Expert: Dear Tabbi - 9/8/2009

Question
Dear Tabbi,

I recently took in a kitten and a puppy.  Since then, my 8-year old cat will not stop crying at night.  I usually let him out during the day and keep him in at night, which has never been a problem. However, lately he's been crying constantly all night wanting to go outside. He gets along well with the kitten and my other cat, but doesn't seem to like the puppy.  He'll tolerate him as long as he keeps his distance.  I figured that was normal and assume that's why he prefers to be outside, but is there a way I can calm him down and make him happy again?  He's really upset with me right now and doesn't seem to want to have much to do with me either.  :(

Any advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

Nancy

Answer
Nancy,

Your cat is approximately 48 years old in human years. An older cat does not take stress and change well. It can cause behavior problems (such as crying), health problems, and/or emotional problems. An active puppy is probably not the best pet to have with an older cat.

Crying can also be caused by pain. The cat may have arthritis (which is common in an older cat), an ear infection, etc. Sometimes a cat wants out because in his mind he thinks he can get away from the pain if that is his problem. I would NOT let a cat outside at night, especially an older cat. There are too many dangers after dark.

Another common reason for the crying is that she could have gone deaf. They rely on vibrations to know where everyone is at night and they cry if they don't feel any vibrations from anyone.

If you can afford it, I would suggest finding a vet that specializes, or is knowledgeable, in geriatric cat care and their conditions. Not all vets do...which can be detrimental to an elderly cat. The cat should have an "older cat checkup". They get checked on the function of his kidneys, thyroid, liver, etc., and probably bloodwork. These checkups should be done periodically as the cat ages. If caught early, some conditions can be treated with medication, especially pain medication for arthritis, which will ease any discomfort, and extend his quality of life.

Being prepared and knowledgeable about elderly cats will make things easier for the cats and for you. I am including some very good links about older cats:
(Copy and paste, or type, the whole links into your address bar)

http://www.sniksnak.com/resources/geriatric.html
http://www.messybeast.com/towards-end.htm
http://www.2ndchance.info/oldcat.htm

There is a calming aid that you can put in your cat's water that is very popular called Bach's Rescue remedy. You can get it at a health food store (people use it too) or on-line. It calms a cat using natural ingredients and people swear by it. You can also add a dropper full to the water dish, or a few drops on wet food (there is no effect of dilution). You can also add a dropper full to a spray bottle filled with spring water, and use it to spray a room, carrier, car, around litter boxes or plants, or other problem areas. You can also put a few drops in your hand and pat the animal on the head and around the ears with it--the head is very sensitive to energy and will absorb the flower essences in this way.

There is no improper or wrong method of applying the Bach Remedies. It is not necessary to be precise in counting the number of drops in any of the dilution methods. The Rescue Remedy is non-toxic and therefore has no side effects. For a multiple animal household it is safe if another pet in your household should receive the flower essence via drinking water. If  the animal needs the remedy, the remedy will work and vice versa.


More information can be found at these websites:
(copy and paste, or type, the whole links into your address bar)

http://www.bachflower.com/Pets.htm
http://www.nelsonbach.com/BFE_for_pets.html
http://www.petsynergy.com/flower.html
http://www.oes.org/page1/Bach-Rescue-Remedy.html

Tabbi