I have a cat who is 19 years old. She is an absolute sweetheart that I have had since she was a kitten. According to the vet, she is in perfect health. She's full of life, LOVES to eat, and play with our youngest cat (who is 7). However, we have a few problems with her.
First, when she grooms herself, she pulls out hunks of fur. As a result, it's everywhere. We can deal with this - we just vacuum more frequently.
Second, she vomits daily. It's not just that she vomits, but why and where. If she is irritated about something, she will throw up immediately - it almost seems to be done out of spite. Also, if she's upset with someone, she will vomit on their side of the bed on the comforter and occasionally on the pillow. There's rarely a day that goes by that we don't come home to vomit somewhere.
Finally, she pees EVERYWHERE there is carpet in the house, in addition to peeing in the litter pan. As I mentioned, we have other cats (3 total). I have read all the literature on multiple cat households, and have 3 litter pans. It doesn't help. I know she goes in the litter pan - I've seen her do it. I've tried all the behavioral tricks too and nothing works. I'm pretty sure our carpet is saturated at this point, but there is no point in changing the carpet while she is still alive. The best we can do is that we keep all of the cats confined to a carpetless room when we're gone, and this lessens some of the damage.
So here's my dilemma. I love this cat, but I don't know what to do. I feel incredibly guilty even considering putting her down (after all, she's 19), but this situation is absolutely ridiculous. With a young son's health to consider, it's a constant concern.
HELP!
First, when she grooms herself, she pulls out hunks of fur. As a result, it's everywhere. We can deal with this - we just vacuum more frequently.
Second, she vomits daily. It's not just that she vomits, but why and where. If she is irritated about something, she will throw up immediately - it almost seems to be done out of spite. Also, if she's upset with someone, she will vomit on their side of the bed on the comforter and occasionally on the pillow. There's rarely a day that goes by that we don't come home to vomit somewhere.
Finally, she pees EVERYWHERE there is carpet in the house, in addition to peeing in the litter pan. As I mentioned, we have other cats (3 total). I have read all the literature on multiple cat households, and have 3 litter pans. It doesn't help. I know she goes in the litter pan - I've seen her do it. I've tried all the behavioral tricks too and nothing works. I'm pretty sure our carpet is saturated at this point, but there is no point in changing the carpet while she is still alive. The best we can do is that we keep all of the cats confined to a carpetless room when we're gone, and this lessens some of the damage.
So here's my dilemma. I love this cat, but I don't know what to do. I feel incredibly guilty even considering putting her down (after all, she's 19), but this situation is absolutely ridiculous. With a young son's health to consider, it's a constant concern.
HELP!
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