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Cats/re: 17 yr old cat

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Expert: - 2/20/2008


Question
Hello, Karen,I appreciate you for taking my question.  My cat, Bozena, is about 17 and may be older cause I don't know how old she was when she adopted me 15 years ago.  She is a beautiful tortoiseshell short haired kitty and has lived with access to the out doors however recently she is happy to sit in the open door and look out.

My concern is her physical limitation.  It's harder for her to jump up onto the sofa or bed.  She limps with arthritis in her right elbow and her back leg muscles have gotten smaller due to lack of exercise.  She plays with the string laying down now instead of running and jumping for it.  She hasn't been licking her fur as much especially under her chin. I brush her fur and she loves it on her head but not on her back legs; they hurt I think.

Her appetite is good and toilet activity is good.  Poops once a day and pees 3-6 times during the night.  During a 24 hour period she will sometimes drink about 1 cup of water.  I've been told to watch for kidney failure but don't know what I'm looking for really.


She is my significant other.  I live alone except for her but I daily know that she is toward the end of her life.  I spend most days home with her since I don't work, but she has done OK with my 2 night visits to see my daughter out of town. Since she is a little sad looking sometimes I hate to leave her.

Is there something she could take to ease the pain from arthritis that she most feel?  Is her water consumption indicative of kidney disease?

Thanks Again, Karen

Answer
Hi Karen,

I am giving you a link to an article that has some very good info on taking care of your old lady. Her water consumption is very good. Get a lower sided litter box to help her out. Also a set or two of pet stairs will also help her out to get up on the sofa. Do not let her out anymore. In her condition she can be killed very easy outside now. Try giving her Felovite. It's a cat vitamin that will help. Here's the link;

http://www.2ndchance.info/oldcat.htm

Cats can live for a long time now. My sister had her two who lived to 27 years old. Doing these things and what's in the article can add to her life and the quality of it. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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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.

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I have an A.A.S.

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