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Expert: - 2/28/2009


Question
I am writing to ask advice about a cat I got from a rescue centre on the 27th December 2008. We got two house cats, one male and one female. At the time we were told they were both 9 years old however the female is alot smaller and more active/playful and we suspect she might be alot younger. My issue is with the older male cat. Over the last week he seems to have become quite stiff - taking his time to climb off chairs etc. and thinking before he leaps. We have also noticed that he has a slight patch of thinning hair near his tail. Is it possible that he is older than we realised or could there be something more sinister at work? Do you have any recommendations about his diet or anything that might help him?

Answer
Hi Joanne,

You need to have him checked by your vet. It sounds like arthritis. There are a few things you can do for him if he has it. Here's a good link about taking care of your old guy.
http://www.2ndchance.info/oldcat.htm

The hair loss by the tail could be from a flea allergy. Is he on a topical flea treatment such as Advantage or Frontline for Cats? If he isn't I would suggest trying this and see how he is. Cats are real good at getting rid of fleas. This is the most common cause of hair loss from the base of the tail. It is from him licking there because of fleas.

Get him checked by your vet. If he does have arthritis you will have to make some minor changes in the house. But nothing drastic. One of the best things you can do is get a low sided litter box. This will help him immensely. It makes it so easy for him to get in and out of the box. Good luck and let me know what the vet says.

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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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