Hi. I happened across this site as I've been trying to decide if it's time to think about letting my cat go. We've been vacillating for awhile now, but have always opted to give it more time - perhaps waiting for some definite, clear sign.
Mike (most likely a Maine Coon) has been with us for 19 years, but as he wasn't a kitten when he found us, we've no idea how old he really is. He is, without a doubt, the coolest cat we've ever known...punctuated by the fact that he found my husband (a decided non-cat person) and won him over.
Over the past few years, we've seen a decline in a few things. He's dropped weight over the years and is rather bony, despite eating (thyroid has been checked and is fine). When his grooming habits seemed too taxing and he was matted more often than not, we started having him shaved (he really doesn't care for brushing/combing and is rather nasty about it). The shaving has been most helpful as he's been having issues with elimination - we've had to bathe him a number of times recently when he's had feces all over his backside...which is part of what I'm wondering about. He's having more accidents lately and after I discovered that he'd been urinating in a spot repeatedly, we set up a 'retirement village' in the bed/bathroom where the litterbox is and that's where he stays. Even with the litterbox so close by and easy to get to, 'we're finding accidents. I took him to the vet and he checked out OK, considering his age. I hate putting him through the torture of cleaning him up when he soils himself and I always worry that the stress will take it's toll.
Another thing he's been doing more and more lately is howling this crazy howl, all times of the day and night, many times for no reason I can discern. Sometimes, he does it when he jumps down from the bed (some days he can still make it up there) or is trying to lower himself to a sit, which makes me think it's painful for him (the vet suspected some arthritis that occurs normally, but didn't recommend any treatment as it doesn't seem to severely impede his mobility). I actually read somewhere that many cats do this and some think it's related to dementia. He howls for food constantly, but then only eats a few bites, and then 10-15 minutes later he's howling again as if he hasn't eaten in days. And then there's the vomiting. That's occurring more and more lately too.
He still loves his attention and purrs like crazy, but shows no interest in playing. He used to love going outside in the back yard and just soaking in the sun, but any time I've put him out there more recently, he just howls at the door to come in. When he's not howling, he's sleeping. We're just not sure what to do or when. I've had cats that lived to 17+ and have had to euthanize pets before, but it always seemed more clear-cut...obvious pain, declining health, etc. Mike isn't as forthcoming, but knowing him like we do, I'm certain that he's not enjoying some aspects of aging (ie. accidents and the resulting clean-up bath, being confined to the one area most of the time, etc.).
Any words of wisdom or BTDT experiences or just other perspectives on when is the time? I appreciate any feedback. Thanks.
Mike (most likely a Maine Coon) has been with us for 19 years, but as he wasn't a kitten when he found us, we've no idea how old he really is. He is, without a doubt, the coolest cat we've ever known...punctuated by the fact that he found my husband (a decided non-cat person) and won him over.
Over the past few years, we've seen a decline in a few things. He's dropped weight over the years and is rather bony, despite eating (thyroid has been checked and is fine). When his grooming habits seemed too taxing and he was matted more often than not, we started having him shaved (he really doesn't care for brushing/combing and is rather nasty about it). The shaving has been most helpful as he's been having issues with elimination - we've had to bathe him a number of times recently when he's had feces all over his backside...which is part of what I'm wondering about. He's having more accidents lately and after I discovered that he'd been urinating in a spot repeatedly, we set up a 'retirement village' in the bed/bathroom where the litterbox is and that's where he stays. Even with the litterbox so close by and easy to get to, 'we're finding accidents. I took him to the vet and he checked out OK, considering his age. I hate putting him through the torture of cleaning him up when he soils himself and I always worry that the stress will take it's toll.
Another thing he's been doing more and more lately is howling this crazy howl, all times of the day and night, many times for no reason I can discern. Sometimes, he does it when he jumps down from the bed (some days he can still make it up there) or is trying to lower himself to a sit, which makes me think it's painful for him (the vet suspected some arthritis that occurs normally, but didn't recommend any treatment as it doesn't seem to severely impede his mobility). I actually read somewhere that many cats do this and some think it's related to dementia. He howls for food constantly, but then only eats a few bites, and then 10-15 minutes later he's howling again as if he hasn't eaten in days. And then there's the vomiting. That's occurring more and more lately too.
He still loves his attention and purrs like crazy, but shows no interest in playing. He used to love going outside in the back yard and just soaking in the sun, but any time I've put him out there more recently, he just howls at the door to come in. When he's not howling, he's sleeping. We're just not sure what to do or when. I've had cats that lived to 17+ and have had to euthanize pets before, but it always seemed more clear-cut...obvious pain, declining health, etc. Mike isn't as forthcoming, but knowing him like we do, I'm certain that he's not enjoying some aspects of aging (ie. accidents and the resulting clean-up bath, being confined to the one area most of the time, etc.).
Any words of wisdom or BTDT experiences or just other perspectives on when is the time? I appreciate any feedback. Thanks.
