Questions about my aging cat

All the experience I need for kittens and adult cats having a rescue group, but this is my first experience with owning cats from young age through senior years and I'm wondering some things.

I have another thread asking for advice/opinions on Krissy's allergy issue as you may have seen, she is the one I normally am concerned about, having her since maybe 4 hours after she was born, which makes he my baby and very precious to me. She is chubby, always has been, and recently I had her checked out incl. a blood test which shows she has some kind of allergic thing going on as her eos WBC are quite high.

Krissy is almost 12.

Well I have 2 cats, about the same age, or so I thought. Simone I rescued off an Island where I feed homeless cats. I had seen her for a good couple years before I had the chance to get her, she would only come around now and then.

As soon as I did I knew she was once owned, just scared of people due to lack of exposure from anything but outdoor only life.

I took her straight to the vet, where we examined her over, tested, etc. and determined she was maybe somewhere between 3-6 years old. Her teeth were really clean and white though. So I have always thought that my 2 girls were around the same age.

Simone was a survivor! You could feel the muscle in her thighs, she wouldn't allow any other cats around our home, she was tough! Makes me laugh now.

I remember moving into my current house 7 years ago, and watching Simone be able to jump up on top of the lattice topping part of the backyard from the grass. It was incredible, you'd have to see it to believe it. Who knew any cat could jump so high!!

Anyway, several months ago I was asking here for advice on what a great brush was for her, as she seems to be getting matted alot, never had this problem before with her. I brush her but not often enough, well, like I said, she kept her fur beautifully groomed and knot/matt free for the most part.

Then lately she has went to hop up onto this small table I have next to my computer for the mouse and elbow rest type thing, and she missed.

She misses all the time now.

Which (finally) gets to my point for this thread. The past couple of days it has hit me.

Simone must be aging, she may very well be older than 12, even 14 or 15, who knows....but I have never had cats who aged into senior years, and I'm wondering, is this how it goes?

Does it sound normal? Or is it not the normal aging process for cats to get like this?

She is obviously not caring for her fur as she used to, I catch her grooming occasionally, but it must have cut waaay down. Everything else seems fine, I know she sleeps alot, but still not as much as Krissy does.

I'd really appreciate any comments or input from those of you out there who have gone through the aging process of cats to give me your opinions.

Simone

Hi..well first I want to say she is a beautiful girl!

Yes, they don't jump as high as they used to.  I look at aging humans and cats are no different.  They start to catterwall at night or really any time.  I have Angel who is probably 14.  I think she is going deaf and she has started that behavior.

This age is also the time that some issues raise their head.  Diabetes, kidney problems, thyroid issues.  Would do her good to get another blood panel, a senior panel that would show any problems.  Best to catch early.

You could make it easier for her to reach her favorite spots.  I have heated disks that my older kitties like.  You heat them in the microwave.

Just treat her as you would an elderly friend, with gentleness and kindness, which I can tell you have in abundance.  Cats do slow down in grooming as they age.  Mats do become a problem.

Make your house "old kitty friendly".  I hope she has a long time with you yet.

Thank you. I just adore my girls, so naturally I want to do everything possible to see that they remain healthy and live for many years to come.

Krissy is the one who had the basic bloodwork done, but now I think it's Simone's turn.

I'm even thinking of having the more extensive one done, since now I regret not doing so for Krissy's, since I am still questioning her behavior.

The mats are such a pain! I suppose  beautiful comes with a price too

I have a 16 1/2 year old male manx breed cat. He can still run and jump. The only place he really had to jump was to the top of the bed where he sleeps at night with us. The bed isn't very high for a young cat to reach via jumping. It's right at 30" from the ground to the top. As cats age and since arthritis might be in his future, I figured jumping on and off the bed would eventually take it's toll on his joints. So at 10 years of age, I thought I would try to stop him from jumping on and off the bed.

I searched on the internet for "pet stairs" and "pet steps". I ran across some cat steps and these cat steps come in different step configurations. Since our bed is 30" in height from the ground, I bought him a "6 step model" at the link below. Once on the page, you can click on the thumbnail photo and enlarge it. The stairs are made out of "memory foam". It has a nice "durable" zippered cover which feels like suede and is washable too. That was 6 1/2 years ago. Most people say the price is expensive, but to save my cat's joints, I didn't mind the cost because he's priceless to me and back then it was $119.99 and today, the price for this model is ($139.95).

http://www.luckycatfurniture.com/lipetstsmdo.html

He immediately took to using the steps the very first day I unwrapped it when it arrived at my home via UPS. The steps are located at the foot of the bed length wise on the floor alongside the bed. Think of a cedar chest at the foot of the bed and you'll get the idea how it's placed. In my opinion, I think these steps have prevented the wear and tear on his joints these past 6 1/2 years and has allowed my cat to live a very long and pain free life joint wise while keeping the onset of arthritis at bay (for now).

As for brushing, my cat is classified as a "medium hair" by my vet, but he I think he's between a short hair and a medium hair. I brush him in the morning and in the evening every day. Brushing only takes a few minutes since he's not a long haired cat. This prevents hairballs. My cat has never been a groomer licking his fur. He usually licks his fur before he goes to sleep and only does it for about 3 minutes of time. He rarely licks his fur during the day.

What about a joint supplement?  I prefer Adequan injections, but even Cosequin is a start.

Simone is quite lovely ...

While I think age can play a big factor in the agility level of a cat, so too will a lack of activity. 

Max, my big male is coming 10 this year and he has slowed down some in his activity which used to involve climbing our huge, mature white spruce trees in the front of our property. He hasn't done this in some time, and while he is still quite capable of climbing things, like a vertical 9 foot, floor to ceiling carpeted panel that we have in one room, sometimes he will miss his shot in getting up on the counter which is much lower, and onto our fridge where he loves to nap sometimes. Barring issues with arthritis as the result of old age or previous injuries, I think most often this is a case of cats becoming sedentary and getting out of condition which can bring on early problems from lack of condition due to being inactive.

As you say you don't know how old Simone is for certain, it could very well be that she is experiencing some arthritis as the result of age or previous injuries. She does look like a very strong, capable cat however, and may just need some help in being more active, or with the addition of some supplements. If she is experiencing the onset of arthristis, there are holistic solutions such Devil's Claw, Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM which can help her to better weather pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.

I have looked into an Armarkat cat tree that is about six feet tall, as I want to see if I can encourage Max to use this. I want Max to be as agile and mobile for as long as he can be. If this sort of activity proves to be too much, then I will have my answer and think about making our home more senior kitty friendly, but I am really hoping that Max is not ready for the rocking chair just yet.

I think it is really important to determine the cause of a lack of mobility first before embarking on how to address it. See if a cat is truly arthritic or just out of condition.

@peaches08, and @oneandahalfcats,  how would I know if either one has arthritic pain? As you said, it can very well be the simple fact that, after I rescued Simone, she seemed to 'had enough' of the outdoor life, and pretty much would rather not go out.

When I say outside, I mean both girls have daily access to my backyard, trees and plants, grass, birds, etc but Krissy is too chubby to get out of the yard (thankfully since she is NOT street wise at all, raised by me, loves bye-bye rides in the car and has zero fear of them) and Simone won't leave the yard.

The lattice I described that she used to hop on top of, closes in half of the yard, like an......mmmmm can't think of the word....closed in planted area with misters...haha ok whatever, oh I'm gettin old....anyway this prevents easy access to the rest of the world, keeping Krissy safe.

Both girls seem bored, sleep too much,  but how in the world will I know if one or both need supplements?

I wish they would go outside more, other than an occasional morning stroll, go out for a leisurely pee, and that's that.

The bed I have is high, headboard AND footboard, but Simone has no trouble getting on it, I hear her half way up use her claws to grab herself, and know that is how Krissy gets up.

I wonder if it might be a good idea to get full blood panel done?

I am also familiar with feeling a cat's neck and down their spine to feel for muscle loss, and Simone feels like she always has.

She's so darn pretty when she looks up at me (she just did this) with her big baby blue eyes and her pinkish red lips saying a girly meow

Her missing her target that she used to meet easily says arthritis to me. Your vet can tell you for sure. Xrays will tell definitively, but it's up to you to decide if that cost is worth it.

Blood work is always a great idea, but it isn't going to tell you anything as far as arthritis. But it will tell you diabetes, kidney function, etc.

catwoman707 said:

 
@peaches08, and @oneandahalfcats,  how would I know if either one has arthritic pain? As you said, it can very well be the simple fact that, after I rescued Simone, she seemed to 'had enough' of the outdoor life, and pretty much would rather not go out.

When I say outside, I mean both girls have daily access to my backyard, trees and plants, grass, birds, etc but Krissy is too chubby to get out of the yard (thankfully since she is NOT street wise at all, raised by me, loves bye-bye rides in the car and has zero fear of them) and Simone won't leave the yard.

The lattice I described that she used to hop on top of, closes in half of the yard, like an......mmmmm can't think of the word....closed in planted area with misters...haha ok whatever, oh I'm gettin old....anyway this prevents easy access to the rest of the world, keeping Krissy safe.

Both girls seem bored, sleep too much,  but how in the world will I know if one or both need supplements?

I wish they would go outside more, other than an occasional morning stroll, go out for a leisurely pee, and that's that.

The bed I have is high, headboard AND footboard, but Simone has no trouble getting on it, I hear her half way up use her claws to grab herself, and know that is how Krissy gets up.

I wonder if it might be a good idea to get full blood panel done?

I am also familiar with feeling a cat's neck and down their spine to feel for muscle loss, and Simone feels like she always has.

She's so darn pretty when she looks up at me (she just did this) with her big baby blue eyes and her pinkish red lips saying a girly meow

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That is a perfectly good question Catwoman! .. It could be difficult to know. I hate to say it but I think the answer to why cats stop being active might lie in our over-protectiveness or daily habits of needing/wanting cats to be more inside where we know they are safe. I know I am guilty of this. If the available stimulus is less than what they get outside, I think this can lead to boredom. But I don't think this is the end of the world either, but just requires some effort to get cats back to being curious which leads to being more active.

As for determining arthritis, here is a list of some of the typical indications. Many have to do with mobility, which doesn't seem to be the case with Krissy and Simone. I am more inclined to think that weight may be a contributing factor, which can put stress on joints and hinder movement.

• Some cats may become anxious and restless.
• Some cats have difficulty finding a comfortable place to rest or a comfortable position in which to sleep.
• Some cats become irritable and begin to avoid contact with family members.
• Other cats become more social, seeking out more interaction with family members.
• Cats with arthritis may be painful when handled.
• Arthritic cats may have difficulty accessing the litter box and may urinate or defecate outside of the litter box.
• Some cats with arthritis will stop grooming themselves, resulting in an unkempt hair coat.
• The pain resulting from arthritis may cause a decreased appetite for some cats. This in turn may result in weight loss.
• Lameness may be present but is often difficult or even impossible to notice. Some cats become quite good at hiding the symptoms of their pain.

oneandahalfcats said:

That is a perfectly good question Catwoman! .. It could be difficult to know. I hate to say it but I think the answer to why cats stop being active might lie in our over-protectiveness or daily habits of needing/wanting cats to be more inside where we know they are safe. I know I am guilty of this. If the available stimulus is less than what they get outside, I think this can lead to boredom. But I don't think this is the end of the world either, but just requires some effort to get cats back to being curious which leads to being more active.

As for determining arthritis, here is a list of some of the typical indications. Many have to do with mobility, which doesn't seem to be the case with Krissy and Simone. I am more inclined to think that weight may be a contributing factor, which can put stress on joints and hinder movement.

• Some cats may become anxious and restless.
• Some cats have difficulty finding a comfortable place to rest or a comfortable position in which to sleep.
• Some cats become irritable and begin to avoid contact with family members.
• Other cats become more social, seeking out more interaction with family members.
• Cats with arthritis may be painful when handled.
• Arthritic cats may have difficulty accessing the litter box and may urinate or defecate outside of the litter box.
• Some cats with arthritis will stop grooming themselves, resulting in an unkempt hair coat.
• The pain resulting from arthritis may cause a decreased appetite for some cats. This in turn may result in weight loss.
• Lameness may be present but is often difficult or even impossible to notice. Some cats become quite good at hiding the symptoms of their pain.

Click to expand...

Unfortunately those are late signs of arthritis. It's harder to make animals exhibiting these signs comfortable.

peaches08 said:

Her missing her target that she used to meet easily says arthritis to me. Your vet can tell you for sure. Xrays will tell definitively, but it's up to you to decide if that cost is worth it.

Blood work is always a great idea, but it isn't going to tell you anything as far as arthritis. But it will tell you diabetes, kidney function, etc.

Click to expand...

I agree it is a possible effect, although as @oneandahalfcats  mentions, it can also be due to simply becoming a lounger and losing her muscle tone she once had.

It would be well worth at least one xray pic, $50.00 for one. This is doable.

I realize the arthritis will not show from bloodwork but thinking this is a good thing at her age anyway. Just to see....

oneandahalfcats said:

 
That is a perfectly good question Catwoman! .. It could be difficult to know. I hate to say it but I think the answer to why cats stop being active might lie in our over-protectiveness or daily habits of needing/wanting cats to be more inside where we know they are safe. I know I am guilty of this. If the available stimulus is less than what they get outside, I think this can lead to boredom. But I don't think this is the end of the world either, but just requires some effort to get cats back to being curious which leads to being more active.

As for determining arthritis, here is a list of some of the typical indications. Many have to do with mobility, which doesn't seem to be the case with Krissy and Simone. I am more inclined to think that weight may be a contributing factor, which can put stress on joints and hinder movement.

• Some cats may become anxious and restless.
• Some cats have difficulty finding a comfortable place to rest or a comfortable position in which to sleep.
• Some cats become irritable and begin to avoid contact with family members.
• Other cats become more social, seeking out more interaction with family members.
• Cats with arthritis may be painful when handled.
• Arthritic cats may have difficulty accessing the litter box and may urinate or defecate outside of the litter box.
• Some cats with arthritis will stop grooming themselves, resulting in an unkempt hair coat.
• The pain resulting from arthritis may cause a decreased appetite for some cats. This in turn may result in weight loss.
• Lameness may be present but is often difficult or even impossible to notice. Some cats become quite good at hiding the symptoms of their pain.

Click to expand...

I'm certain that Krissy being overweight causes her lack of mobility, I'm convinced after all these years that she is one of the 'genetically predisposed' fatttycats. She has always been chunky. From a young age, not a big appetite either.

From the list of signs, most do not apply. They sure don't have any problem getting in a comfy position for naps, sleep too much, Krissy has become alot bitchier over the years, yells at you if you pick her up, but during the night when she is sleepy/sleeping next to me, I hug her, rub her paws, kiss her lots, and she is a big purr bunny.

They both have never, not even once NOT used their box. (I'm so grateful for that)

Simone is not grooming as she used to, why there are mats for me to deal with now. Neither have a decreased appetite.

I have a 14 & 1/2 year old and yes she started out with the symptoms you are describing, she couldn't jump on the couch, on the bed or anything without help.  I now have her on tramadol for pain as well as homeopathic and natural medicines to help combat her arthritis.  She does pretty good, she too has gotten really grumpy in her old age.  She was grumping quite a bit before we started treating her arthritis.  She still will grump just not as bad or as often.

peaches08 said:

Unfortunately those are late signs of arthritis. It's harder to make animals exhibiting these signs comfortable.

Click to expand...

How would you make the determination between early and late when problems with mobility are often the first sign?

oneandahalfcats said:

How would you make the determination between early and late when problems with mobility are often the first sign?

Click to expand...

Problems with mobility, such as missing targets are early signs of arthritis. Loss of range of motion can be an early sign. Pain is not always an early sign of arthritis. Actually, it tends to be a late sign (excluding RA).

catwoman707 said:

 
I'm certain that Krissy being overweight causes her lack of mobility, I'm convinced after all these years that she is one of the 'genetically predisposed' fatttycats. She has always been chunky. From a young age, not a big appetite either.

From the list of signs, most do not apply. They sure don't have any problem getting in a comfy position for naps, sleep too much, Krissy has become alot bitchier over the years, yells at you if you pick her up, but during the night when she is sleepy/sleeping next to me, I hug her, rub her paws, kiss her lots, and she is a big purr bunny.

They both have never, not even once NOT used their box. (I'm so grateful for that)

Simone is not grooming as she used to, why there are mats for me to deal with now. Neither have a decreased appetite.

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This is very good

As I mentioned, I think a lot of issues can stem from misuse, lack of use which put animals in an early position for all kinds of illnesses. I think with some help they can remain fairly active.

I was outside just now getting some fresh air after doing a bit of work, and both Thomas and Max joined me. It is winter here as mentioned before, but warm today with bright sunshine. I compost in the winter as well as summer, and had a trip to make to the compost heap with is about 50 feet from the house. Max saw me walk towards the compost area and decided to follow me. I looked back and saw him falling through the snow all the way but he was determined. It was hilarious, but good exercise for him. He sure needs it as its been a loooong winter here!  

I used to have an marmalade persian who was forever getting matted despite the grooming I would do. Poor thing. Simone does look pretty good in that picture. You wouldn't know it that the grooming has slowed down.

Well, from more observations over the past week or so, there has been a couple of incidents that point directly to arthritis.

The first one being, the other night when it was bedtime, I picked Simone up from the living room and carried her to the bedroom and put her down in front of her treats, a nightly ritual. As I set her down, her back foot had a nail just slightly stuck in my nightgown, just enough to where it was the last slightly delayed part of her to be set down, and rather than have her stability from her other leg on the ground first, it sort of caused her back end to go down as if weak.

Then yesterday, I was playing Gin with my mom (kicking butt btw haha, Simone came up to me and meowed so I picked her up, and when I put her up against me her back legs were sort of folded against me rather than together side by side like normal pick ups or holding, and she made a funny chattering and cry and immediately wanted down. I could tell it hurt her.

Sooo....obviously a vet visit is due.

Just wondering what is next, what types of meds there are, pros and cons, etc. 

I only know of Rimadyl and Deramax for my former Great Dane. 

Costs of meds?

Thanks. I know she will be on whatever the rest of her life. That's okay, just hopefully it's not over the top expensive like Deramax was for my big dog, like back then, $1.50 a pill, 2 pills a day........eek.

Cosequin and Dasequin are good for cats with beginning arthritis, and both of those can be purchased on Amazon.  You just sprinkle them on their food.  Also, Krill Oil is good if you want to go the natural route.  Otherwise, I'm not sure about prescription painkillers, although I'm sure someone will pop in with that information.

mrsgreenjeens said:

 
Cosequin and Dasequin are good for cats with beginning arthritis, and both of those can be purchased on Amazon.  You just sprinkle them on their food.  Also, Krill Oil is good if you want to go the natural route.  Otherwise, I'm not sure about prescription painkillers, although I'm sure someone will pop in with that information.

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I was just reading about cosequin, for further damage it might be a good thing for her. I see it can be given along with pain meds too, which she is going to likely need soon.