tigger12 Posted February 3, 2009 Posted February 3, 2009 What the title says: When did your cat begin to show signs of old age? Did/do you do anything to prepare them/accommodate them for this time?
Hope75 Posted February 3, 2009 Posted February 3, 2009 My kitty turned 13 this past August and is just showing a few signs of aging, slightly less active, sleeps more, his eyes are a bit cloudier than they used to be. Otherwise he's still spry for his age. I had his 'senior wellness' exam in November and had a blood panel checked for any kidney problems, thyroid, liver problems, diabetes or infections. Senior pets often have dental problems which lead to systemic infections so I had his teeth examined too to see if he needed a dental (he doesn't yet). Everything came back normal. He's on a senior diet, and had plenty of soft places to sleep (mostly with me!) Other than that, it's life as usual and we'll take it as it comes.
thejigsup Posted February 3, 2009 Posted February 3, 2009 My oldest cat is close to 11-years-old and he really isn't slowing down at all! He has a few grey muzzle hairs, but not many. He seems very healthy and happy and that makes me happy!
livinginsbi Posted February 3, 2009 Posted February 3, 2009 my kitty was about 14 when she left us... she started slowing down about 1.5 years before that
BellaDonna Posted February 5, 2009 Posted February 5, 2009 I had a cat that lived to be 20- she started showing signs of aging at about 12 years or so- she could not jump as high as she used to, and slept a little more. She was a torti so I never really noticed her fur change color- there was some grey underneath I suppose. But by age 18 it was definitely less shiny and that's when she starting to thin out more as well. I miss her.
foreverzero9 Posted February 5, 2009 Posted February 5, 2009 strangely when our other cat died of old age. She settled down, didn't run around as much and became so much more a lounger.
thejigsup Posted February 5, 2009 Posted February 5, 2009 My bf's cat lived to be 21! He only slowed down the last year or so. Even up to the age of 20, he was still running around, eating like a horse, and jumping up on everything. He did slow down after that and I'm waiting for my oldest cat to show some signs, but except for the grey muzzle I mentioned before, there are no signs. Just enjoy them while they are here. Cats are the best creatures on earth!
tigger12 Posted February 6, 2009 Author Posted February 6, 2009 Thanks for all the replies. I was just curious about this as my cat gets older. thejigisup, I agree! I love cats. I always joke with my friends that while I'm unsure what I want to do in my life and career or where I will be at X point in the future, I know for certain I always want to have a cat. I just find them relaxing and joyful to be around; they are so fascinating!
Hope75 Posted February 6, 2009 Posted February 6, 2009 My ex and I inherited his grandmother's cat and he lived to be 22 years old. He was a cranky old guy who didn't really like anybody, but man, he was tough!
tigger12 Posted February 8, 2009 Author Posted February 8, 2009 Tigger, the best thing you can do as your kitty gets older (besides lots of love and comfort, of course) is to have her annual "senior wellness" lab work done. Is she an indoor kitty? It is the safest place for them. Yes, she's always been an indoor cat. Thanks for the advice about the lab work.
browneyedgirl36 Posted February 8, 2009 Posted February 8, 2009 Mine is 14 1/2, and she hasn't shown any signs at all, really. However, she has lung cancer, and though I haven't seen any real symptoms yet, I know I probably will, shortly. She was diagnosed almost a year ago, and it's actually pretty shocking that she's still alive. If I didn't know she was sick, I wouldn't be able to tell -- she still plays, runs, jumps, etc. Her organ functions are good, she looks good...she sleeps a lot, but she's done that for years. If I hadn't seen the x-rays with my own eyes, I would think the doctor was making up a story about the cancer.
thejigsup Posted February 8, 2009 Posted February 8, 2009 Have you had her rechecked? They may have mixed up the x-rays. One year into diagnosis and she's still going strong? You have to think something's up.
Hope75 Posted February 8, 2009 Posted February 8, 2009 Mine is 14 1/2, and she hasn't shown any signs at all, really. However, she has lung cancer, and though I haven't seen any real symptoms yet, I know I probably will, shortly. She was diagnosed almost a year ago, and it's actually pretty shocking that she's still alive. If I didn't know she was sick, I wouldn't be able to tell -- she still plays, runs, jumps, etc. Her organ functions are good, she looks good...she sleeps a lot, but she's done that for years. If I hadn't seen the x-rays with my own eyes, I would think the doctor was making up a story about the cancer. Did she actually have a biopsy of her lung? You cannot diagnose lung cancer with Xrays alone. Just curious- they usually don't do lung biopsies on animals, at least not where I worked as a vet tech.
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