My old man cat is scaring me
By NJ Chicaa
@NJChicaa (115995)
United States
September 23, 2017 7:22pm CST
He is almost 15 years old. I've had him since he was 4 weeks old and I had to feed him from a bottle. He has my heart in his furry paws. I just love him so.
Anyway, he's been slowing down over the past couple of years. He no longer wanders the neighborhood. He can't jump over the fence any longer. He can't even jump up on the counter any more. I haven't been upset about these changes.
Lately, though, I've noticed things that are upsetting me. His fur is getting matted. I've been trying to brush it as often as he will let me, but it is still not in great condition. He also has lost weight. When I pet him, I can feel his spine and ribs. Not cool. He also is sleeping even MORE than before which I didn't think was possible.
I need to try to get him into the vet next week. I don't know if it is hyperthyroidism (which all senior cats eventually develop), diabetes, or just old age. I just know that I don't like the changes that I've noticed in my beloved old man.
**Picture was taken several years ago**
5 people like this
5 responses
@Happy2BeMe (99399)
• Canada
24 Sep 17
It is difficult and heartbreaking watching them get older.
1 person likes this
@NJChicaa (115995)
• United States
27 Sep 17
@Happy2BeMe He is cranky and skinny. no change.
1 person likes this
@teamfreak16 (43421)
• Denver, Colorado
24 Sep 17
Hopefully it's not something serious.
1 person likes this
@NJChicaa (115995)
• United States
24 Sep 17
@teamfreak16 no. I assume she went off to pass. I miss her. She was the only normal cat in the house.
1 person likes this
@teamfreak16 (43421)
• Denver, Colorado
24 Sep 17
@NJChicaa - She never came back? I'm sorry.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
24 Sep 17
Sounds like the same thing my elderly cat is going through. She lays in the sun all day. Only comes inside to eat and drink then is back outside again. She is getting thin too. I try to give her as much protein as I can. Have been cooking chicken for her and adding that to her daily diet.
Sadly, I am going to have her put down in November. She has lived 15 years and I don't want to see her decline any further. It breaks my heart to even think of having to do it though.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
24 Sep 17
@NJChicaa the old lady won't use a litter box. She gets nervous and poops anywhere.
1 person likes this
@ricki_911 (21625)
• Toronto, Ontario
24 Sep 17
This sound like average older changes. Try feeding high calories food or kitten food. Wont hurt him as hes lost a significant amount. My rabbit is 12 so i feed him baby food with high fat with loads of treats.
1 person likes this
@ricki_911 (21625)
• Toronto, Ontario
24 Sep 17
@NJChicaa is it adult or kitten? With his age it wouldnt hurt him to feed kitten as it was more nutrients and caloriea.
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@dgobucks226 (34365)
•
24 Sep 17
Yes, those conditions are not abnormal for a cat that age. It is a wise idea to get him to the vet for a checkup and treatment if necessary. I'm sure the conditions you mentioned are quite possible for his sleeping more.
1 person likes this
@NJChicaa (115995)
• United States
24 Sep 17
@dgobucks226 This guy is my baby boy. I've had him longer than my husband! 
1 person likes this
