So....the computer is back from the shop. Yeah!!
I've been wondering if there is anyone else out there, feline servants, who have experience dealing with a senior kitty?
My Oscar turned 17 this past April. Understandably, he is feeling his age a bit. I purchased a heated cat bed to help soothe his achy joints. I also found a water bowl on a stand to help him reach his water supply more easily. One thing I can't figure out how to help out with, though, is his meowing. Oscar kitty meows a lot and loud! I've mentioned this to the vet several times but she hasn't really seemed concerned or given any advice except that he wants attention. The attention I try to provide but I can't give him as much undivided attention as he seems to want =)
I love my orange timbit but I'm at wit's end sometimes trying to figure out why his meows so much! He meows for water, to get up on the sofa -yes, I'm a slave to his whims!
Any gentle insight or advice is welcome. Now please excuse me while I heat up his joint pad to help soothe his achy back leg. Thank you!
What a cutie! I too have an aging orange male (10.5 years old). I've noticed some signs of arthritis, which means I've added various ways to get on the bed, and i'm looking for something to help him and his lady, Leia, navigate our stairs.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Whiskeratti. Orange cats are awesome =) Thankfully, there are no stairs here. We feline owned humans can get pretty creative when it comes to taking care our furry little masters :) Take good care!
DeleteHi Maggie - he could have a bit of dementia at that age. He's probably not sure what he wants either. Or, he does have more pain in his joints than you know. Perhaps the vet can recommend some type of inflammatory med for him. He is also possibly going deaf and meows to try to hear himself. His world may be becoming very quiet all of a sudden. Try giving him a gentle massage when he is looking for your attention. It will feel good and it may help him sleep. It's so good that you provide him with heat for his achy bones. It's so hard getting old. Give him a hug for me. Deb
ReplyDeleteHandsome Oscar looks like such a precious sweetheart!...He is a lucky kitty to have such a thoughtful, caring Mommy; we think he is just telling you how much he appreciates and loves you for all you do for him!...Happy almost weekend, friends...hugs...J, Calle, Halle, Sukki, Mommy Cat, Daddy Cat
ReplyDeleteI'm not certain, but I wonder if he is also going deaf? That might account for him meowing so much because he can't hear when you tell him you'll be right there or you'll help him up and so he hollers thinking you're not paying him enough attention.
ReplyDeleteMy Dad, who lived to be 98, used to say, "getting old ain't for sissies" I suspect it is the same for animals. My Sasha turned 15 this spring and is definitely showing his age..he's lost muscle mass but so far doesn't seem to have any other health issues.
The kitties send the purrs and I send my hugs for Oscar. He's such a lovely boy!
Cats (and dogs) can get dementia, so it could be that. I see Deb and Eileen already have left comments to that, and to possible deafness. Neither Annie nor Chumley lived to be old, unfortunately, so I haven't any experience with elder kitties. I think you're doing a great job! BTW, cats can have glucosamine for achy joints in an appropriate dose--and there's a pet brand sold via vets. Good luck! Lots of purrs to him from the boys.
ReplyDeleteHyperactive thyroid can cause this and it is easily treated with a pill. That was sweet of you to get a heated bed.
ReplyDeleteLeo (at 17) did start talking to me more but I attributed that to the fact that Tulip was no longer there to keep him company and that he now had a lot to say to me! Duh. Reading the comments, I agree that Oscar could be going deaf and doesn't hear you answering him back so he keeps trying to be heard. I like Deb's answer ; a massage or touching him to let him know he has been heard as well as to relax him. You are a good Mama :) We are certain you are doing more than enough for him!
ReplyDeletethe critters in the cottage xo
Kona does the same thing and it drives us bananas sometimes. I think she is confused and the tactile attention is reassuring; she simply wants to be held and petted...a LOT. Sometimes anti-anxiety meds help. We just do the whole "over-love" thing--you know what I mean I'm sure--and that usually will work. For a little while...
ReplyDeleteThanks for telling me it "drives you bananas sometimes" . I love Oscar but the meowing can be overwhelming. I will continue with the ear scritches and such. Hugs to your Kona kitty!
DeleteThe 'over love' approach sounds a good one.
ReplyDeleteLove Helen, Darcy, Bingley and Fred x