Old cat, acting weird(er than usual)

[nixie_chase]

Hi, everyone. My cat, a thirteen year old female, has always been a bit insane. But lately, she's taken to living in the kitchen cupboards. We go to get a glass, and there she is! It's hilarious and all, except that she feels much warmer than usual, and seems rather limp and lethargic.

We brought her to the vet last year for the same reason (only that time she was hiding in the bathroom cupboards), and after that, she quit doing it. But the vet visit was disastrous; she is a vicious cat, and kept attacking everyone. They finally told us that they wouldn't be able to take any tests without putting her under, which my dad was unwilling to pay for. Thus, we have no idea exactly what's wrong with her.

Some other symptoms: she pukes a LOT. She always has, since she was a kitten, because she gorges herself and has long fur. But it's gotten worse these past few years. She is extremely thin, and gets angry when you pet or hold her wrong (like it hurts her). Her breath sometimes smells strange, kind of like fish food.

But here's the thing: one day, she acts like she's on her death bed, and the next day she's flying up the stairs like a cheetah, and brawls with the other cats. She's been in the kitchen cupboards for the past few days, and we've finally shut her out with masking tape. I don't know if this is just a funk she'll come out of, or if it's the real deal.

Oh, and she is purely indoor cat--her choice, not ours. She will NOT go outside.

[Traci]

thirteen year old

she feels much warmer than usual, and seems rather limp and lethargic.

she pukes a LOT. She always has, since she was a kitten, because she gorges herself and has long fur. But it's gotten worse

She is extremely thin, and gets angry when you pet or hold her wrong (like it hurts her). Her breath sometimes smells strange, kind of like fish food.

All of the above are RED FLAGS that your kitty needs to see a vet, IMMEDIATELY!

We brought her to the vet last year for the same reason

But the vet visit was disastrous; she is a vicious cat, and kept attacking everyone. They finally told us that they wouldn't be able to take any tests without putting her under, which my dad was unwilling to pay for. Thus, we have no idea exactly what's wrong with her.

So, you've let this go on for a year? I'm sure the vet also told you and your dad that a cat her age needs bloodwork yearly to detect hidden illnesses (or those developing), and bloodwork is the ONLY way to determine what exactly is wrong. Bloodwork is essential in cats, particularly any cat over the age of 7, and should be done every year. Had bloodwork been done earlier, the vet could have detected a health condition, and could have treated it effectively then, instead of the kitty suffering all this time because nothing was done for her.

Please, your kitty deserves better than this. Get her to a vet NOW, get bloodwork done, it is the ONLY way to diagnose health conditions, and all the symptoms you mention are SERIOUS symptoms, they could range from renal disease, to heart disease, to nearly anything else, you need to do right by your kitty and get her properly diagnosed so that she can be effectively treated. By waiting so long, the damage could already be great, she needs a vet NOW, and bloodwork NOW!

DO NOT WAIT on this, you owe to your kitty to get her to a vet IMMEDIATAELY and get the necessary testing/treatment...she's given you all 13 years of love and companionship, you need to show her the same kindness by getting her diagnosed and treated ASAP. I'm not talking about next week or next month, I'm talking about first thing tomorrow morning, get her seen by a vet!

[nixie_chase]

Actually, the vet never said anything about yearly blood tests. They really just wanted to get rid of us. And if it were up to me, the tests WOULD have been done at that time. At this point, my parents just want to put her to sleep, and I'm trying to protect her. I mean, I love my cat. That's kind of why I'm here.

Thanks for your advice...I'll pass it along to my family.

[mamabear]

I am glad you are trying to protect her. Get a new vet asap bring her there and demand a COMPLETE Geriatric checkup on her. Please tell your parents that just because she is 13 DOES NOT mean she needs to be euthanized. My girlfriend has a 21 year old that went to the vet and although a bit thin and ill she is on medicines that are helping her with her health issues. There is no need to euthanize unless it is determined that she is suffering even while giving the right medicine. Since she hasnt even had a checkup and blood work to determine there might be something wrong then euthanasia seems drastic.

Your vet is an idiot and you need another vet , if you can find a feline vet only that would be great. But another vet non the less. Call today please, speak with the receptionist and tell her your dilemma and that you would like the very first appt they have and if she can be seen today or tonight.

Good luck with this and with your parents.

[Traci]

I doubt the vet "wanted to get rid of us". He DID however, recommend bloodwork last year, and he would do the same TODAY, so, get it done!

No more waiting! Your kitty needs to see a vet RIGHT THIS MINUTE.

[MJ]

What especially concerns me about this is that I've found that cats often like to find a dark corner to hide in... A closet, a cupboard... When they're dying. They like to die in private.

Definitely vet now.

The cat may inevitably die without treatment, but that doesn't mean she would die WITH it... Putting her down should definitely be the last resort.

13 is only middle age, really. :P

Also, my family that have always let their cats outdoors also had a strange female cat once who wouldn't go outside ever for any reason. Kind of weird. :P

[nixie_chase]

What especially concerns me about this is that I've found that cats often like to find a dark corner to hide in... A closet, a cupboard... When they're dying. They like to die in private.

That's what worried me, too. My dog tried to go off and hide when he was very ill.

I doubt the vet "wanted to get rid of us". He DID however, recommend bloodwork last year, and he would do the same TODAY, so, get it done!

You don't have to believe me, but they were definitely not in the mood to deal with my angry cat. It was almost closing time. And it wasn't the vet, but his assitants who mainly dealt with us.

My dad is convinced that my cat is "healthier than all of us!" and is not interested in bringing her to the vet. I'll have to appeal to my brother. He's the only other person in the family with money...

I think I will take her to a different vet this time, mamabear. We've had too many bad experiences with our current clinic. But thank you for your kind, considerate replies, mama and MJ!

[Tambrey]

are you old enough to earn money by doing yardwork, babysitting or errands for handicapped or elderly people in your community?

Could you work something out with the vet to clean cages, etc in exchange for vet care for your kitty?

[nixie_chase]

I brought her in today, and the doctor figures she has an overactive thyroid. They'll call with the results tomorrow. She also has fleas, so I got some advantage for her, and for all of our cats.

Anywho, thank you all for replying!

[Tambrey]

thank you....please let us know results...a couple of us on here had thyroid issues so understand how those can be!!....there will be meds either way to get her thyroid back in balance, if that is what it turns out to be...and if not...keep searching...she deserves your help and care!!