LoveToKnow Cats:AllComments

From LoveToKnow Cats

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Hi Lisa,

It does sound like it is likely something neurological, which could be caused by a stroke, seizures, etc. It is really difficult and expensive to diagnose in felines. The vet would likely have to do a CAT or MRI type scan and some extensive testing. Given her advanced age, the vet likely won't recommend that type of testing. It will cost you a lot of money and there probably isn't a lot they can do to help her.

I realize that probably isn't the answer you wanted and I'm so sorry that your cat is ailing. I have a wonderful old dog that is going through some similar issues right now. She has been having seizures, is wobbly and now has lost her appetite. It is very hard to see our babies go through this.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

I have an ancient cat - 22 - and she recently became disorientated and very wobbly on her feet. She walks around aimlessly and falls down often. I've taken her to the vet and they performed a number of test which revealed nothing to attribute the disorientation. Is it possible that she may have suffered a stroke of some sorts? If so, how would this be diagnosed?

-- Contributed by: Lisa

Hi Nita,

Of course, you have to make the decision that you think is best for your family and your cat. If it were me? I would take my cat with me. You've been together for 13 years, after all, and a change in ownership would likely be more traumatic for her than a move. While there are some health concerns with transporting pets in cargo areas, you may be able to find either an airline or special transportation service that will ship her to China in a different manner.

The change in location really shouldn't impact her asthma, although you may have to keep an eye out for new allergens in a new area.

I would phone the airlines and discuss how they transport pets and what your options might be. Then, I would phone my vet and ask him about any special preparations you might need to make (such as vaccinations or the best way to transport her). Then, I would phone my friend and thank her for her very kind offer but let her know that the vet and airline have helped arrange for her safe transport.

As I said, you have to make the final decision. This is just what I would do :) Hope it helps.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

My cat is 13 years old. We are planning to take her with us when we move from Germany to China. A friend offers to adopt my cat saying that such long travel will have an effect on her health. Furthermore my cat is also diagnosed with cat asthma. What shall I do?

-- Contributed by: Nita Jamal

Hi Mark,

At her age, any change in behavior like this can indicate illness. I just went through this with my cat that passed away. We thought it was so cute that she would eat ice cubes and suddenly liked my husband after loathing him for 16 years. Hindsight being 20/20, we now realize she was growing ill.

My advice would be to go ahead and take her to the vet and have some blood work drawn. He will be able to tell you if her organs are functioning properly or what might be going on. There may be some medications that will extend her life a bit.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

My cat is 18 yrs. old and I believe is becoming senile. She will moan when we leave the room or when she goes out she will then moan until we call her. She seems a litlle disoreinted sometimes and has become very vocal and loud from what she use to be. Is this a sign of senility. She has always been indoors and very healthy. She has not been to a vet since she was a kitten. Thank you for your comments.

-- Contributed by: Mark H.

Hi Wendy,

It's possible that she just learned to rely on you while her ears healed, but any time you notice a big change in overall behavior like this, it can be a sign of something else going on.

Just to be on the safe side, I would go ahead and take her back to the vet and ask for some blood panels. You're looking for anything going on with her organ function, thyroid and so on.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

Hi, I have a cat which I think is about 14 years, give or take. She recently had her ears trimmed because she got cancer on the ears. I kept her indoors for many weeks, until the ears healed, and since then, she won't leave my side. She has become incredibly affectionate, sleeps on the bed, wants to purr near me all the time, wants me to hold her, and generally follows me around like a puppy. Her ears healed more than 3 months ago, and this behavior seems to be getting more so, than less. Is it her, or is she detecting something in me, like an illness perhaps. I'm confused by this different, albeit loving, new cat that I'm living with. She was always incredibly independent, and would sometimes stray for weeks on end.

-- Contributed by: Wendy

Hi Sarra,

Thinning hair and fur loss is often a sign of an older cat with health issues. When the body is sick, it shows up in the fur.

The yellowing sounds like it may be the result of some type of renal failure. I would get her to the vet as quickly as possible. Sometimes, the vet can give your cat some steroids and other medications that can make her better and extend her life a bit. You might have another good year or two with her, for example. Without treatment, the damage may be irreparable.

Even if the vet can't make her well again, he or she can make your cat more comfortable.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

We have a cat that is approx 15 years old, I know that her behavior is indicative of an old cat reaching her end; however, I had a question concerning thinning of the fur on her ears as well as yellowing of her inner and outer ear and slight yellowing of her skin. Is this further indication that she is dying?

-- Contributed by: sarra

Hi Sherry,

Your cat may need some dental work. I don't think stress would be likely to cause her to lose teeth. I'd go ahead and take her to the vet for a checkup and to see if anything needs to be done to protect her remaining teeth, such as a cleaning.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

We got a puppy a year ago and the dog jumps on our 11 year old female cat wanting to play.We recently noticed our cat has some missing teeth on the left side of her mouth.She does not seem to be in any pain.Could this be a result of stress due to the new addition to our family?

-- Contributed by: Sherry

Hi Judy,

Look for a reply to your question at Ask the Cat Experts.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

"Sally" a beautiful 12 yearold black & white medium hair is some times acting like she has a headache. she will push her head against objects or the floor. she will hide her face in her front paws by layingon her belly & putting her paws over her head while she has it almost buried under her. tonight she has extra warm ear tips could she possibley have a fever? she is a spayed declawed total lady of a house cat.

-- Contributed by: Judy Metts
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