My old cat is incontinent, How do i deal with this?

Question

My cat is at that old age where he can't control his bladder, either that or he's too old and tired to walk outside. he isn't suffering in any way, just the usual arthuritus in his legs which is to be expected at his age. He just goes where (and when) he likes, and never in the same place!?... I spend my time just cleaning up after him and u know how cat pee smells!.... I really don't want to use a litter tray as i have other cats that might start using it, and i've past that stage with them.. I did use it the other week though but my cat ignored it point blank.

I try to make him stay out as long as bearable during the day, but never at night as it's too cold for an old cat.

Answer 1

I had this problem with my old cat during the past couple of years of his life (he was 21 when he was finally put to sleep). I just dealt with it, it's no big deal. I spent my days in a care home, looking after old people with Alzheimers, and they were all doubly incontinent. So coming home at night to my beloved cat was no problem. I loved him right up to the last, anything slightly wrong and he was down to the vet. He was the most spoiled of cats, and so well looked after, and such a delight.
I also have 4 grown up kids and have gone through all that human problem as well.
Just let your cat do what he wants, where he wants. You will really miss him when he's gone. Treasure him, whatever he does, whatever he's like. He's a cat. They all have Asperger's Syndrome.

Answer 2

you need 2 take him to the vets, it may be simple to solve. you ay he is not in pain but how can you be sure? i know it is heart bre.aking as I had 2 have my 22 year old cat put 2 sleep a few months ago. He started 2 pee blood. Is your cat drinkin a lot, lost any weight then he could be very deheydrated, you can also test this by pinching his skin and it shold snap right back. Also dont forget cats are v clean animals he might get distressed by his lack of bladder control

Answer 3

This is a sad state of affairs for your geriatric cat and yourself.

Making the cat stay out of doors when it just wants to snuggle up indoors in its dotage is a bit harsh. I would suggest you find some incontinent sheets used in adult geriatric wards to put in the cats bed. It has polythene covering on one side and an absorbent layer on top. Restrict the cat to certain rooms where you have hard floors. Where there has been an accident you need to use a preparation to remove the smell as well as clean up.

Did you know you can buy dog and kitty nappies at this site : http://www.dog-nappy.co.uk/Urine_smells.htm

Your cat may have a urinary tract infection so do have him/her checked at the vet without delay to make sure.

Answer 4

Sometimes the right answer is not the one you want to hear but here goes.... When a animal gets to the stage that it is incontinent usually it is time to say goodbye. My oldest cat is now 17 years old and for now he is ok but I know he is getting to end of his life. Even if your kitty is not suffering he is probably feeling down and embarrassed by this. Some people may think animals don't have emotions but I sure think they do and I would not put my pets through that. Its time to say good bye unless your vet has something that can help him. Ask your vet for his advice and try to to the right thing even though it may hurt.

Answer 5

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
My old cat is incontinent, How do i deal with this?
My cat is at that old age where he can't control his bladder, either that or he's too old and tired to walk outside. he isn't suffering in any way, just the usual arthuritus in his legs which is to be expected at his age. He just goes where (and when) he likes, and never in the same...

Answer 6

I hate to say it but your cat is coming to the end of his life!! Have you taken him to a vet to check for infection? There is nothing you can do for incontinents in cats other than to put him to sleep! Nobody likes that idea but if you have to keep cleaning up after him your house is going to stink it's impossilble to get cat urine out of carpets and if it gets under your tile eeeooww!! It's something you'll have to consider if this continues!! I'm so sorry about your cat I know he's part of the family but what else is there to do?

Answer 7

Yes. Blind too. Even if not incontinent, they do it everywhere not knowing they have do it in the wrong place. But forgive it... the thing gave you years of love and companionship and now is the time for you to return some of that love. My mother's cat went through that. Mom cried for days afterwards !!!

Answer 8

There's something called stud pants for cats who can't control where they go. I don't know if they can poop with the thing on, but the pee is under control at least, with these things.

Do a google search for 'stud pants' and you'll find places that sell them AND places that have the pattern if you want to sew one yourself. They use a standard tampax in them, and are supposed to be leak proof. Breeders use these things to allow their male cats the run of their place knowing that the cats won't spray or pee anywhere they shouldn't.

Answer 9

id say go for the litter tray option at least then its in one place and when he passes( I know its not nice to think like that)
just train the other cats back outside again.

good thing about cats is they way they'd see it - a dog would look guilty and feel bad - a cat looks at you as if to say "well are you going to clean it? or stand there and stare"

Answer 10

Has your cat been checked by a vet recently?

A simple blood and urine test will rule out any problem that might be causing your cat to pee everywhere. Renal disease or a bladder infection that could be causing your cat to urinate everywhere can be controlled or treated.

Good luck!