very old cat

[herbie]

Hi hope someone can give me some advice my cat is 23 years old she sleeps a lot and has quite a good appertite and drinks lots of water however she has got VERY SKINNY in the last few months she demands lots of attention but when i came home yesterday she had poohed all ov er the place and it seemed to have a fair amount of blood in it and it was very runny shes not had different food and as she dosent go out she hasent picked up anything untoward from out side im a bit scared to take her to the vet in case he says time to let her go anyone out there with an old cat got any ideas?? Thanks a Lot Ann

[spaced]

Hi Herbie

Unfortunately my cat is not as old as yours, but 23 years old is a fantastic age for a cat. Personally I would take her to the vet. They know what they are doing and will best advise what to do. Blood in stool could be quite serious, then again could be piles or something less serious, so its best to get the vets to have a look and hopefully they will get it sorted for you, rather than leaving it.

Let us know how you get on

[Litchick]

I know you are scared to go to the vets, but it really is unfair to your cat to NOT go because you are afraid. Her quality of life is obviously suffering. Again, 23 is a wonderful age for a cat to live and I hate to say it but if is time, don't you want her to go peacefully without suffering?

[drgnrdr]

This has probably been going on for a couple of months, cats and dogs don't show weakness, if at all possible. She needs to be looked after, she has led a great life for this long give her some peace if needed, I had to put my 18 yr old down after he had troubles, I hurt but I knew his quality of life was diminished, and I was being selfish. You will need to decide, get them checked. Make an impression of her paw or print, this will give you something of her, in case....

[harper]

Hi

Drinking a lot of water and losing weight suggests diabetes which is treatable.My blood pressure goes sky high when our dog has to go to the vet,so I know how you feel.Take a deep breath and do it.Even if the vet says that it is time to let the animal go, it is your decision.If you are confident that the cat is in no pain and still has a good quality of life, be assertive and say no.You know your cat better than the vet.Animal medicine is very advanced these days.Avoid reading a book about animal diseases etc.Whenever I do, I am convinced I have got distemper etc.

Stop worrying and get your little cat to the vet.You'll both feel better ! Good luck.I shall be thinking about you.Please will you let us all know how you got on?

[andy-hughes]

Has to be good advice - taker her along so at least you know the score herbie.

She has lived to a fantastic age, but that's no reason why she can't go on a bit longer, if she has a treatable condition. Put your mind at rest.

[lizwizz]

Herbie, I had exactly the same with my 18 year old cat only yesterday (see post below) I was certain the vet would suggest that I had him put down, but he didn't! He gave him an antibiotic injection and I've got to take him back tomorrow. So eve at your cat's grand old age, it still may be treatable. Even if it isn't, you owe it to him to not let him suffer. He deserves nothing less and sooner or later, we are both going to have to let go.

[herbie]

Thank you all i new i had to take her i just needed a push.We went to vets today (we was both a bit scared)and GOOD NEWS all she is suffering from is old age her hearts strong for her age and she still has a reasonable quality off lfe Thanks

ps dont know if this is the right way to reply im pretty new to this thanks again

[Schlomo78]

Hi Herbie,just a quick question-you say your cat has got very skinny in the last few months, did your vet check her for hyperthyroidism? My boyfs cat was 18 and got very skinny,she was eating a lot though and we couldnt understand it until someone called the RSPCA thinking we were mistreating her. The inspector said it was very very common in older cats so we had her tested and she did indeed have it. The vet put her on tablets to take every day which she took great delight in spitting out the moment our backs were turned!