i need help.

i need help. My cat rusty is about 16 years old. His mom is 18 and still alive and healthy. Rusty has slept right next to my pillow every night since he was born. About 2 weeks ago it stopped. I didn't think much of it until I saw him walking through the house, barely. It isn't a limp, but more like hes forgotten how to walk right. He doesn't sit up right anymore and is having trouble laying down as well. I've checked him over several times for broken bones or scrapes. Nothing. He doesnt like being anywhere anymore besides in my brother's closet. He's an outside cat, but he's been reluctant to go outside and when he does he won't stay out very long, which isn't like him. Last night I picked him up and brought him to my room to see if he'd sleep there again. I noticed his eyes aren't as wide and vibrant as they used to look. They look empty. Like he's extremely spaced out. He's not himself. My mom won't take him to the vet because we don't have the money for it. I just want opinions. Could this behavior be from him getting hurt and should I be concerned? Or is this just old age hitting him before it hits his mom? I don't know what else to do, I just want my buddy back.

I am afraid there is no answer anyone can give you except that you must get him to a vet somehow. There could be so many things wrong, and judging by his age, it could be serious. Please try and persuade your mother to do all that is possible to get him seen. He is obviously very uncomfortable and probably in pain.

I'm so sorry you are faced with this. I know it's terrible to see a cat so ill.

Are you a dependent child (under 18) or an adult? Do you get an allowance, or have a job? Can you pay for the vet yourself? Rusty does need veterinary care and right away. I agree he is probably suffering.

Perhaps you can find some odd jobs to do, to pay your mother back, after you get Rusty to the vet.

Im 18 and I do have a job. That's what I planned but I dont have good pay, so I'm gonna have to save up a few weeks to take him.

He honestly doesnt seem to be suffering. He's still purring 24/7 like he always has. But I'm gonna save up my next few checks and take him somewhere to get looked at. I just didnt wanna pay someone to tell me he's getting old. But you're right, that's my baby and he might need help.

He may have had a stroke, or at his age maybe an injury jumping off the bed? Some places have funds for ppl who can't afford care for their cat, maybe try some?

He needs a vet now, not in a few weeks.  Talk to the vet and see if they will take installements. 

jessicalynnn said:

...He's an outside cat, but he's been reluctant to go outside and when he does he won't stay out very long...

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Welcome to the forum, jessicalynn!

I want to give you a "heads-up!" about that part of what you wrote.

Cats have a natural, built-in defense mechanism that kicks in when they are not feeling well. They are hard-wired to find a safe hiding place, because they feel vulnerable. I want to caution you that, if he continues to be allowed outside unsupervised, he may well do just that. I have read very sad stories from people to whom this has happened...the cat disappears, is never found or, worse, the body is found.

Now, you already have seen a demonstration of this with Rusty...here it is:

He doesnt like being anywhere anymore besides in my brother's closet

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It's NOT that he doesn't like being other places.....it's just that he feels SAFE in there.

The last thing you want is for him to disappear.

An idea for getting help sooner rather than later: In some places, there are local animal organizations that do assist in getting Veterinary care for animals in need. If you were to post your approximate location, e.g. "near Chicago", we may find that some member of the forum would be knowledgeable of the local resources there - I think it would be worth a try. (where I am, the local SPCA has a fund for just this purpose, and they are very kind and discreet when they receive inquiries about it) People who need to use this service will most often repay this kindness by donating back to the agency when they are able.

Near Detroit.

Check the local shelters some have cheaper vet care available. 

jessicalynn-

I just started a new thread in the "Cats S.O.S." forum....that's in the Ferals & Rescue section. You'll find it here: http://www.thecatsite.com/t/252129/...ea-any-orgs-providing-assistance-for-vet-care

YOU need to monitor that thread for replies.

In the meantime, you have homework. You need to read through the sticky thread here: http://www.thecatsite.com/t/155462/cant-afford-a-vet-please-read Many links with many ideas...if you have an old-fashion yellow pages phone book, you should find local animal welfare/rescue groups listed - those might not appear through the links in that thread.

Get yourself organized, get on the phone, keep records so you're not wasting time/going in circles. Remember to say that you have the ability to repay/to donate back.

...and, keep us updated.

Here is a link for people looking for help who can't afford a vet.  Maybe this will be of some assistance:

http://www.thecatsite.com/t/155462/cant-afford-a-vet-please-read

jessicalynnn said:

He's still purring 24/7 like he always has.

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Hi Jessica,

Cats don't purr only when they are happy, they also do when they are hurting or distressed. It seems to be a way to comfort themselves. So, I agree with everyone's advice to take your kitty to the vet as soon as you can. I hope you find a way to do so and that Rusty can be helped.

Our cat had a similar situation.  We think he fell off the sofa and bumped his back on the coffee table.  The vet put him on steroids and it cured him, although the steroids created another whole ball of worms - chronic rhinitis - so be sure to talk with the vet about all possible complications if this course of treatment is recommended to you when you do get him to a vet.  Good luck.