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Cats/my 15 year old kitty Dinky

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Expert: - 5/31/2011


Question
Hi,Karen.

Dinky used to be extremely affectionate, practically had to pry her off my shoulder.   Slept at my feet.  

A few months ago, she became the kitchen kitty.   Would only leave the kitchen to use her litter box or go out on the second floor deck.

Last month, she morphed into the stool kitty.  She adopted a stool on the first floor deck and sits either on it or under it and will only come inside to eat.

I've accepted these changes as oddities of aging. but I miss her old self.

Now, I have to vacate my house for three months so that it can be repaired.  Obviously, she goes where I go.   What can I do to help her with what I expect will be a highly traumatic event.

Thank you.

Stephanie

Answer
Hi Stephanie,

First off get Dinky to the vet for a checkup. She may not be feeling well. Next she is going to under a lot of stress. You need to try to keep to routine with her. You also might want to limit the area she has to roam around in your new digs. Maybe limit her to a bedroom so that she feels safe. Move her litter box, food and bed there.

You can also get some Feliway. This mimics a cat's happy pheromones and will help with the stress. Also these are good. They will help with the stress.

http://www.petnaturals.com/vitamins_supplements/calming-support-softchews-cats.p...

Here's a link that has some good info for you about taking care of an older lady.

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

Hope this helped. Good luck and take care.

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.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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