Expert: Karen Craft - 5/26/2011

Question
hi.  i'm going to ask you questions that probably have no answers.  the queen of this catle is named mamacat.  she was a feral kitten 17 years ago that lost her mom and so my wife and i took her in and fed her and cared for her and she flourished!  right now we have 2 inside cats including mamacat who don't want to go outside and about a dozen feral cats of assorted ages that we put food and water out for daily.  but here is my question.  mamacat is getting old.  her vet says she's healthy for her age but she's at the end of her life.  that saddened me and i didn't want to believe it.  but in the last couple weeks she has changed.  she's always been a free spirt and has done whatever she wanted but recently all she wants to do is be as close as posible to us!  she would rather snuggle and be petted than eat.  and it breaks my heart to think that she knows that she's dying!  do you think it's possible that cats have long-term memories and can remember all the fun times we had?  and is it possible that they are aware enough to know that their time is limited and wants to give and receive as much love as possible until the end?  because that's the vibe i get from her.  trying to say goodbye.  i'm sorry if this sounds stupid to you.  i'm just really sad and i don't wanna lose her but i want her to know that she's so very loved!

Answer
Hi Flip,

As  cats get older they love their creature comforts. And some just love to snuggle more. If your vet said she is in good health then I wouldn't worry too much yet unless your cat is in some type of failure. My sisters cat lived to be 25. And if she is then all you can do is make her comfortable. And remember, with the great joy of having a furry companion there is one drawback and task that you as a responsible caretaker may have to do. You will know the time.

I am going to post a bunch of links for you to read. I am also attaching my recipe for Kitty Glop. This stuff is great if she is ever under the weather and off her food.

This link has some good info about caring for your older pet.

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

Use this litter pan. Older cats love the size and ease of getting in and out.

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=petmate+giant+litter+pan&rls=com.micros...

Get this scoop. It makes your job easier.

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=durascoop+litter+scoop&hl=en&rls=com.mi...

Try this stuff. As cats get older they don't get everything they need. This helps.

http://www.petnaturals.com/vitamins_supplements/daily-best-senior-cats-chews.php

And if you really want to splurge, (I did and my senior guy loved it), get one of these.

http://www.google.com/search?q=heated+cat+bed&hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:*&rlz=1I7G...

I hope this helped. Remain positive and calm. She will sense you're upset. And take lots of film. It helps later on for you. Good luck and take care.

Ciao, Karen



KITTY GLOP

INGREDIENTS:
1 can goat milk or evaporated milk(not sweetened condensed). Walmart carries canned goat milk by the evaporated milk
2 tbsp. plain yogurt (not low or non fat) Plain Greek Yogurt is best.
2 tbsp. mayonnaise (real not light or No-Fat)
1 tbs. Karo Syrup (light)
1 pkg. Knox unflavored gelatin
1 egg yolk (beaten)
1 cup Pedialyte (unflavored)
1- 2 jars Stage One Baby food (chicken or turkey)
1 can Kitten food, same flavor as baby food

INSTRUCTIONS:
Mix milk, yogurt, mayonnaise, baby food, kitten food and syrup together well. Bring 1 cup pedialyte to boil and mix in Knox gelatin. Set aside. Mix egg yolk with small amount of milk mixture and beat well.

Add gelatin and pedialyte mix to milk mixture and beat well. Add in egg yolk mixture and beat well. Remember to not use egg substitute and keep egg white to a minimum.

Pour into bowl (with cover) and set in refrigerator. Glop will last for two weeks covered in refrigerator. Try freezing the mixture in ice cube trays and store the cubes in the freezer. Thaw as many as needed.
Always warm glop to room temperature ,(milk form), or a little warmer, before feeding.