I have an elderly cat with unusual behavior...?

Question

She's around 15 years old, and quite recently, she's been drinking a lot more water than she used to. Also, when you feel her, you can easily feel the bones with nothing much in between the bones and the skin. She's gradually become less timid about going upstairs, where the dogs usually are, and I haven't noticed any difference in urinating. What is the problem, and how do I fix it? Unfortunately, it'll have to be cheap, easy, and cannot involve taking her to the vet (if it were my choice, I'd be more determined to fix the problem, but it's my parents' choice, and they don't think it's worth it to save her if it costs much time/money). Also, it's going to be relatively impossible to give her shots, so that can't be done... is there something I can put in her food/water? I don't want to lose her, I've had her near all my life, so... can anyone help me?

To sweetasshelly:
1. I want a serious answer.
2. You are showing behaviour similar to that of (Q), a moderator of sciforums. He also intentionally ignores the point of everything and chooses to respond to things of minimum importance.

Answer 1

O.K here is the thing to do- Every four hours give the cat kibbles n bits so that the cat will have more dog like characteristics. Then it will be like a dog and it can play with the other to... may b u can eat some 2.

Answer 2

Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do at home. Your cat is elderly and is showing some symptoms associated with sickneses that catch up with elderly cats: kidney issues; or diabetes (just the two I can think of right now). Such diseases can be treated so that the cat can live a longer time and in relative comfort. But you need a vet's proper diagnosis. For now, unless you can convince your parents, make sure that your cat is well-hydrated (drinking water). You may also consider a change of diet, but then again, the vet is the best person to recommend to you waht food the cat needs. Why not tell your parents that you just take th cat for a check up and then describe what symproms you are observing in your cat. With any luck, the vet may be able to tell you what's wrong without taking a battery of tests. Then he can recommend what home care you can do for your kitty. The ct is worth a vet visit at least. Costs about $20 - $35 depending on where you go.

Answer 3

That doesn't sound good. I've been there. The extra water could be a sign of diabetes. We had a diabetic cat. I gave him an insulin shot every day for over 8 years. He died at age 23!!!!!!!!!!! The loss of body weight in an older cat is usually normal. No problem urinating is a good sign and so is climbing the stairs that means her hind-quarters are not deteriorating. That would be a sure sign of kidney failer. As for climbing the stairs, is there a spot she wants to rest in once she gets there? Cats crave heat. Heat rises. Spook, on my lap as usual, actually sleeps in the furnace room on the furnace!. Nice and warm. She is a 17 year-old kitten! I would convince your parents to invest a few dollars in your kitty and go to the vet. At that age a checkup is really necessary . At her age, the solution could be as simple as a change in diet, however make sure the vet knows about the water consumption. Best of luck!

Answer 4

It certainly sounds like a kidney problem to me.

However at her age, 15, I am not so fast to jump on the food band wagon. Kidney failure in older cats happens often. Never as fast as this accute kiney failure such as what is happeneing from the tainted pet foods.

Honestly... she's older, and treating her for kidney failure may be less humane that just letting her go.

I do hope it's not her kidneys, becuase if it is she won't make it no matter what the cause is.

I'm sorry your parents are so heartless and don't care about your cat that you clearly love.

Answer 5

Ok. If you honestly have not heard the news for the past 2 weeks, you need to go to (menufoods.com/recall/products) Many foods have been recalled due to a type of chemical rat poison in the wheat that was put into these foods and is causing kidney failure in cats and dogs. Kidney failure is irreversible, but you need to have the cat tested at the vet and then make your decision based on the tests. Dont let her suffer!

Answer 6

I have a big orange male cat, about 5 years old, named Tigger as well. He has black eyes -- they are really neat. He is very cute....he is like a rag doll when you hold him. He is also huge. I used to have another orange cat named Milo (which is odd considering the first answer you received), and he was very lovable as well. In college, my roomate had an orange cat, and he used to hop into clean garbage cans and just sit there. He also had a way of spreading out flat, stomach down, on any linoleum floor. His name was just Kitty. I am beginning to think it is just natural for orange cats to have such pleasant dispositions.

Answer 7

Increased thirst and weight loss can be signs of many illnesses elderly cats can get, like hyperthyroidism and kidney disease. Unfortunately, none of these are things that you can treat yourself at home. Without getting a diagnosis as to whats causing, no one can give you any recommendations as to the treatment.

Answer 8

You need to get the cat to the vet. They are the only ones who can diagnose the problem and help you fix it. It could be diabetes, kidney failure etc. All of which needs to be diagnosed by a professional. After a diagnosis then you can decide if trying to make her better is affordable for your family or if euthanasia is best for everyone

Answer 9

Excess thirst (like in humans) can signal diabetes.
If she is eating normally, I wouldn't worry...she is just old, getting feeble, again like humans do.

I am sorry, but she probably will die soon...try to prepare yourself.
Dying is a natural part of life, and hers has been long for a cat!
Show her a lot of love & attention, so she feels loved in her twilight time.

Answer 10

sounds like a kidney problem...look, buy her some urinary friendly cat food...they sell this stuff in any grocery store. or buy science diets k/d formula food...you'll need to go to petsmart or some other specialty store for that food. it's not much more expensive, and it may just save her life (or at least extend it). good luck!

Answer 11

I think the only way you might be able to save her is to take her to the vet. It's damn expensive, but these little critters in our families are definitely worth it! I hope all works out okay.