How do I deal with my cat (about 13 years old) begging me for attention?

Question

I've two cats, a younger one who's no trouble, and an older one who is deaf. Bless her, love her to bits, but she's always bugging me for food or love. Tried everything I can think of, nice food, milk, cream, lots of attention.??

Answer 1

13 is elderly for a cat, so she may just be feeling fragile and wanting reassurance, esp. if she's deaf. Her other senses are getting shaky and she wants to know you're there for her, you mean safety and security to her.
Do get her checked by the vet, in case she's unwell, but it sounds like she's reverting to childhood (well, kittenhood), wanting to be held and loved and reassured. Do the best you can for her, she hasn't got long before she crosses the rainbow bridge.

Answer 2

I have two cats and the older one has just started driving me a little batty because he wants to snuggle all the time. He's huge and it's hard to share the couch with him at times. He also keeps licking my veins, like he thinks something is wrong with me. Right now as I'm typing this he's lying half way across me. I don't really understand why he's doing this so much all of a sudden but I'm putting up with it as much as I can and I hope it's just a phase. If it doesn't stop soon, we'll both go for a complete check up. They say sometimes animals know when your sick before you do so, go with the flow. Good luck

Answer 3

You sound like a wonderful pet owner. Have her checked by the vet. By the way, milk, ice cream and cream are NOT good for cats. She may have a stomach problem.

Answer 4

Well, i think you shouldn't be worried. begging for more attention may simply imply how much she loves you and care about your presence. I had many cats and they always behaved in this way regardless of their ages. Overall, I think that it's something typical of cats and personally that's why I like cats so much, you know, they are unlike people, for instance, one's wife, they always give you the love you need!

Answer 5

its just her age, my cat was the same when she got old.

mine was blind in one eye, deaf and dribbled all over you when she purred.

one piece of advise i wouldgive you is not to be tempted to over feed her - she'll always seem hungry cos shes forgetting shes eaten then will throw up all over the place if she does eat too much:(

towards the end, my old cat couldnt eat dry food either - she could only really keep down the jelly from the cat food.

Answer 6

I had two cats both of which acted in this way when they were old. They need lots more attention when they reach old age; it certainly wouldn't hurt to take her to the vets just to make sure there's no medical reason for her acting this way.

Answer 7

I would seriously suggest taking your cat to the vet, or at least call your vet and inquire, especially if this behaviour is out of the ordinary for your cat. You might also want to note other symptoms your cat has been displaying before contacting the vet (ie. abnormal bowel movements, vomiting, excessive drinking, etc.)

Answer 8

Hiya,
I have a cat of 19yrs old who just begs for attention to and i spoil her as its a blessing i still have her i also have a kitten of 7 months and a cat of 5 years.treasure every moment you have with her give her MOREEEEEEE attention.

Answer 9

My cat is 15 and has tolerated the addition of a Keeshond.

She usually acts like this in phases, like the terrible twos.

It doesn't last long. It usually means our weather is about to take a drastic change.

Answer 10

Give her a crushed paracetamol in her milk...She is probably suffering from the aches and pains of old age. Poor thing.