also have two other cats, so I've started taking him into the bathroom about 4 times a day and feeding him special food. At first I was giving him kitten food and salmon, but just found out protein is bad for kidney problems, so I switched him to cat food for old cats and believe it or not, mashed potatoes and cream gravy (from a mix, the real stuff has milk). You'll have to have tests done to see if its diabetes (can be handled with medication), tyroid problem (also handled by medication), liver or kidney failure, or it could even be bad teeth, which makes it hard to eat. Whatever it turns out to be, good luck.

Answer 4

She could have several things wrong with her like
Hyperthyroidism-which can cause her to be thin and also eat alot
Kidney problems tend to top the list though. When you go to the vet they will probably recommend some bloodwork, a urinalysis, and maybe some x-rays.
As to the end is near. I look at it like this....How is her quality of life? If she's say diabetic, do you have the ability to give her shots twice a day 12 hours apart? Its our responsiblity to our pets to think about them and their life. If they are going to be in pain or slowly waste away then we owe it to them to make a decision. If there is a decision that needs to be made your vet will go over everything and help you make the right decision for you and your pet whatever that might be.

Answer 5

I cant give a definite answer without seeing the cat but I had a 11 yr old cat with similar issues, turned out she had cancer and needed to be put to sleep. She was suffering, She would sleep more, move less and got thinner. that was why we took her to the vet. I would say take her to the vet first thing Monday or Tuesday. She might just be sick and need antibiotics or something. but keep her away from the other cats until your vet appt. and get them all tested for feline HIV and leukemia. Prepare yourself for this doctor visit emotionally as well as financially.

Answer 6

It may be near and especially if you don't get her in to a vet. Only they can be for sure. I have had 15 & 16 year old cats that stopped eating. One was liver failure and the other was kidney failure. IF her ears, lips, skin are yellow it's probably liver failure, if it's got a bad oder to her it's probably kidney failure. That'll give you a couple more things to look for. That's the only experience I've had. I ended up having to have them put to sleep so they would not suffer as their time was near. Good Luck!

Answer 7

Yeah, the vet would be the best bet, also i would suggest trying to keep her in a room with food, if she is ill, she could pass it onto other cats, and that way you can also monitor how much food she is eating. She could have a case of diabetes, but then there's no need to worry, there is something you can do about it! goodluck

Answer 8

aww i have 2 cats and dont let her share her food she will get sick and about her bones u dont shave a cat aqdn plus if u do the bones will see and she will come to an end dont let her share her food buy like 2 FAKE cats and put them near the bowl ogf foood and she will think that is her liittle friend make sure they are different and the same color the real cats are that she is shatring her food

Answer 9

Sorry to hear about your cat. Cats normally would be in a state of depression when she is in pain / ill. Let the vet do bloodworks on your dear cat. You'll know why is she refusing to eat. I just hope that she will fight on!
;)

Answer 10

well if she is indoor outdoor cat then maybe we a indoor outdoor cat when i was younger seh lived to be 13 years old
but still she cloud be sick
if she is a indoor cat then she is just sick
and the vet will tell you what is wrong whith her

here is a fact for you indoor cat's can live up to at least 20 years old or older. outdoor cat's can live upto be 15 years old.

hope's this helps gotto go bey
horsegirl