Our cat is 17 and hyperthyroid. Now she is going blind. What can I do to help her, make life a little easier for her? We know not to move things around, but she is spotting and pooping in strange places and has been crying. At this point medical intervention is not the point, just quality of life.
We lost her sister/littermate last Christmas, and I'm sure it's just a matter of time with her.
Grieving Mommy
2007-08-02 04:13:38 · 8 answers · asked by usafbrat64 7 in Pets ➔ Cats
more: She has been on thyroid meds for the last 3 years. She's not to the point where she needs to be put down. (We've had to do that before, I'll know when it's time) Just want to keep her comfie.
2007-08-02 06:00:10 · update #1
I am so very sorry. I know how hard it is to see a treasured family member decline. Just keep taking her to the vet when you see she's in pain. Spend as much time with her as possible and give her all the love you can. It's really all you can do at this point and just what she needs.
Also, when our older cat's health started to decline, we put puppy potty training pads around the areas where she was going to the bathroom. They can smell these pads and know it's OK to potty there. If she can't see, this might be a good solution.
Keep all of her stuff close together (litter, food, bed), so she can access everything easily without having to jump. Also, make sure she's eating. When they stop eating, you know that something is really wrong.
2007-08-02 04:22:30 · answer #1 · answered by Jessica A 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yvonne,
It certainly does sound like your poor old cat is in a fair amount of pain. The crying is a response to pain, and pooping and spotting are a response the stress from the pain. The gradual onset of blindness, is probably adding only a little stress.
Try a little plain old aspirin (ASA), about 1/8 of a standard strength one mixed in with the food. It generally will give some relief, and is a lot cheaper than a Vet's script.
Kitty should have no problem eating the food, as pet food manufacturers have been acidifying cat food for years. Cats love acidic food.
I wish you all the best. If this doesn't help, it may be time.
Mark
2007-08-02 11:33:19 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm so sorry for what you and your cat are going through.
At the point that she sounds to be, it would seem only compassionate to consider putting her down. I'm sure that you love her and that she's had a good life but at some point, you have to ask yourself what kind of life does she have now.
There truly is such a thing as loving enough to let go.
Best of luck to you.
2007-08-02 04:21:06 · answer #3 · answered by hapetobme 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get her some new food, the really nice, old cat comfortable kind. Give her more attention if that's what she likes, and even if you aren't supposed to do this to cats- treat her to warm milk.
I've never spoiled my cats, but yours is in a different situation, and heck she might appreciate it :)
Hope your cat and you both feel better
2007-08-02 04:18:06 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know it's tough I've gone through this with my cats. If she's crying in pain then I recommend just going ahead & putting her down. One of my cats had some cancer or something on her stomach rupture. IT was gross....she didn't seem to be in pain but she would wander around & get lost....at the end I had her put to sleep. If she's in pain then I say just go ahead & take her to the vet.
2007-08-02 04:27:13 · answer #5 · answered by blkmiss 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put her to sleep. Forver. It's the kindest thing, imagine the pain she's going through right now, if that were me i would rather die. If you have children that greatly love her try getting a kitten that looks like her about a day before she's going to be put down. That way the kids would be distracted therefore stopping any sadness.
Plus i never knew cat can cry!
2007-08-02 04:24:10 · answer #6 · answered by Sallymander 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
In all honesty, the best option may be to have her put to sleep. I know it's extremely hard, but we had to do something similar with my cat who was about 14 and diabetic. It is very hard on them, especially as they get older. From one cat-lover to the next I'm sorry to hear this, and hope you truly weigh your options and choose what you believe is best for her.
2007-08-02 04:23:41 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure by your post if she is being treated for the hyperthyoid or not. If not, she should be. Of course now it may be too late to start. I would ask the vet if he feels that she is in pain, if she is then I would put her to sleep.
2007-08-02 05:22:53 · answer #8 · answered by Marlou 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋