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Question
Neutered Mail mixed short-haired 17-18 years old. Can't get enough water, he drinks at every opportunity. He's now deaf. Losing weight but eats all the time. dental problems give him a problem with dry food, but he still finds a way to eat it. The vet has treated him for suspected thyroid issues, but it has not seemed to help his symptoms. His latest symptom is that his fur is getting quite lumpy. I've tried to separate the clumps but am unable to do so. Don't want to put the old boy down unless he is in pain. He doesn't appear to be in pain, so I continue to provide for his needs. The clumpy fur concerns me because I have never seen it before in any of my previous cats and because I can't get rid of the clumps by frequent grooming or even bathing him. Any ideas?
Hi Tom,
Here's a link that will give you a little more info about what is going on. http://www.2ndchance.info/hyperthyroid.htm
Here's another link on taking care of your old man. http://www.2ndchance.info/oldcat.htm
You might want to ask your vet for some more specifics. What is your cat's T level? How much medicine is your cat getting? Ask the vet about other treatments for him.
The hair problems sound like hair mats. This happens in older cats when they can't groom themselves like they used to. The hair clumps up. You need to get a tool to specifically take care of these or clip your cat. Here's what I use on one of my cat's fur. He gets atrocious mats and I comb them out with this. http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752790
It is for dogs but works great on matted cat hair. Take your time getting rid of the mats. Once you get rid of them you will need to groom him at least once a week. Good luck. Hope this helped.
Ciao, Karen
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Answers by Expert:
Karen Craft
Expertise
I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!
Experience
I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care.
Some thoughts to carry with you.
A Cat's 10 Commandments
My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
Give me time to understand what you want of me.
Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you.
Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you.
If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong.
Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old.
On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so.
Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.
Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.
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