Help Needed on Odd Behavior Issues with my 17 y/o kitty

Ok, I'm new to this site so plz be patient with me. I have had Cohiba (male 17 y/o Maine Coon) ever since he was just a kitten. He now has developed within the past year a "bump" distal to his nasal cavity which has continued to grow. It does not cause him any pain whatsoever, is just odd and looks somewhat like a skin tag but now concerns me as it continues to grow. Also I have included pics which one shows how his fang teeth gums have receded tremendously as well.

He now also has an odd tendency of when even lightly touched on his left back side, he immediately turns to that side, biting and "convulsing". Somewhat like a compulsive reaction to a touch. These fits go on and on for maybe 30 seconds if not longer and sometimes he has them spontaneously but do not seems like seizures just licking, biting himself but he will flip and turn. Very strange.

He also will not routinely use his litter box for urinating or pooping. He won't go on my belongings but will go on my husbands or my sons clothes. I clean the litter box once and twice a day and now put him in it three and four times a day and with a reward i.e. Treat which has gotten better. He was at a point where he urinated over my head while I was sleeping ...... I will tell you ....I'm at a critical point with him. Putting him in the litter box ever couple hours has helped but he will still randomly poop in odd places even when it is clean and it will be right next to him and he only stays in the bedroom.

I'm am going crazy. He was once such a great cat, I love him so, he is part of my family but is now just gone insane or is rebelling so to speak. I don't want to put him down and I know need to take him to a vet but we recently moved and do not know of a vet I feel I can trust locally and of course money if always an issue. Please, please help us. Thank you for all your input.

Gwen and Cohiba

Please take him to the vet and have him checked out.  I don't want to scare you but that lump could be cancer.

I agree that he should be taken to the vet asap to check this out. please let us know what happens.

I know...I've done a lot of research and have to tell you as tears swell up.....a lot is denial. I keep telling myself it is nothing since he has no pain but now the odd behavior starts to develop and ugh...... Big swallow!!!! Whew. It is so hard. Had them longer than my children. My other 17 or should I say 18 year old is an Egyptian Mau suffering with renal failure and receives a IV drip of fluids every other day. So between the two of them this is very difficult. So appreciate the kind words and input. Trying to allocate my funds in all the right directions.

I know it is so hard when their health begins to fail.  It looks like your little girl is very attached to the kitties as well and that makes it even more difficult.

So do you think the litter box issues along with the other issues are all connected.......

Just don't understand why he is being so strange about the litter box....

gelutz said:

Just don't understand why he is being so strange about the litter box....

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He could be in pain. Cats are masters at hiding their pain.  The change in behaviour is him telling you that there is something seriously wrong. Please, take him to the vet. If you can't afford to pay the bill all at once, talk to the vet and see if you can make arrangements for installments.

Thank you. Will do and will seek someone out tomorrow and will keep you all informed. Thanks for all your input.

Sending lots and lots of good vibes to Cohiba And some hugs to you and your family

gelutz said:

Just don't understand why he is being so strange about the litter box....

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We have a 17-1/2 year old doing the same thing--suddenly not using the litter box.  Started randomly pooping around the house, peeing on the floor.  Very frustrating.  Turns out he has kidney disease and we've started him on the subq fluids like your other kitty is on.  We're going back to the vet this week for more bloodwork to see how far advanced it is.  But anyway, yes, odd litter box changes can definitely be related to pain or illness.  

It's so hard when a beloved old pet starts having problems.  :-/   Best of luck with the vet visit.  

I'll move your thread over to the Health Forum 

This link may be helpful. It is a listing of organizations that provide help with vet bills.
http://www.warreneckstein.com/g/Groups-Providing-Financial-Assistance-For-Veterinary-Bills/299.html

Did you take him to the vet about that growth? It could be cancer, and your kitty could be in a great deal of pain. Cat's hide their pain very well, and it shows in various other ways such as behaviour changes IE: inappropriate urination.

Please, please, take him to the vet if you haven't already done so.

Any updates?

Yes sorry posted under other post....

Yes and so sorry been crazy here. Have an appt with a vet who works herbal remedies along with acupuncture and is familiar with FHS. Alsi just so happened to turn on the Animal Plant and watch My Cat From Hell and there was an episode on FHS. I have him more on a schedule so to speak, checking in on him often as he stays in one room and give him treats when we visit and not once has he gone outsode the litter box in over a week now and his episodes have diminished dramatically. Thank God for all your help. Now on to his other issues. It is all about schedules with cats like this and repeation along with love and patience. Huge hugs and thanks.

What about the growth on his nose?

That's what the appt is for.

She is a DVM but does the other practices as well. As well as other DVM's there also. =)