What's the best way to care for sick old cat?
My cat is around 15 years old and showing signs of declining health. He has a heart murmur and abnormal thyroid hormone numbers. Other than that, he can still walk slowly up the stairs, eats and drinks normally. How can I prolong this cat's life so he is as healthy as possible?
User Comments
- well he is getting really old If I were you I would have him put down to put him out of his misery, I know its a hard thing to do but you dont want him to suffer so thats what I would do.
- You really should ask your vet if there is any special care that your cat needs at this time. Only he/she is qualified and knows your pets health conditions enough to comment on this. But other than that, continue to be attentive to his needs and provide him the love that you always have. Many well cared for cats live 18 and 20 years. Your old friend could be with you a long time yet.
Edit:
He said starting to show signs of declining health, not that the cat was not still having a good life. Aging isn't cause enough to have an animal put down. If the animal is suffering, that is the time to make a well informed decision with your vet about whether or not that is the best step to take.
- wow 15 is a great age, it sounds liek its time to go and he probally knows as well.
http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/aging....
That is a very good link, Im sorry to hear about you cat thats so sad, mine is turning 2 on July 7th. Time flies, what can you do...
anyways comfort isn't only important you need regular health check ups and a special diet.
- Is your cat being treated for the thryoid problem? If not, that's the first step I'd take. A hyperthyroid cat will look and feel awful without treatment--its body is working extra hard to maintain itself. Without treatment, hyperthyroid cats will often eat like crazy and then stop eating altogether. Because they aren't eating, they are burning their fat and muscle stores and may end up with liver problems. Their hearts beat faster and eventually, without treatment, the cat will die.
With treatment, hyperthyroid cats can improve (some are unable to take the medication due to side effects). In addition to medication, there is a treatment called radioiodine therapy. It has a 95% cure rate for hyperthyroidism. I've known of cats in their late teens who have received this injection and survived several more years with good quality of life.
If your cat is currently being treated for hyperthyroidism, I'd check with your vet to find out whether he's showing signs of kidney problems. If so, there are medications and supplements that can help him feel better, even though kidney failure can't be cured. If your kitty has arthritis, he may benefit from glucosamine supplements.
Regardless of your cat's medical condition, high quality canned food will likely help him long term by giving him the appropriate nutrients in a digestible form. In addition, canned food is about 70% or more water and will help support your cat's kidneys.
I would talk to your vet about the symptoms you are seeing and see if they have any additional suggestions to help prolong the health and comfort for your cat.
- Hi, I had a cat at nearly 17yrs just passed away (2nd july) I used to make sure she was lept warm, a hot water bottle wrapped under a towel or blanket is soothing for them, keep a heater on at night until bed time, but make sure your cat is enjoying a quality of life. Cats hide their pain very well, so if he seems miserable , even though still eating you will have to consider the best options for your friend, after all, they rely on you.
I wish you and your cat the best,
Jennifer.
- Many senior cats like warm blankets to lay on because it helps their aging joints. You can use an electric blanket (not set too high, and make sure to monitor it!) or even throw a small blanket into the dryer for a few minutes and then let your cat lay on it.
I understand you wanting to prolong your cat's healthy life. =) He's eating and drinking, he gets himself around, and acts like himself. That's the important thing. Please don't listen to the people telling you to put him down--it sounds like he still has some love left to give!
If he were my cat, I'd take him to the vet every 6-8 months for a full blood panel. This might seem like a lot, but you want to be sure everything is functioning correctly for him. Kidney failure is very, very common in housecats, especially older ones. [My girl has had chronic renal failure for over a year, and she's only 10.] Getting blood panels done will let you and your vet keep his kidney values, thyroid hormone numbers, oxygen levels, and etc in check.
Someday too soon you'll have to say goodbye, but you might have another three or four years left with him. I'm glad you want to keep him as long and healthy as possible. You don't need to put your kitty to sleep until he's in pain and isn't living a good life. You'll know when that time comes.
Best of luck to you and your boy from me and my girl. =)
- Give him lots of love & attention. Play with him but not to the point where he's panting. He's older; he needs his rest. Ask your vet for suggestions as well. It's good that he's still eating and drinking.
He could have arthritis as a lot of older animals do. Maybe help him up the stairs; don't let him walk up too much.
- I wouldnt recommen having it die naturally. When its kidneys go its going to be a nightmare, and its going to be suffering so mcuh itself. When it clearly no longer enjoys life you should have the vet put it to sleep. I would even go so far as to say Id prefer that method on myself, heh
But I wouldnt go as far as others here :P its still fine and its not time for it to go yet, so just be extra nice to him. My mother had a cat that was really old and sortof pathetic, yet it kept on for some 4 years! before it couldnt even walk anymore and was clearly time for it to go, so theres no tellign how much time hes got.
- In addition to vet care, as the others suggested, you can get lots of help and encouragement from joining a Yahoo Group. There are many to choose from, you can easily join in the discussions and learn more about your cat's condition and how to deal with it. There are groups specifically devoted to senior cats and to thyroid patients; most have a number of links to other sites. Please search through the groups and find one that can help you; they're easy to find. Good luck---you cat will benefit and so will you. I've joined two groups and they have been so helpful.
Go to www.groups.yahoo.com
Don't give up on your kitty---he just needs some extra care, now that he's older.
- I recently lost my 18 year old cat. Your cat will let you know when it's time. You have to be brave for him and be willing to do it when it comes time. There's not really any way to prolong his life, just make him happy. Towards the end I fed my cat canned food everyday. She loved her food. Just be grateful you had him for 15 years and realize that you can't replace him.
- Honestly, why would you want to? If your cat is suffering, which it seems it may be to a point, do the humain thing.
- That's a hard one. It will probably be time soon. Just make your cat a comfy bed somewhere in the corner. Sorry for your situation.
- Take the cat to the Vet. Get a care plan and any pills the cat may need and follow the Vets advice. Get prescription catfood thats easy on the kidneys. Spend as much quality time with your cat like Talking, petting, brush him and just be with him. Everyday is precious.Enjoy