older cat problem?

Question

My female cat is 16 she lives with 2 other cats that are 2 all females.My 16 year old cat use to go outside but stays in now.My problem is My 16 year old cat has been loosing her fur on her back where her tail starts.She also has excessive scabs on her back to the base of her tail.The scabs don't seem to bother her and she does not scratch at the scabs and she has no fleas. What could be the problem and the solution .Also my 16 year old cat has very bad breath is there a breath spray I can use on cats.I got this cat from a friend who died and has had the cat since it was 2 months old and has always got the cat his shots regurlarly and the cat has had regurlar checkups.I cannot afford to take the cat to the vet.I do feed the cat food for older cats worm the cat and take care of the cat as best as I can. can someone give me a solution I can do at home to help my cat.please help animal lover

Answer 1

The one person who responded is right, there is an online vet, and they might be able to help you. With an older cat, it is hard to tell what the problem is, sometimes. I don't know if this could be a contributor, but I do know that cats and dogs can get Candida infections, which can cause skin irritations, and other problems. The fact that the cat is not itching the spots is probably good, as long as it does not get worse. I think it might also be a contributor to breath problems, too, but I am not sure. Our older cat (now deceased) did have teeth problems. She had a lot of trouble maintaining her weight, etc. Now that I look back on it, I think the bad teeth probably contributed to a lot of her problems. They can cause problems with the organs like the heart, and I think also the kidneys or liver (I think, from the bacteria they cause). She was in pretty bad health, so I could not have the teeth treated because it was suspect as to whether she could tolerate anesthesia. If you look in your cat's mouth and see what looks like an accumulation around the gumline, then you know that it has tartar build-up. Treating dental problems is pretty costly, but maybe the online vet would have some advice if you discover a build-up. Try checking out the words "Candida and Cat" online, but more importantly try the online vet, as they usually give pretty thorough answers. Also, there is some sort of Chlorophyll supplement for pets that you can get at the pet supply store. This might be of some help, as it does say it can help breath problems. I think it helps by fixing problems in the stomach. That might be a good start, too, as your cat probably has no access to anything green. It was kind of you to take this kitty in, under the unfortunate circumstances. My friend did the same for a cat that belonged to an older lady who had lived upstairs from her.

Answer 2

You've got 3 cats, one who is very old, and you can't afford the vets. But you can afford the internet. And you call yourself an animal lover?

Sorry, but beration is needed. This cat needs the vets. Bad breath in old cats is 99 times out of 100 due to bad teeth. It's very common - imagine how your teeth would be after 16 years of no brushing. This is the same as a 16 year old cat's could be. Tooth decay will eventually lead to kidney failure. Before this - you don't want to see what it can get like. As for the scabs - could be any amount of causes, no one can diagnose without seeing them, and certainly no one on here can prescribe treatment! As with any problem, the sooner you get to the vets, the easier it will be to be fixed, and the cheaper for you. I'll also say, you wouldn't notice the scabs or the teeth bothering your cat - cats are masters at hiding pain, even from the people who know them best. It's a survival instinct. I didn't know what my cat's teeth were like until I opened up her mouth when she was 16 - and nearly fainted. If my teeth had been like that, I'd've been writhing around in agony, and she'd never shown a sign.

Please FIND some money for the vet. Phone them, explain you've got a money problem, and they'll help you work something out. Your cat is fairly lucky to have got to this age without costing you much - remember you've got 2 other cats who could have anything happen to them in their lives. I think you need to have a reconsider of your priorities.

I know you didn't come on here for a lecture, but anyone who comes on here with a sick pet and the words 'i can't afford the vet' has to expect one.

Chalice

Answer 3

Try boiled chicken breast shredded up with white rice. That should help settle his stomach. Vets usually recommend this when an animal has been throwing up or having diarrhea. If he keeps it down, that might have to be what you feed him all the time. My dad has a cat that was the same way and he feeds it chicken and rice every day and the cat is fine. I also have a long haired cat and my vet gave me this stuff called LAXATONE, it's in a tube like toothpaste and it is for hairballs. You give it to the cats 2-3 times a week. It was only $5 for a 4.25 oz. of it. The cats loves it, it comes in tuna and beef flavor.....ask your vet about it.

Answer 4

some people on here seem to be very big on themselves as to what others should be doing.as for the cat if it isn't showing signs of sickness let it be.You might try a small amount of vaseline on the scabs to see if they will come off,that surely isn't normal,its probally an allergy to its food.as for the older cat,thats just all apart of ageing she probally has some kidney problem.If she shows signs of sickness try for the vet but it may not help at her age.Just love her and take the best care you can.also check the flea meds it could be an allergric reaction. thank you for being honest and trying for an honest answer on here.There is an on line vet can't remember the site but just start hunting may take several days foor an answer.Don't apolize for not being rich god loves us anyway.

Answer 5

The cat needs to see a vet ASAP. If you can not afford it you should not have the cats.