Older Cat Behavior

Can a New Kitten Ease Grief

My cat of about 17 years has recently been acting very strange. Our family was very concerned and took her to the vet. They told us she has a growth under her tongue. We are all are very worried about her. She doesn't eat, but does drink large amounts of water. She rarely uses the litter box. Our vet had told us that we will have to put her to sleep soon.

We also have a younger cat that is very close to her. We are very worried about what might happen to him when we do put her to sleep. Will getting a new kitten help him through this as well as our family?

~~Kaitlin

Expert Reply

Hi Kaitlin,

I'm sorry to hear that your cat is ill. It sounds like the veterinarian is worried about cancer. It's hard to say how long she has, but it is worrisome that she is not using the litter box much and is drinking a lot.

I understand your concern about the younger cat, and he will likely be very sad. Cats grieve just as people do. However, I'm not sure that immediately introducing a new cat is a good idea. Bringing a new pet into the home is often very traumatic for existing pets. I would allow your younger cat time to adjust to the loss first, perhaps as long as six months or a year. Afterward, you can introduce a new kitten into the household.

While you will love a new kitten, and it will keep you busy, it really does not ease the grief over losing a pet. The only thing that will lessen that grief is time. It gets a little easier the longer it's been, and eventually you will be left with fond memories.

When you do feel that your family is ready for a new cat, be sure to come back and visit us, and we'll give you some tips for the best way to introduce a new cat into the house.

~~Lori

Older Cat's Behavior Has Changed

Our cat is 17 years old and has always been healthy, agile, and energetic. Three weeks ago, he was full of energy, very communicative, and had personality plus. Suddenly, his behavior and patterns have changed tremendously. He has lost all of the behaviors that were unique to him. He almost never meows now, does little besides rest in his bed or our laps, eat, get water and visit the litter box. He also seems to be moving in slow motion and he never looks completely comfortable or fully alert.

Can you tell me what may be going on? Has he had a stroke? Is he slowly dying? We're very concerned. It's like his energy and personality have been taken from him. He's living on a very basic level now: food, warmth and sleep, but no play and no other activity. We're stumped and very concerned. Thanks for your help!

~~Dave

Expert Reply

Hi Dave,

Any sudden change in behavior of this degree indicates a problem or potential illness. At his age, it could be any number of things from his body organs ceasing function (it's good that he is eating, drinking and using litter box) to aches and pains. Has there been a change in weather? It could be possible that he has arthritis, which animals suffer too, and is feeling a bit of pain.

I always tell pet owners to trust their instincts. You know this cat better than anyone. Since you are this concerned, I would definitely take him to the vet and describe his symptoms, as well as the extreme change in his behavior and how lethargic he now is. The vet will probably want to run some tests on him to rule out any major problems and may prescribe some medication.

I hope your cat feels better soon.

~~Lori