Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat
Poultry and Pets => Pets without Feathers => Topic started by: ANHBUC on August 05, 2011, 00:28
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Our cat is poorly, she is about 19 years old. We got her as a rescue cat from the R.S.P.C.A. over 16 years ago. She has been part of our family for so long and has been challenging to say the least. We could not even pick her up when we got her as she was so unfriendly. She has mellowed over the years but can still be fiesty especially on her annual trip to the vets for flu jab and check over.
She is deaf, has slight cateracts and a slight heart murmur. This was the diagnosis at the beginning of June this year. Over the last few days we noticed that she was a bit wobbly on her back legs when standing still. With being so old her muscles are naturally weak but some days she runs around like a kitten. Long gone are the days when she could jump onto the 6 foot garden fence but she can manage the 3 foot wall. She likes to be on the wall to be brushed.
When talking to my neighbour I mentioned my concern over her the other day. She reassured me and said that they often have off days. Today I noticed that she was lying in an unusual position for her like the lions at Trafalgar Square, once on the patio then at the foot of the stairs. This is one of her favourite places to sleep lately. As it was really warm and we had not yet had any rain as forecast I left the back door open to keep her cool. She sat on the back door mat in the same position for a while. Then the rain came down heavily so I closed the back door. She went back to the bottom of the stairs. A while later she had gone outside to drink out of the watering can we keep topped up as she prefers it that way. I went into the kitchen and heard her meowing at her cat flap. Her face was pressed up against the flap. I opened the back door to let her in and she walked in unsteadily. This was when I noticed that her belly looked quite swollen. I felt her to see if she reacted to check if she was in pain but she seemed to enjoy it. Then she stood with her head facing the corner of the door and wall.
I made an urgent appointment at the vets and was there within 20 minutes. The young lady vet tried to examine her but touched her back legs. She must have some arthritis as she tried to attack the vet. I think she was shocked but I had already told her that she is fiesty and that it usually takes two vets to try and cut her claws. Last time they only managed one paw and I did the other a couple of days later when she had calmed down. She asked loads of questions and said she could not do a diagnosis if she could not examine her. She callled on our regular older vet and he checked her over with no problems.
He seems to think that she is retaining fluid and that in four legged animals it goes to their belly rather than legs as in humans. Her gave her an injection and I have to give her tablets for 14 days. They want to see her again on Monday at 4 pm.
She staggered to her food bowl when we got home and ate some of her food. I managed to give her the tablet. My husband came home and could not believe how unwell she looked. She has never really ailed anything before. Never had one flea even though we have never used flea treatment. Other cats keep their distance as she was so tough! Then I had to let our two daughters know she is not well. Our youngest who is in Scotland at Uni is her Mam as she was her 8th Birthday present. She has been missing her so much and we have to email photos regularly. We bought fish and chips for tea and gave her a small amount which she ate. She is still at the bottom of the stairs and I keep checking she is alright. Putting the water bowl near her to have a drink but scared to leave it incase she nods off with her head in the water.
My husband says she will probably be better in the morning when the medicine starts working but I think he is just trying to reassure me. I would hate for her to suffer and hope that she goes peacefully if it is her time. As our eldest daughter said, "she couldn't have had a better life, she has been well looked after". I don't want to leave her on her own so it looks like it is going to be a long night. Sorry for such a sad post but they do say a problem shared is a problem halved. I think it has helped me in some small way writing it down. Will update as and when I can. Thanks for reading, this forum is a comfort for so many pet owners. x
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So sorry ANHBUC to read this, although you are doing all you can. Been there and done something very similar with Fudge (my avatar). We knew the end was coming and did everything we could to prolong it and make her as comfortable as possible. It is very hard and upsetting but please take comfort from your daughter's comment. I'm here at the moment if you need someone to talk to as I can't sleep at the moment.
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Animals know when it's time, and they'll pick the oddest places to be alone. I've been through that with several cats, and it's always upsetting for us.
I sometimes wonder if our furry friends don't want to bother us with their decline by doing this. Either way, they know you've loved them and they've loved you in return. Can't ask for more. 19 is a good long life, so just keep showing her love. Its about all you can do.
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Hope her tablets start to work soon xxx
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Poor Puss, I hate it when any of mine are ill because I just want to ask them what they want to be more comfy. When our Molly, who was 17, was ill I walked round asking her if she wanted a blankey, water, food, a brush or a cuddle... I knew she couldnt understand but it made me feel better and it's the same as you would do with any elderly relative and thats just what they are.
She was a right grumpy madam when it came to going to the vets as well but that was due to the fact that she had high blood pressure and it made her go totally blind so it was all very scary for her with all those smells and noises. You could guarantee the days she went in for her testing they had the noisiest high pitched dogs ever in!
Her blindness never hindered her as a house cat, she would wander around the garden with you and have a sun bathe and come straight back in when she'd had enough...but she would hiss at the coffee table if she walked into it ::)
She was an RSPCA cat and I still laugh about the day we picked her up, the staff said she was vicious and bitey and brought out the biggest pair of gloves I have ever seen that went all the way up to their armpits! They opened the cage and out flew this little silver stripey tiney thing with frazzled whiskers and a bent tail. Someone had tied a rocket to her tail, set fire to it and threw her off a balcony and she was just 9 weeks old.... She sat on my shoulder, hid under my hair and snuzzled her nose in my neck and from that second she was MY cat.....you never ever adopt a cat, it's the other way round, they always chose you!
The time when they are ill is always painful because you do want to do your best for them but you've also got to remember that this lil cat chose you to be her family 16 years ago and it's an honour to have all those memories and be assured that if the worst does happen, that occasionally, just out of the corner of your eye you will see your lil trafalgar lion in her fave spot....just like I step over my stripey tiger at the bottom of the stairs sometimes.
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I hope she's improved a bit this morning. x
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She is slightly steadier on her back legs this morning. Still preferring to sit on her scratch mat at the bottom of the stairs. We had to put an offcut of new carpet we had laid in the hall a few years ago as she started to use the new carpet as a scratch mat. She had never ever scratched anything in the house before. Think she might have been making it hers, she did the same with the wallpaper and we have had to replace it on the scratch corner she chose a couple of times. Luckily she stopped doing that last year.
Thanks for the support wighty, Trillium, joyfull and argyllie it is easier to share with people of like minds.
PurplePixie I think our cats must be related from what you have said. Our vet has had to have the gauntlets out for her annual jab in the past. I always warn them but they didn't listen when she had to have a tooth out. They still have the scars from trying to get her out of their holding cage. When she is in a mood I even leave well alone. I know that when she does go she will still be with me tripping me over in the kitchen when I am trying to cook dinner. As I said before she has been a challenge and feisty cat but as we affectionately call her she is our silly old bagpuss.
I feel as if I have done 10 rounds with Mike Tyson so am going to get some rest, "catnap" me thinks. Will keep you updated and I will treasure all your kind thoughts.
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Good to hear she's steadier and that you're still in one piece as well!
Go and have a 'lil snooze and then plan a nice lunch that involves something like chicken for hiding her tablets in ;)
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Good to hear she's steadier and that you're still in one piece as well!
Go and have a 'lil snooze and then plan a nice lunch that involves something like chicken for hiding her tablets in ;)
Had my snooze and still feel rough. Think we take our pets pain on when they are ill. Have tried the hiding tablets thing over the years but she is too canny for that. I manage to pop them down her throat with a little bit of fuss. She is not due her next tablet until 5.30 so just keeping her company for now. She has eaten a little and drinking plenty which is a side effect of the medication. Nice and sunny in the garden at the moment so might take her outside for a sit in the shade.
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So sorry ANHBUC to read this, although you are doing all you can. Been there and done something very similar with Fudge (my avatar). We knew the end was coming and did everything we could to prolong it and make her as comfortable as possible. It is very hard and upsetting but please take comfort from your daughter's comment. I'm here at the moment if you need someone to talk to as I can't sleep at the moment.
Can't see your avatar of Fudge. Sorry I did not get back to you overnight but my eyes are quite blurry at the moment as you can imagine. She is hanging in there and does not seem to be in pain so we will just have to wait and see what develops.
Thanks for yours and everyones kind thoughts. Even those who have not posted I know everyone is wishing well as I have done after reading sad posts. Sometimes you just don't know what to say as there is nothing much that will make things better. It is just really nice to have pet friendly support from this forum.
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ANHBUC, I feel for you. As has been said in the many posts, we tend to worry so much about our pets to the point of exhaustion. My little JRT that we got from the spca in 1999 was diagnosed with diabetes 2 years before he passed on. I felt so heart sore for him as he had to have 2 injections a day and you could tell he just hated it but knew he had to have them. Sadly, diabetes in pets is a hit and miss situation as you can't do their bloods as you would in a human so the daily injections could go either way, glucose levels good so he was perky, or his glucose levels were already low so the injection just made him feel bleh.
He was otherwise a happy chappy and we used to take him and his sister on canal trips and it was on one of these trips that he passed away. We had let both dogs out onto the tow path for their normal piddle and rake about and when he came back onto the boat he stood in the corner, pretty much as you described with your cat, and just stood facing it with his head hung down. We petted him a bit and he came down into the boat, walked up towards the bed (we always went back to bed for a cuppa and watch the news in the morning) and he just stopped and keeled over. He was gone before he hit the floor and, according to our vet, he apparently had a massive heart attack. No pain or suffering, just one minute here the next gone.
We were wrecks for ages after that, having had him for 10 long wonderful years.
His sister survived for about 5 months then she just declined - we think she really missed him as they had not been apart since they were born.
We have such loving memories of the 2 of them (both buried in our garden) and we know that they could not have had a better life.
Your lovely cat has obviously had a loving caring family for so long and while it is hard to watch her decline you can rest easy in the knowledge that she was given the best of everything. Doesn't make it easier on you I know and words don't always make things better but you have loads of support.
Hugs to you and your cat. Be strong and give her lots of cuddles (more for you than her I suspect ;) )
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We used to hide Mollys tablets in those Felix stick treats, I think they're called rewards but the chicken and liver ones are a bit softer so you could break off an inch piece and split it with your thumb nail, put the tablet inside and with the warmth from your hands it could be moulded around the tablet but still quite small.
Myrtle, our elderly sleepy fuzzball cat is a fussy madam and prefers hers crushed in a teaspoon of custard which of course has to room temperature and be hand-fed at her pace ::)
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Just adding my best wishes for you and your cat ANHBUC. I hope the tablets are having a positive effect and she rallies. I know how awful you feel when a pet is poorly. You are doing all you can for her and it sounds like she is thoroughly spoiled, just as it should be! I know it doesn't help much now but it sounds like you have given her a wonderful life and are continuing to do so. My thoughts are with you. Please keep us up to date if you can.
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She had a little wander outside this afternoon. A drink from her watering can, which is her favourite way to have a drink. Then onto the driveway at the back of the house for a lie down in the shade with a cooling breeze. I took the opportunity to run the hoover round the house while she had a nap as she is not keen on it and did not want to stress her more than necessary.
She has had her second tablet and a small amount of fish and her dried food with plenty of water. She is still very unsteady on her rear legs and sometimes gets up has a little wobble about and decides to settle back on her scratch mat. She seems to be laying down a bit more comfortably than yesterday and enjoyed a belly rub earlier. I thought it might help her digestion and other internal workings as she is not very mobile at the moment.
I feel very lucky to have so many people sharing their experiences and well wishes. Thanks everyone for caring.
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I am glad she is a little steadier today and I hope she continues to improve.
It is so hard when they are ill and my heart goes out to you as I went through something similar 2 years ago when my beloved Tess reached the end of her life. She had been my 18th Birthday present and was a link to the past and a comfort through the loss of both my brother and father. Pets are so much part of our lives and those without them cannot understand how much they mean.
In the end it was old age that Tess died of and she died at home on my lap. She wasn't comfortable so in the end I got the vet out and she was put down on my knee in her favourite spot on the sofa. It still makes me cry to think about it.
Whatever happens, you know you are doing your best for her and she is with those that love her which is all any of us can hope for. Thinking of you both.
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I took the opportunity to run the hoover round the house while she had a nap as she is not keen on it
That shows just how much you care ...and also that you are just as batty as I am, I remember doing the same :)
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Thanks for your thoughts Kate. My daughter who is in Scotland has said that if the vet thinks it is best for her to be put down she is going to hire a car and come home. We are hoping it won't come to that but I didn't know that the vet would do that service so thanks for the information.
I took the opportunity to run the hoover round the house while she had a nap as she is not keen on it
That shows just how much you care ...and also that you are just as batty as I am, I remember doing the same :)
They have us just where they want us, only right though as they give us so much pleasure as well as the heartache.
UPDATE
Today we have seen another small improvement in her stability. She is eating albeit small amounts, she hasn't had a poo yet which is a bit of a concern. Her breath is not as pungent which should be a good sign.
I have been brushing her gently and massaging her tummy which she enjoys. Gave her about 1/3rd small tin on tuna which she enjoyed so will try her on somemore shortly after she has had her daily tablet.
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Glasd she is doing a bit better and hope she continues to improve.
I think most vets offer this service and although I'm sure it costs more than taking them in for me it was £80 well spent knowing she hadn't gone through the distress of the catbasket and car (her two most hated things).
Sounds like she is in the lap of luxery at the moment with on tap tuna, maybe she is just a canny puss and putting in on! Thinking of you both and hope the improvement continues.
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I am sure that Tess must be a relative of hers, she absolutely hates the cat basket and car trip. When we first got her and had to take her for her annual flu jab she would get so distressed. The vet suggested taking her in the basket and car more often so she would get used to it. I never saw the logic in it so she only had to endure it once a year.
After the improvement on Saturday she took a step backwards yesterday morning. She had managed a small poo but her breath was really pungent again. She was very wobbly on her back legs again and didn't seem to know where she wanted to be.
We persisted with the tuna, brushing and belly rubs and she began to improve as the day went on. Think that the tablets must have been wearing off earlier in the day. We were over the moon last night when she wobbled into the living room for her nightly rub on my husbands feet. First time since she took ill.
This morning she seems a little more mobile and vocal telling me she wants more tuna. I locked the cat flap last night as I didn't want her to climb out and not be able to get back in as it has been quite chilly over night. Nearly bought train tickets for our daughter yesterday but decided to wait until we saw the vet today. Although she has improved we want to check she is not suffering. Appointment is at 4 pm so we will see what the vet thinks. Not looking forward to the journey but I know she has to go. Will enquire about the home service, hopefully we won't need it yet but it will be good to know.
Thanks for everyones good wishes, will keep you posted. :)
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UPDATE
I must say that our vets give our cat a better examination than we get from our doctors. We have nothing but praise for them.
There is little change in her condition so the vets have given her another injection and a second lot of tablets to take alongside the first lot. Bagpuss had not one but two vets checking her over and they were very thorough. They are hoping to improve her health but had to admit that at her age things are starting to shut down, liver, kidneys etc. She is not in pain but is probably uncomfortable and tired.
She is managing to get in and out of the catflap which is an improvement. We have changed her food from the dried variety to the Whiskas Senior Oh so fishy pouches. She was not managing with the dried food and we want her to keep her strength up. She is getting regular tummy massages and gentle brushing to help stimulate her system because she is less active. She does not seem to be as sensitive near her tail and back legs so the tablets have probably taken the inflamation in her joints down.
We don't know how long we will have her for and the vets can't put a timescale on it so we are making the most of each and every day. She has another appointment next Monday but have been told to get straight back in touch if she deteriorates. They do the home service and said it is adviseable as there is no stress then.
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It's really good to know she's not in any pain and the food change is a really good idea as it can take a lot to crunch and process dried foods sometimes, injections can dehydrate them as well so that might be why she was a bit constipated for a short while as the biscuits will swell and soak up all the water she's drunk ...cats will only drink so much!
I reckon she's loving all the attention, brushing and belly rubs ;)
We've got fab vets as well and it's great comfort to know that they are there for with an animals well being coming first rather than trying to get as much money out of you as possible. We have one nearby that are very well known for ripping people off, almost putting people on a guilt trip to have tests done that arent really necessary to bump up bills or leaving animals in overnight when they don't need to and not explaining how much it will cost.
Ours are just fab, very clear and explain everything, don't rush you into decisions, often will charge for tablets and not a consultation, give you time and tissues if you are upset and they actually play with and talk to your animals as well. We also have some rescued rats which Bruce our vet loved but doesnt see very often and when I took two in for a check up on their chests one wanted to play so he had to check one over with the other one running about inside his jumper and sitting on his head...I don't know who had more fun, Bruce or Mabel :D
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It is as vital as having the numer of a really good plumber. When our plumber retired we tried four others before we found another good one. He happens to have trained with our original plumber. Our original vet is not a youngster so we are pleased that he is so hands on with the younger vets and does not mind doubling up on your appointment to make sure of a diagnosis.
Our daughter is hopefully coming home for a weekend at the beginning of September so we are hoping that things go well over the next few weeks. Fingers crossed.
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Our original vet is not a youngster so we are pleased that he is so hands on with the younger vets and does not mind doubling up on your appointment to make sure of a diagnosis.
He's read your notes and brought reinforcements...just in case! :tongue2:
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At least she doesn't appear to be suffering and you are certainly doing all you can for her. I really hope she rallies round but know you will do what's best for her whatever happens. Glad you have a vet you have confidence in. They are worth their weight in gold. Give her a gentle hug from me!
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Our original vet is not a youngster so we are pleased that he is so hands on with the younger vets and does not mind doubling up on your appointment to make sure of a diagnosis.
He's read your notes and brought reinforcements...just in case! :tongue2:
It was the other way round, we saw a young lady vet last week and she could not examine her as she is so feisty despite being really ill. She had to call the older vet in. Then yesterday we saw our usual lady vet, also young but with more experience and she called him in for a second opinion. She was listening to her heart for ages and checking her lungs out. When the older vet gave her the injection she was hissing and spitting and he said "she is just having a swear at us for putting her through this". :ohmy:
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At least she doesn't appear to be suffering and you are certainly doing all you can for her. I really hope she rallies round but know you will do what's best for her whatever happens. Glad you have a vet you have confidence in. They are worth their weight in gold. Give her a gentle hug from me!
No problem, doing that in a minute. Thanks.
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ANHBUC, there is little I can add to what others have said other than you are in my thoughts. Give lots of love, hugs and belly rubs and, in your own words, take each day as it comes. ;)
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Thanks Carolf, it is one of the reasons I love this Forum everyone is so welcoming and supportive.
She is getting loads of cuddles, belly rubs and gentle brushing which seems to be helping. The food pouches are going down a treat as well. She doesn't eat them all in one go but it is nice to see her enjoying her food again. :)
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UPDATE
:)
After several trips to the vets and shed loads of medication our poorly old bagpuss is much improved. She is on Hypercard which is a heart tablet, Furosemide to aleviate water retension and Katalax laxative to compensate for the water tablets. She is back on her Science Plan food with one pouch of soft food per day.
She now follows me down to the hens again and wanders to our neighbours 2 doors away. Her back legs are still weak which can be funny to watch in high winds as she makes her wobbly way to her watering can for a drink.
Our daughter came home from Scotland a few weeks ago when we were taking bagpuss to the vets to assess if it was her time. She got so upset when bagpuss made an attempt to jump up onto a garden wall as she used to. She had not realised that her back legs would not give her the lift she needed. She crouched down ready to make the jump but her back legs just did not work so she tried again. Loads of tears from our daughter as she feared that the vet would say it was her time. I have even had to bath her as she had problems squatting in her litter tray. This did not go down very well but as she was unable to jump out of the bath it was an easier job than I thought. Even clipping her claws which need doing regularly now is easier. I have found that if I clip the front ones then use a small pair of pliers to press on the ends this helps her shed the old claws. Apparently it is a problem with old cats that their front claws thicken but my method seems to be working.
The vet let us know that she is not in any pain just a little uncomfortable and as long as she is eating and drinking plenty of water she should be fine. We are now on a repeat prescrition which has cut the vets bills down a little and bagpuss is very happy not to have the stress of a trip to the vets.
She frightened the life out of me yesterday morning though. She normally waits for me at the bottom of the stairs when I get up to let the hens out and feed her and dose her up with her medication. No cat at the bottom of the stairs so I went outside to let the hens out, no cat at her watering can! Back in the house and no sign of her so I opened the curtains in the dining room as she has taken to sleeping under the table. There she was under the table, I looked and could see she was breathing but very shallow. When I checked her, her eyes were slightly open so I stroked her and got no reaction. I stroked her again and still no reaction. I thought that her heart must be giving up and this was her time. So I went upstairs to get my daughters fluffy blanket which bagpuss used to love sleeping on. I came downstairs and was ready to put her on my knee on the blanket for however long it took only to be greeted by a sleepy cat. Relief is an understatement, I have never known her to sleep so deeply. She is certainly keeping us on our toes. This morning she nearly broke into a trot following me back from letting the hens out. You've got to love them! :lol:
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Thanks for the update, I was wondering about bagpuss just a couple of days ago. :)
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I was wondering too!
My Molly kept doing the deep sleeping thing too but by the time I started to panic a little she would open one eye and have a huuuuge stretch and yawn and I'd feel guilty for waking her up and tell her to go back to sleep ::)
Our vet said it was a good sign that she was comfortable that she was sleeping so soundly and that her meds were working well, she only settled like that at night and would just sleep in short bursts and potter about in a wonky way during the day time and recharge at night.
Your little lion is a right fighter by the sound of it :D
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sounds like you have a fantastic vet and Bagpuss is in very good hands :)
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Thanks argyllie.
Yes he is good Joy but he is getting old himself so I don't know if he will be retiring soon, I hope not.
She does sound like your Molly PurplePixie, we are just enjoying whatever time we have left with her.
:)
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So glad to hear she is doing ok. I've been checking regularly for updates. I hope she continues to enjoy life for a long time yet.
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So glad to hear she is doing ok. I've been checking regularly for updates. I hope she continues to enjoy life for a long time yet.
Thanks, as long as she is in no pain we will keep giving her the medication to keep her comfortable enough to still enjoy her life. That is all we can ask for.
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Any update on your cat ANHBUC?
Pamela
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She is still plodding along. I am trying to ween her off the medication a bit at a time. Don't want her relying on it if she is fine without. Have halved her dose and she is no worse which gives me something to increase to if she is unwell again.
Sorry to hear you lost one of your kittens, really sad. Hope that things go well with your remaining little fighter. :)
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:) Have managed to ween her completely off her medication and she is doing really well for an elderly cat. Still manages the cat flap, still using an outdoor litter tray and still drinking from her watering can. She is constantly under my feet when I am in the kitchen so I have to be very careful not to step on her. ::) She loves her daily sachet of food as well as her dried food and has a good appetite. We tried her on all brands of Mature sachet foods and by accident found that the only one she will eat every last morsel of in all of the varieties is Morrisons Senior meat and fish selection.
She has chosen a spot by the radiator in the dining room to sleep as she no longer likes her cat basket. I think this is because her back legs are a bit wobbly and the basket is really padded she might find it difficult to get in and out of. She will never run up and down the stairs again or jump up on the garden wall but her quallity of life is still good. It is really nice when she occasionally wanders into the living room on a night to have a rub on my hubbies feet. Think that having this extra time with our poorly old cat has prepared us for what will come in the future and we will know when it is her time. For now we will enjoy her company as much as we can.
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That's good to hear. :)
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Glad she's going well and enjoying life.
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Well she has been bumbling along since last August and has more good than bad days. Things changed yesterday afternoon when we noticed that she could not see. She has cataracts but has still managed but she lost her sight completely very quickly.
Straight to the vets this morning and it could be several things that have caused this. Unfortunately they were unable to take a blood sample as she was getting too distressed. They can't see the retinas because of the cataracts. She has had an anti inflamatory injection incase it has been caused by swelling on the brain.
Just have to hope that she will adjust to loosing her sight and will ring the vet on Wednesday to update her on her condition. As she is deaf it is going to be a struggle for her. We have blocked off the access from the patio to the garden and pond as she was wandering aimlessly this morning (under watchful eyes) and got too close to the edge. She spent all night trying to get through the catflap which was locked for her own safety. :(
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Sorry to hear your latest. I hope the injection helps. It's hard to know what to do for the best in these situations isn't it. Sending puss a big hug and a gentle belly rub!
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how is she today?
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Still bumbling along. She is laid out on the patio at the moment trying to keep cool in this heat.
No wet kitchen floor this morning which is a plus. She is still peeing on the patio as she sometimes can't find her outdoor litter tray. Just keep swilling it down so it is clean for her to walk on. I gave her a sachet cat food at lunch time and timed her. It took her 5 minutes for her nose to detect and her to successfully get to her feed bowl. Not bad for a 90+ year old cat who is blind and deaf.
Spoke to the vet earlier and she can try for another blood sample but medication will not bring back her eyesight. As she is not distressed at the moment we are going to see how she adapts. Our daughter is home on the 17th July and she can see how she is then as she is her cat. If she takes a turn for the worse she will come home asap.