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General => Pets Corner => Topic started by: Borlotti on July 19, 2011, 18:10:47
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Charlie, my stray cat that we have had for 10 years plus has gone a bit odd. We have worked out he is about 18 +. He doesn't seem to want to sit on my lap and just cries for food and gets a bit confused about where his water is. He has taken to sleeping outside or in the lean to. Just rang the vet and will have to make an appointment. He is not in any pain, is eating, but very thin, and seems very confused at times. Tested his eyes with a bit of wool and he saw that OK. Do cats get senile demetia, he bit me today when I picked him up, so am just letting him sleep in the lean to, which is a bit odd as he usually likes lap, chairs, settee, bed etc. I know my cat, and feel that he is near the end of his life, and just wants to sleep in peace, I feel sad, but the vet said they could treat him, but I think he is happier at home, as not in any pain. Poor Charlie, he only went to the vet for his injections 10 years ago, and has been OK since. He did have a bad chest for sleeping rough before I found him in my back garden, and his fur was so matted he had to shaved at the vet. I know the vets can treat them but went through all that with another old cat, cost a fortune and the cat was unhappy and in the end had reached the end of his life. Any opinions welcome.
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This might help, we looked ths up as our cat similar#
http://www.fabcats.org/behaviour/understanding/oldcats.html
http://www.fabcats.org/owners/elderly/senility.html
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Hi i am so sorry to hear about your cat Charlie. You have given him a good life with you. yes cats can get dementia it is quite common. I think you know this already but I feel you need to get Charlie to have a blood test at the vet. This will tell you if he has kidney failure, hyperthyroidism, triaditis (liver,pancreas,ibd) or some form of a tumour. The fact that his personality has changed points to the fact he isnt well at all. Cats have a habit of not showing signs of illness until they are very ill. I lost my cat Celine at almost 12 a few weeks ago and she had similar symptoms to Charlie, nothing that really showed until the end of her life. A blood test will give the answer and allow you to make a decision on the outcome without him maybe being treated for lots of 'possible' illnesses.
Sending healing to both you and Charlie and hoping for a good outcome for you both ,,,please let me know how you get on.
Lindax
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Sorry to hear about Charlie. We had a siamese that went like that. It was kidney failure. He was 12
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Thanks Hector, that was interesting. He has stopped the wailing at night. He does seem to like to be in the lean to with both doors open. He has got all the signs of dementia, and old age, but seems better this morning. Think the heavy rain was getting him down (and me). Have rang the vet and will have to make an appointment and take him soon. He still knows where his food is and hasn't poo'd in the house yet, although will have to get him a litter tray for the winter. Watched that programme last night about Blue Cross when she went under cover (interesting).
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Don't know if will be helpful, but I found this website after my dog Jessie had to be put to sleep. So many people sharing and supporting each other. It is so sad having to prepare for them to go.
http://petloss.com
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Hello Borlotti, please just keep in mind that Charlie's symptoms though so like Dementia could so easily be something different. i know from experience as we thought this was what was wrong with Celine until the blood test.
Let us know how you get on
sending you both love
Linda
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It's so sad, but it does sound like he is just reaching the end of his lifespan. Cats do go a little strange, I hear, when they are old. If he doesn't like being picked up, there could be something hurting him inside... :'( :'(
I am sure the vet will tell you if he is in pain or not, and he might just now slow down and go out in his own way. In some ways I am relieved that our cat, although ageing, was killed suddenly, as we only saw here as spritely and in good health and did not see her get old and decrepit.
I am sorry for you...
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He has been sitting by his food and water bowl all day. Rang the vet and going tomorrow at 3.30 pm earliest appointment. I didn't believe that they wanted details of my own vet, which I was not too pleased with after Mr Lopkatin (my lovely, lovely vet) who treated all my animals for years and was so kind, sent him a retirement card and thanks for all his treatment of many dogs and cats. It was taken over by Village Vets and brand new reception and just money, money, money. So am going to a vet recommended by next door whose cat I am looking after whilst she is away, and that is a very old cat, just got back from cleaning up the poo. They said they had to got in touch with my vet before they could treat my cat, I have his record of injections, but as he was a stray he only went to the vet 10 years ago, as has been a healthy cat until now, he is 18 we believe. I heard the news about the doctor that didn't treat Baby P,and he can continue to practice, but I have always looked after my cats, and now they are checking my history with another vet. I don't believe it, I will probably get arrested tomorrow for not giving the vet loads of money. It is £30 for check up, £64 for old cats test and not sure about the blood test. Lucky I get my pension money tomorrow.
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vets spell £££££££££££££££££££££
I always rage about their greed.In fact I told the last one that £57 for ten minutes work was in my opinion excessive.
Problem is we need them so they have us by the short and curlies. >:(
I think if you are on benefits the PDSA will treat animals for a donation.
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Borlotti. Can you not get seen by the PDSA? It does sound like Charlie could have kidney, Liver,pancreas or iBD. The vet would be able to tell if it was kidneys but just pulating him in the kidney area so that if it was would just be a consultation fee. By feeling his tummy he can tell a lot of things (or get a good idea anyway). My Celines blood test was £70 and my vet only charged 13 for the consulatation. He let me pay the bill in installments.
I would rather go to my vet for my own illnesses that my doctor :)
Thinking of you today both of you.
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Good news about Charlie. He is back home and sitting in the back garden. He had his consultation, checked his heart and felt him all over and his blood test, and the vet thinks he has tyroid problems, which can be treated with one tablet a day. He didn't suggest any different food, or any treatment until he gets the results of the blood test, but didn't seem to be too concerned, checked his heart and other things (£65 for an old cat), and said he needed booster injections but as he hadn't had them for 10 years, all in all he didn't look too bad. They are going to ring me with the results of the blood test, but he seems to think one tablet a day for the tyroid problem should sort him out, unless they find anything else with the blood test. Cost me £116 but while worth it as was very worried about him. Also told me not to crush the tablets which I did for my other cat and he will have to take them whole. My other cat had the same problem and they suggested operations, but this vet said no point at this stage and the tablets should do the trick, if it is that. He also didn't suggest any special food, and said he was doing well for his age. SO RESULT, I am a happy bunny tonight.
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So pleased for you B :)
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Now I can relax with a nice glass of wine, and a takeaway curry, later.
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Im really pleased to hear that charlie is ok. You must look after him exceptionally well for him to be 18 years old!! I lost 1 of my cats just before christmas & it broke my heart. Im was umming & arring about getting another 1, i would love to get a ginger tom, i love ginger mogggy's!!
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So pleased to hear about Charlie. Many cats get thyroid problems and live a good long life on the tablet a day. I bet you are so relieved. Hugs to both of you.
Lindax
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The vet rang with the results of Charlie's blood test which is not thyroid. Wants him to go back for further blood tests, so that £116 was a waste and we are back to square one. He only left a message on the answerphone and it was engaged when I rang back, so will have to go and have a chat with him to see what they are testing for and how much it is going to cost. I think he is just old, and has a touch of cat dementia. Well I suppose the good thing is the vet seemed to think he was doing OK for an old cat, and wasn't too surprised that he was thin, and I can promise he is very well fed.
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Borlotti, when you speak to the vet I would ask him just what the blood test he did was for? I know there are different types but an experienced vet should have his finger on the problem before the tests and it shoulddnt be so hit and miss, especially when dealing with an older feline. I am sorry you are going through this and know you must be worried sick. If Charlie is indeed just 'old' and suffering from cat dementia a Feliway Diffuser could well help with the problem as its simple you just plug it in like an air freshener. You cant smell it but your cat can. There is a powder on the market that you can put in his food that calms a cat down a sort of feline prozac called zylkene its very natural so wont harm him. It shouldnt be too expensve either.
Thinking of you and Charlie (these pets will be the death of us with all this worry).
Please let me know how he is doing.
Lindax
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Will try to speak to the vet tomorrow, and see what the options are. Thanks for your interest and concern. No more animals ever ever again, I have said that before.
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We have watched two of our pets grow old after having a good life and spend their last days just existing. I would never do it again.
If Charlie has lived well for 18 years then he has probably had enough. Please don't think of me as being uncaring Borlotti.
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Spoke to the vets, but the vet not there today, but will ring him tomorrow. As I can make out they might have enough blood to do another test, but they have to ring the lab to find out, she didn't know how much it would cost, but I think that it will be a good idea to go ahead to find out what is wrong. It shouldn't be too expensive as he had the old cat's check up and consultation so will get have to dig deep into my pocket. Think they have just asking my permission, but do need to know the cost first, and whatever treatment he can have if they find out what is wrong. Was saving for a new carpet, but obviously the cat comes first, but he doesn't seem in any pain, having a lovely sleep in the garden, but won't come indoors even at night, only for food then out again. Think he feels too hot, have put water out for him. My son has moved back, as going through a divorce and he is not too keen on cats, although would never harm them, but perhaps Charlie senses this. Son is at work today but cat still won't come in.
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Borlotti I wish you lived near me so we could take Charlie to my vet as he does bloods on the premises.Did you ask them what exactly he has been tested for and what will they test him for this time. As you are paying your hard come by money they should let you know.I would mention Triaditis to the vet just to illiminate it (it would show as dead and dying white blood cells in the blood.
But on a good note he is still eating and drinking and pooing and weeing normally isnt he? he could very well be reacting the the change in the house with your son being home. These cats hate change and its worse as they get older. If its emotional rather than an illness Feliway plugged in the house could easily be the answer. i think the plug in complete is about £21 from the vets or pets at home and the refil about £17 it will last you around 2 months (i think). Dont buy the spray they sell as it for first contact with an angry cat so stronger. its the plug in that would be good for him. I know its more money and you may want to hold fire until the second blood test. I sympathise with you about the carpet fund. We dont have any spare money either and on the rare occasions we have one of the cats will always be sick and need a trip to the vet. These things are sent to try us! I hope things improve soon.
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As far as I understand it (not being a vet) he is borderline so needs another test which I have agreed to (£45) not too bad if they have still got the blood. All the other old cat tests the receptionist said were pretty OK. I don't have to pay yet and they said they would sort something out if he has to have another blood test so will have to trust the vet. Said that if they find out the problem, a different thyroid problem or something he will do well on the pills. Watch this space.
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Charlie has had his second blood test, and although it was a bit high thyroid, the vet said not to worry too much, and if they treated it might hid another underlying problem. His other old age cat checks came back OK. He is going back to the vet in two weeks, just for a further check, but so far so good. I myself think he is just an old cat, and going through a bit of old age confusion, but he is not that stupid as knows where his food and water is. He is asleep in the plastic greenhouse at present on my old cardigan so is OK. This new vet seems quite good and doesn't keep asking me for more money and more tests and treatment. Cost £160 so far, and the next examination shouldn't be so much, just a consultation. I had better get the vet to check his hearing and eye sight, as he may be like me, just getting old.
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As long as he is eating and drinking he ain't that confused is he ;D.As you say he's probably getting old.
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Charlie is sleeping in the laundry basket, nearly put him in the washing machine. Dulce not allowed in as he has fleas, even although he had frontline on, and cost £50 to have the house sprayed (twice) as grandchild got bitten, although not me. I am in real trouble with their Mum. Apparently cats don't get fleas in Hertfordshire. Dulce is having a lovely sleep in the outhouse on an old jumper. Can't deflea him yet as vet said can only do it once a month, have combed him found one or two on his tail so he cannot come in the house, although he did get in the bedroom window when I was out. Charlie's tests were OK, he has to go back in a couple of weeks for another check up but as I am overdrawn at the bank will have to wait until I got my pension/housekeeping.
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Hope things work out ok B .
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They certainly know how to get comfy don't they.
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Charlie is allowed in as the rain and wind was bad, but he still likes his cupboard box city. Dulce has also got a cupboard box but they keep swopping. Dulce jumped on the shelf in the lean to and broke my expensive shaped flower pot, but he says he didn't do it, but the evidence is the shattered pot on the floor. Hopefully we have solved the flea problem in the house and the cats have had the stronghold on. If not it is the Council who will come and spray, it was identified as a cat flea but the Council said that should be easy to treat myself (ha, ha).
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They look so content. The stronghold will break the flea cycle as the blood of the cats will no longer be necter for the fleas so they wont be able to feed and will die. All hatching fleas will starve to death so the flea problem will just die out. its really good for ear mites too :) Pleased to hear Charlie is a lot better.