19 year old... dying?

My 19 year old cat started acting strange this past Monday. He wet himself which he's never done before and he hadn't been eating as much for about a week. He had also been vomiting bile. And he just can't seem to get enough water. I took him to the vet and the ultrasound showed no cancer or anything of concern in his abdomen. The bloodwork came back normal. He was given fluids, an apetite stimulant, and something to ease the stomach. He had seemed fine until last night. He stopped eating completely, has diarrhea, and started vomiting bile again. He usually always lays on the heater but since this morning, he's been laying in the bathtub, behind the toilet, or on cold tile floor. About an hour ago, I notice some clotted blood in his diarrhea. He's a little wobbly when he walks but, he still seems to be getting around fine. He seems a little confused, but I haven't noticed any signs of pain. I had assumed since all his organs were working find, that it's not his time to go. But seeing him act so strangely makes me very nervous that he's going to die very soon. I plan on taking him to the vet in the morning, but I just wanted to see if I can get some advice for the time being. I love him as if he were my child so this is very tough for me. Thank you in advance for any replies.

I'm sorry you're going through this, but taking him to the vet is the best thing you can do for him.

If he is choosing cold surfaces over warm ones, he is either running a fever and he is trying to cool his body off, or he is in pain and the coldness is easing it for him. Cats are masters at hiding their pain so don't let outward appearances fool you. What to do in the mean time? Let him stay where ever he is most comfortable and see if you can tempt him with water to stay hydrated. Sometimes throwing an ice cube in a water bowl will draw them to a bowl. If he likes water out of a tap, run a faucet for him.

Please let us know what the vet says tomorrow. That is really your best course right now.

Yep- I agree. Go to the vet. But when you get to the vet don't get your hopes up- I always say pray for the best, but expect the worst... Sounds harsh, but it's the reality of the situation. He sounds quite sick to me.

19 years old. I can understand, I lost a cat at 22. We do love them so very much.

Please know you and your kitty are in my thoughts.

I just got home from the vet. He's being hospitalized with severe pancreatitis. Apparently they missed it on the ultrasound last week. She said he's very sick and is in a lot of pain. She gave him a 50/50 chance of pulling though. Thank you everyone for your responses. Please keep my kitty (Potpourri) in your prayers. I've had him since he was a kitten when I was 7 years old. I know he's 19 and has lived a long, loved life, but I love him too much to just give up. So I'm hoping he can make it through this.

Prayers for him.
It is hard having a old cat.
I know because I have a almost 18 year old cat that has CRF and other problems.

Originally Posted by frost1375

I just got home from the vet. He's being hospitalized with severe pancreatitis. Apparently they missed it on the ultrasound last week. She said he's very sick and is in a lot of pain. She gave him a 50/50 chance of pulling though. Thank you everyone for your responses. Please keep my kitty (Potpourri) in your prayers. I've had him since he was a kitten when I was 7 years old. I know he's 19 and has lived a long, loved life, but I love him too much to just give up. So I'm hoping he can make it through this.

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I hope he can make it.

prayers for you both - Potpourri and you have shared so many years of love.

I will keep your dear kitty Potpourri in my prayers, and you too! I know how scary, stressful and difficult a time like this. I lost my first and oldest kitty Tigger in December; she was 17 yrs old (had kidney failure), I adopted her when she was 2 months old, she was with me through thick and thin, she was the smartest cat and we had a bond like no other.

Please let us know how your precious kitty is doing.

I'm so sorry about your kitty. I lost my 19-year-old Annie a few years ago, and I understand exactly how you're feeling. I am hoping your kitty is pulling through this.

Thank you all for your care and responses. I just wanted to let you know that my kitty passed away early this morning at the hospital. I've been a wreck all day. I got him as a kitten when I was 7 years old and we grew up together. I've had a wonderful 19 years with him and they were the best. He put me to sleep every night by sitting on my chest and purring like a chainsaw. Bedtime will never be the same without him. I will truly miss him every day of my life. He was my best friend.

I am so very sorry to hear this news. He is no longer suffering, and he will always be watching over you. I wish you the best, and send you lots of hugs and positive energy tp get you through this difficult time.

ohhh, I'm so sorry to hear that. We had a cat I grew up with from my birth, and she died at 21. I know how hard that is. Take comfort in the fact that he is at last painfree now. Praying for your comfort.

With deepest condolences to Frost and respect for her kitty, we will close this thread.

Please post a tribute to your companion, friend, and bed-time-buddy in the Rainbow Bridge forum.