Senior Cat - Progressive symptoms - Advice needed

gemma adams

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Hi all.

I have a 11 year old cat called Vader who has never had any health problems. However at the beginning of the winter he started to behave strangely. Initially he would sleep under my bed a lot and when he'd come out to go downstairs to eat he would be crouched very low to the ground. He would move very slowly and wag his tail holding it low. Every now and again he would growl or hiss, which is completely out of character. We took him to the vet and she did a full check up. She ran blood tests and they all came back clear. Over time he seemed to improve so we thought maybe he just had a bout of depression because he loves it outside in the sunshine and hates the rainy cold weather. But, sadly, over the past few weeks he's been acting up again. This time his back legs are either very stiff (maybe arthritis?) so he kind of staggers when he moves too quickly or gets up to fast or jumps down from something. Though the next day he'll be acting almost like normal and no problems at all. He has begun to go off for longer periods - he was recently gone for over 24 hours before he came home to eat. He went to the vets again two weeks ago and she said he'd lost 8oz. She gave him long acting anti-biotics incase it was an ear infection. Other symptoms are: Not drinking (or that we notice) Wandering around a bit aimlessly or just standing still like he's frozen to the spot and then he comes around again a few moments later, he's not as vocal as he used to be but he does meow when he sees us, his back legs seem to go out from underneath him sometimes and he sort of falls backwards, he's eating pretty well - except for the days he doesn't come home at all. He "cat stretches" at times, even when he hasn't been laying down or anything, and he eats grass. He seems a bit frightened of us every now and then too and sometimes runs away. Always purrs when being handled - I've squeezed him and poked him all over and he's not showing any signs of pain to me.

I've considered he might have: a brain tumour, arthritis, diabetes, strokes, dementia, ear infection, depression, stomach problems. I also wondered if maybe he had been hit by a car or kicked by someone.

Some days I've considered putting him to sleep but then the next day he seems much better and happier so I feel unable to do it. How can I when he still seems happy at times?

I'm thinking of having more blood tests done on Saturday and maybe see about an X-ray on his hind legs. A brain scan is over £1000 so that's kind of my last resort. My biggest fear is this getting worse and him getting lost when he is out and becoming distressed. I've tried keeping him indoors but he absolutely hates it. I feed him wet food (meat in jelly or gravy) and he has IAMS or some other brand of biscuits. Has anyone been through this or does anyone have any suggestions of potential illnesses? If it is dementia or something is there anything I can do to make his last years happy ones for him? I'm terrified I'm not doing enough. 

Thank you,

Gem
 

farleyv

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So sorry you are having these problems with your kitty..What is his name?

Firstly,  11 years old is not old for a cat.  Do not look at this as if it is his "time" or last days.  I would definately not let him out to wander.  Yes, he wants to go out, but in his condition he cannot defend himself against other cats.  If would be sad if he has something cureable and yet falls prey to something outside. 

His back legs are a red flag to me.  Did they test for diabetes?  Untreated, it can cause neuropathy in the hind legs.  Cats will fall over and stumble like your kitty is.

If this vet cannot find something wrong, I would get another opinion.  Not as a slight to your vet, but to insure the welfare of your kitty.  Different eyes may find what is wrong.

He has no other way to communicate to you other than body language.  Please keep him in.  Actually, I have a barn kitty who got in a fight and I have been confining him every night because he is mending and is in no condition to tangle with another animal.  Also, your kitty, if not feeling well, could very well leave for good as many ill cats do.  As I said, what a shame it would be if it is something treatable.

I will keep your kitty in my prayers.  I hope you find the answer soon.
 

imbri

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I wonder if the grumpiness and growling isn't due to pain, certainly the way he is comporting himself suggests pretty severe pain. 

For safety I'd keep Vader inside even though he gets upset by it. 

I also wonder if the wandering and staring isn't some form of seizure activity.  With indoor/outdoor cats it is possible they can get into toxins that you'll never know what they got into, likewise with injury. 

If he were my kitty I'd want full body x-rays including hips and hind legs.  He could have some kind spinal injury going on.

Best of luck to you, and keep us updated.
 
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