Is my old cat senile or am I overreacting?

Question

My cat is 16 years old and in pretty good health (only a little arthritis to report which we are treating quite well with Cosequin, FYI). However, lately she has been exhibiting some strange behavior. For example, she has been sleeping in strange places, i.e. the dog's bed and inside the dog's crate. She has her own fluffy bed so I don't get it. Also, her and the dog don't particularly get along well so I can't imagine that she would want to nuzzle down for a nap in his bed. Moreover, she's never been a big fan of crates so this type of behavior has me a little worried. Is this the first signs of senility or is she just telling me she wants a new bed?

Answer 1

I do think that this is something to be concerned about. Are you sure that your cat is not in pain? I would take her to the vet just to make sure she is okay.

Answer 2

16?! You call that OLD?! Ha! My cat was almost 22 when he died.... ;)

It doesn't sound like your cat is senile. I've met some cats who truly had "senile dementia" similar to what humans get. One would lay, "meatloafed" with it's nose about an inch from the baseboard, burbling, meowing, and muttering in that odd cat way at, well...nothing. I never heard the baseboard answer...but then again, I didn't really listen.

Another elder statesman would walk a few steps, have to stop and lick the end of his tail. Then it would walk a few steps, and, well, you get the rest. This would go on for HOURS, until nap-time or dinner-time or litterbox time. Health-wise, other than being old, these cats were fine. Nutty, a little compulsive, but healthy.

If your kitty has arthritis, maybe it's not that she's sick of her bed - maybe it's the location of her bed that has her taking over your dog's crate. Is her bed in an elevated location? My current cat loves to have her bed up on a chair, to have a nice vantage point, but if she wasn't still a young'un, it might be hard to jump up to. Dog beds/crates are on the floor level, and easy for your cat to access.

If her bed is also at ground level, then perhaps she does like the dog's bed better. Or maybe she's just trying to tick off the dog. What does he do when she's in his space? What would she do if he joined her in his bed? I've heard of stranger things than large dogs and small cats sleeping together!

I hope you can solve this kitty mystery!

Answer 3

Given your cat's arthritis, I woould hazard a guess that the crate is simply warmer than the cat's own bed. You might consider getting a bed with a heating element in it for your cat. I also have a cat that is nearly 16 years old, and like yours, he has some difficulty with arthritis. I got a heating pad (not the human kind, fo one specifically designed for pets), and he clearly is more comfortable there.

The one I use can easily be found on eBay, which is where I got mine. There is someone on there who always seems to be selling them for around $20 plus shipping. I'm including the link below to the present auction that I found; it has a "buy-it-now" option so you can simply order it and have it delivered.

Answer 4

properly,to start.the puppy is 20.Cats typical existence span is 8-14 or in the event that they push it 15 to sixteen.you're fortunate to have an old greezer 20 yrs old and each and each further month or 12 months is worthwhile.I purely misplaced a 21 12 months.old final 12 months (April 15.2006) and that i nevertheless omit the super guy. The yowling would be led to for the aches and pains he's feeling.Frustration by way of fact he won't be in a position to do what the "little kitten" in him desires to do.purely save up the visits to the vet and supply him all the affection and interest he asks for plus.and that i misplaced a 2nd kitty (18 yrs old) this March.And definite,I even have 3 women human beings a while Chloe 4 months....Owl is 7yrs...and Annie is 10yrs..The loss is fairly unhappy...yet existence is going on and different kitties prefer love too.

Answer 5

I don't think it has anything to do with "senility." More than likely, your cat has noticed the attention you give to your dog and secretely fears she may be replaced by that dog (or other cat or rabbit or any other pet). Cats react differently - some will fight off the rival; some will sulk; some will steal all the rival's "safe places" in the house in an effort to drive the rival away or at least divert your attention to himself (the cat). My cat did this funny behavior when I rescued an abandoned rabbit. He would lie down everywhere the rabbit has laid down for a nap or rest. He would occupy the rabbit's little "housie."

Finally, I was able to reassure him (my cat) of my undying affection and devotion, by taking him with me to any room in the house or yard I was in. If I was on my computer, the cat was on the desk or bookcase in the room with me. If I was in the yard, he was on a leash tied to me. If I as in the kitchen cooking, he was on a floor matt in the kitchen with me. Finally, he left the rabbit's things alone.

Answer 6

Cats are people too -- they do get senile. Unfortunately, my noble cat "Nibbles" born and raised in Japan of 13 years became senile and I had to have her put down. It was very heartbreaking.

It is best to deal with an old friend just as you would deal with Mom and Pop aging and forgetting the world they know. Treat them the best you can, give them LOTS of love and let him know you REALLY cherish them. Cats can sense your feelings and read your facial expressions better than you can.

Talk to him as he goes to sleep too. This will make your life a bit harder, but for cat it will make the final sleep a bit more pleasant...Cats are people too.

Answer 7

Perhaps she wants to make friends with the dog? Maybe she is being threatened by another cat in the neighbourhood and feels being friends with the dog could back her up?
I've no idea about senile things though, perhaps someone else could elaborate...

Answer 8

Sounds like she is basically trying to claim the dog's stuff. It's not about using it because she likes it. It's about her telling him that everything here is hers, and exhibiting dominance

Answer 9

hopefully thes web sites help...good luck