The vet told me that he isn't "quite right" in the noggin. It might be feline dementia or a brain tumor. I'm happy that he is home with me but feel overwhelmed on how to best help him be comfortable. Any respectful advice on dealing with a senior kitty arthritis and dementia is welcome.
Sorry, I have no advice since I haven't been in the situation, but trust that your love for Oscar will soon override the overwhelming aspect of his condition. Such a handsome mancat; I am sending you both thoughts of love and health.
ReplyDeletethank you. we appreciate your kind words.
DeleteLots of hugs and purrs to Oscar and to you. We're glad he's home!!!
ReplyDeleteNo experience with either of those for cats, but we're sure you can find good info. There are pet supplements that might help with the arthritis.
Also, if you are at all unhappy with or uncertain of your vet's diagnosis, please get a second opinion if possible. (That's one thing I regret with Annie, trusting her vet. She meant well, but in hindsight....)
Purrs and peace.
thank you fuzzy tales!!
DeleteIt's hard. We truly understand the degree of helplessness you feel because we are just going through dementia and old age with Isadora. She collapsed yesterday. Oscar is loved and you do everything that can possibly be done for him. He knows that. Love and hugs.
ReplyDeleteSophie +the critters in the cottage xo
Thanks Sophie and cottage critters,
DeleteIt is very hard to see them age. Sending you thoughts, too.
Welcome home, sweet boy.
ReplyDeleteOne of our oldies had dementia.Patience is the key word. She had repetitive behaviours that could be annoying IF you didn't understand that she had forgotten the first six times (in half a hour)she'd asked to be taken to her bed. Routine is even more important to help the kitty feel safe and secure. Keep several litter boxes around the home,preferably not too far from where the cat likes to hang out. Expect a few litter box accidents too,our old girl knew she had to go to the box,but sometimes forgot to enter the box! A rubber mat around the litter box makes for easy clean up.
Cuddles are so important too.
Even with dementia,a cat knows that he or she is loved...and that's the most important thing you can give...love and patience.
Jane xx
Thank you. Yes. Oscar has missed the litter box a couple of times now. I will look into getting a rubber mat ...he is usually pretty close to the box. so far all I've stocked up on is paper towels.
DeleteOscar's repetitive behaviors tend to be loud vocalizing between 1-5 in the morning.
He still loves cuddles, though. Thank you.
I'm so glad Oscar is home. My two, especially my orange Toby, are aging and beginning to have difficulties with arthritis too. They are both 11 years old. So far I don't have any advice or suggestions, just a great deal of sympathy.
ReplyDeleteIs there a way to get a more definitive answer on the tumor? An x ray or ultrasound or something?
I will have to notify the vet. She just told me that its a possibility and that "a lot of senior felines" get benign brain tumors. It was quite late when she told me this and I wasn't prepared for it....
DeleteSending you good thoughts, too.
I think one of my old cats had dementia but it was never really diagnosed. I just made sure that things were always where she expected to find it such as bowls, boxes and comfy beds. I kept her meal-time regular and watched that she didn't wander into places and not know how to get out such as between couches and chairs or under tables with chair legs around. As far as arthritis, there is meds for that and warmth is impt. Perhaps a heated blanket in his bed would help. If he is still trying to jump up or down offer a stool (large) for him to use. Lift him when you can to where he desires to go. Love him lots. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear Oscar is home. I've never had any experience with this type of situation either, but I'm sure being in a familiar setting is more comfortable for Oscar and you too.
ReplyDeletedang, I just wrote a huge comment and blogger ate it!
ReplyDeletesending love and hugs to your handsome boy...our Kona is in the same boat and it's so hard to see her infirmities.
We can't add anything to the advice given above, but are sending our thoughts to you and Oscar, and your other kitties, too, as you adjust to Oscar's needs.
ReplyDeleteRiley and Silver
Sorry I have no advice, but I am praying for him.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad Oscar is home--I am sure he is too. As a cat mom of many years, I have done a lot of veterinary and holistic treatments. (Currently 9 felines, 10-18 years of age.) If you are able to do so, I would strongly recommend seeking a second opinion. One thing you can do easily and inexpensively is to give him fish oil. Omega 3 is very helpful in reducing the inflammation and pain of arthritis. It also can help with dementia. Alternative therapies like acupuncture, homeopathy and Bowen Therapy can be very effective with no side effects. I have used homeopathy a lot on my cats and dogs and had very good results. If there is not anyone in your area, there are websites that give info as to which homeopathic remedies to try.
ReplyDeleteGood luck. Purrs and hugs from my furtribe to Oscar.
Sending many, many purrs and prayers.
ReplyDeleteWill let others more knowledgeable than myself give advice, but am keeping you both close to my heart
xoxo
catchatwithcarenandcody
We are sending healing purrs to Oscar and comforting purrs to you. There really isn't much that can be done for a kitty with arthritis as so much of the medicine isn't good for them. Maybe a heating pad as we doubt Oscar would enjoy a nice warm bath which is what Mommy says helps her arthritis. You might also ask the vet about giving Glucosamine tablets and fish oil.
ReplyDeleteAs for the memory loss try to keep things the same and establish a routine.
We are glad Oscar is home, and send big purrs and prayers as you try to figure out the best ways to help him. Maybe you can ask your vet about Cosequin, to help with Oscar's arthritis?
ReplyDelete