Sick senior

Hello, my cat is 15 years old and has always had problems with her ears due to a deformed inner ear. We are used to constantly treating her ear infections with daily cleaning and antibiotics.

However, her ear that is usually good has been bleeding from deep inside where we can't see. We thought it might be another infection, but the bleeding has not stopped. That side of her face has also become sluggish to move and looks as if it is pulled back slightly. She has also lost weight, despite her food appetite. Today she has started tripping or falling to her side. From what I have found online it seems like it's a tumor. My parents have been reluctant to take her to the vet, they are afraid they will put her to sleep because of her age.

Please, if anyone knows something let me know.

Hi and welcome to the forums.  I am so sorry to hear that you are going through this with your kitty!

Unfortunately, she must be taken to the vet, and as soon as possible in my opinion.  Bleeding from the ear is not normal.  There is no reason to think a vet will suggest putting her to sleep instead of just treating her, and the vet cannot put her to sleep without your parents consent.  Either way your cat is suffering now.  Please tell your parents to take her to the vet as soon as they possibly can.

tulosai said:

 
Hi and welcome to the forums.

 I am so sorry to hear that you are going through this with your kitty!

Unfortunately, she must be taken to the vet, and as soon as possible in my opinion.  Bleeding from the ear is not normal.  There is no reason to think a vet will suggest putting her to sleep instead of just treating her, and the vet cannot put her to sleep without your parents consent.  Either way your cat is suffering now.  Please tell your parents to take her to the vet as soon as they possibly can.

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I totally agree here. I'm sure your parents don't want your cat to suffer , which it sound like he is.  Please encourage them to take him in to be seen. 

I have talked to them again, but it is difficult for various reasons. She is still in a good mood and sociable, which is partly why they think that the cat doesn't need to go. I will try again when my sibling isn't home, we cannot talk about it in front of her, as she would have a breakdown and doesn't know how serious the cat's condition is.

It really is a difficult situation here. I would have taken her days ago. I will try again soon. Thank you for your help.

How old are you and the sibling? Is there a family member outside of your immediate family that you can talk to?

Hi Peaches08, I finally got a moment alone with my mom and we are taking the cat to the vet tomorrow. Its been hard getting a chance to talk about it because my sister has aspergers and is very paranoid about our cat's health.

silvana said:

Hi Peaches08, I finally got a moment alone with my mom and we are taking the cat to the vet tomorrow. Its been hard getting a chance to talk about it because my sister has aspergers and is very paranoid about our cat's health.

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I am SO happy you will be able to take her.  Please let us know how it goes!

Definitely needs to be seen by the vet, I am glad that you will be able to take her tomorrow, please keep us posted on what they find.

She's back from the vet and doing better already it seems. The vet said that it's likely a polyp or tumor swelling deep in the ear. Her ears were so swollen inside that the vet could not see her ear canal, so he's put her on a steroid to help with the swelling and antibiotics. Hopefully this will put her condition under control and back to her healthy and happy self.

Thanks for your help, everyone.

I am glad that you were able to get her to the vet.  I hope the swelling goes down so they can see what's going on.

silvana said:

She's back from the vet and doing better already it seems. The vet said that it's likely a polyp or tumor swelling deep in the ear. Her ears were so swollen inside that the vet could not see her ear canal, so he's put her on a steroid to help with the swelling and antibiotics. Hopefully this will put her condition under control and back to her healthy and happy self.

Thanks for your help, everyone.

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I'm glad you were able to get this handled! Sending lots of good vibes your way that kitty gets better. Please keep us updated!