My Ricki kittie is 23 years old. He is a regal dude.

[alittlelark]

I would like some pearls of wisdom from those on this forum.

About a year ago he started developing what I assume are intestinal problems. 8-10 times a day he would start growling and hissing then go to the litter box for a loose dump. This is a cat that I had only heard growl or hiss 4-5 times in his life.

Went to the local vet for tests - he had a stellar bill of health. I started changing up his diet. He ONLY eats dry food - no tuna, filet... he will ONLY eat dry food. The vet recommended some wet foods, but he will likely starve before eating them. After 3 or so months and MANY bags of premium food that did not work I finally found 2 that improved the situation. Nulo senior and Science Diet digestive, I pour in probiotics as well.

We mix them up, and his intestinal distress decreased dramatically - but once or twice a day he still is in distress for 1-2 minutes.

This guy still has all his healthy teeth at 23 yrs old. His back legs have weakened, but he has not lost weight like many older cats do. All his blood work is perfect.......................


But There Is Something Wrong. My local vet said I should go to a specialist because he had not seen a cat as old as Ricki. I contacted the vet he recommended - she is not taking new patients. I have tried a few other specialist - none of whom are seeing new patients.
You would think that vets that specialize in geriatric patients would have new slots for patients open up kinda regularly................

I am at a loss - Sometimes I feel as though he is staying on this plane just because he does not want to make me sad. I wonder if he has more pain than he shows me. I do not want to euthanize a dude that hangs out in the greenhouse with me every day drinking from his 3-4 saucers and munching the sweetgrass.

But the dude that hisses and growls multiple times a day is different. Is he staying alive just for me? There have been a few times I looked into his eyes and saw a TIRED cat.

[niyad]

1. The only suggestion I have is to hold him, pet him, look him directly in his eyes,

and tell him that if he is tired, and wants to go, that he can, that you will be sad, but that you will be okay. Tell him that you do not want him to suffer or be in pain, that you love him, and want whatever is best for him. Reassure him.

Sending vibes for best posssible outcome. We are here for both of you,

[secondwind]

2. That was beautiful........

[oldtime dfl_er]

3. It was

and I believe, having owned cats my entire adult life, that they understand when we tell them things like that. Cats are ethereal.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

4. Carry on !! Just keep enjoying your life together!!

Screw the vets. Ricki WILL let you know if things change! Trust your own good intuition. That is worth every cent paid to someone else!

[Mosby]

5. Have you tried a hypoallergenic cat food?

Maybe one with hydrolyzed proteins.

[HoosierDebbie]

6. I wonder

One of my cats developed constant diarrhea and lost a little bit of weight. The vet outlined possibilities. Tested blood, no problems. Tested stool, no parasites. Tried steroid, no help. So, she said she believes that it is Irritable Bowel Syndrome. There is no easy way to test for it...biopsy of stomach etc. Invasive stuff. So, she prescribed that he just eat Hills Science Diet Gastrointestinal Biome. Digestive/Fiber Care. Dry food. So, that is what he gets. It helped within two weeks or so.

I have to police all of the cat's meals now. As he thinks he wants the food the others have and they want his. It wouldn't hurt them to eat his food, but it is more expensive. Occasionally he gets a few bites here or there of regular cat food and it ends up telling on him in the litter box. Anyway, he is better and has gained back the weight he lost. So, a good outcome.

I don't know if this could be your cat's situation, but thought I would mention.

[brer cat]

7. I had a cat live into her 20s.

She stopped eating but continued to drink water while sleeping in a linen drawer 24 hours a day. One night she went to my daughter and sat on her lap for just a couple of minutes and then did the same to me. I told her I loved her and that it was ok to go. She died the next day while in the vet's office. It's sad but I do think it helps to let them know we understand the time has come for them to let go.