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460185 tn?1326077772

Old Cat - Need Advice

We have a 23 yr old neutered male cat who has never been to the vet except to be neutered.  Please don't judge me on that right now.  He's had his vaccines done either at a clinic or at home.

He has been doing exceptionally well as he ages but now I am somewhat concerned about him and am asking for advice.  He is eating, drinking, walking and acting as usual but he has become rather bony in the posterior area.  My daughter works as a vet assistant and training to be a vet tech and has talked to the vets where she works.  The cat could be diabetic or have a thyroid problem.  The vets (there are more than one) recommend NOT bringing the cat in because the stress might be worse than any condition he might have.

Can diabetes or a thyroid problem cause the cat to appear bony?  He has never been a big cat, has a little pot belly and an "old man droop".  Would taking him to the vet cause more stress than it's worth?  He isn't ready "to go" yet; I've had too much experience with that one  = (  He is lovable and except for aging, pretty much his usual self.  He can run if there is food involved but he is slowing down some.  He has always had a loud, irritating meow and that remains unchanged.  In fact, everything seems unchanged except for his bony behind.

Please .... any advice.  I love this cat.  He's been with me when everybody else has turned their back.  His picture is on my profile page.

Thank you.





27 Responses
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460185 tn?1326077772
PS has announced he's running for PM.  He isn't a CATpitalist - he's a flaming pinko.  No tuna left to buy.  Rumors of a three-eyed fish are rampant but don't buy one - it explodes worm innards when you bite into it.  I know, I'm childish.


Helpful - 0
495284 tn?1333894042
Hide the tuna.  They ganked mine!!!!  I think they are stock piling it!!!!
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541150 tn?1306033843
I wonder if they will be wearing uniforms once world domination has reached it's end successfully for them. How will they distinguish between rebels and innocent civil cat communities? How many political parties will they form? Just one? Is it going to be the CATmmunist party? The CATpitalist  Party? Can't anyone get info? We need to be prepared. I've already bought some bottled water and canned tuna. The Great Depression is rapidly approaching..........because of our cats!!!!!
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495284 tn?1333894042
You should see the signs i have in my front yard.  They are going to take over the world.  I just have a feeling!!!!  Even the beagle is wearing a button now!!!
Helpful - 0
460185 tn?1326077772
Long live President Pond Scum and VP Icepick.  Anakin heads the FBI and S, the CIA  lol

Universal fish heads are now available.


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228686 tn?1211554707
This would explain the recent general election the cats over here just had.

I swear, i can't go out the door without coming back to find that someone's cat on THIS board has snuck in and eroded the political base!!!

Old cats like yours are the biggest trouble makers. It must have been yours.

Its getting very frustrating to deal with. As long as they're just arguing policy, I can handle things...but these party upheavals are getting to be a nuisance!
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495284 tn?1333894042
The beagle has always been rather "easy"!!!!!  I have tried talking to her about this but seems i have gotten nowhere.
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460185 tn?1326077772
Thank you for your advice.  We took one of the dogs to the vet tonight and I asked him about Pond Scum (the 23 yr old cat) and he said the same thing.  PS has always been a small cat, the "old man droop" is common among older cats and if he's eating, drinking and being a pain in the bu** he's fine - meaning, I think, if he acts the same and his personality is consistent, just let him be a cat.

I think my cat is a Communist.  He wants to take sarah's cat to "the old country" = (

That's what happened to her Pounce - PS took it and redistributed it.  The beagle must have been bought off by the Siberian husky.  GAK!!!!




Helpful - 0
228686 tn?1211554707
Beware cats...they often form socialist revolutionary groups when left alone for a few hours. ;)


Lonewolf07, like people, cats get that "old man/cat" look as they reach ages up in the 20's. I wouldn't worry to much unless he starts showing actual health issues. A vet visit CAN cause stress and can be a risk. In a 23 year old...personally, I'd hold off. Just keep in mind you may play the "what if" game if things SEEM to not work out; and you shouldn't.
Helpful - 0
495284 tn?1333894042
Ive been gone all day and came home and found cat tracks.  I think they all have been here and left.  The Pounce is gone.  AND once again the beagle isnt talking.  I think she is deep in it too.
Helpful - 0
365714 tn?1292199108
I just got bit by Sahib... He layed down right next to my hand and then I felt something sharp and damp pinch my hand...

Cats are funny... Sahib is the only cat I know that can chew up a metal watering can spout and leave teeth marks on it...
Helpful - 0
460185 tn?1326077772
PS is planning something BIG.  Lock the doors and if you hear a "woof" - don't be misled - it's a cat pretending to be a dog.  Heard S is the leader of all this.  Icepick and Anakin are just his lackeys.  Keep an eye on the fish heads - sources reveal the gang of cats is after them  = P


Helpful - 0
541150 tn?1306033843
If S wants my cat's number then that means he wants to get my already maniac baby involved in world domination. I'll look for signs in the house, like hidden walls or secret passages. No wonder Abby keeps following me!! He wants to know my location at all times...our cats are spying on us!!!! There's no privacy anmore!!! Wat can we do?
Helpful - 0
495284 tn?1333894042
Look for signs of stashing weapons of mass destruction.  S has a stock pile of twist ties and hair ribbons and an occasional moth.  God only knows what he did to that poor thing!!!

I am glad to hear other cats have their own phone too.  The beagle cant find hers so i think S has it.

He is on the phone now and looking at me...........!!!!
Helpful - 0
365714 tn?1292199108
It sounds like your cat is doing okay to be eating and acting okay for his age. You're right about animals.  That's why I love my cats. Only poor Waldo I can't get him to stay on my lap no matter what...  He will cuddle next to me though.

I discovered I can get my grandma's cat to lay on my chest and cuddle. He will roll over to my side.

About the boney behind, I notice that to a mild degree with Waldo. I thought that was just normal.  He doesn't hold his tail very high either.  Does yours keep his tail rather low?

Is that normal for old cats to not hold their tails very high?  Our younger cat who is about two or 3 holds his tail erect.

Waldo is roughly 13 years old.
Helpful - 0
460185 tn?1326077772
It's a cat conspiracy  lol


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541150 tn?1306033843
My cat is also up to something. He has spent the entire day sleeping and eating. I wonder if his diabolical plan will require some sort of physical activity. I think his plan will take effect at night. He was also talking to the fish. The suspense is killing me lol. I know you aren't crazy. My cat abuses all of us that little delinquent.

PS is definitely laughing at someone lol.
Helpful - 0
460185 tn?1326077772
PS is on the phone again!!!!  Good thing he has his own phone.  He must be up to something  with S.  Icepick and Anakin are getting ready to come over to your place - the game is definitely afoot (as S. Holmes might say).

PrettyKitty - we aren't really crazy; our cats are really criminals  lol  Do you know where your cat is?  PS does look like he's laughing at someone - probably me because he's trained me so well.


Helpful - 0
541150 tn?1306033843
That picture of the kitty is so funny I'm laughng hard. He looks like he is making fun of some one lol.

Glad to hear those who matter have told you to keep your pet until he lets you know what you should do.  :)
Helpful - 0
495284 tn?1333894042
PS is on the phone with S again!!!!!  It cant be good!!!!!  LOL
Helpful - 0
460185 tn?1326077772
Nobody has told me to euthanize him.  Animals tell us when they are ready - I really believe that.  If the vets, who have seen his pictures and my daughter who works with vets doesn't think we should be thinking about euthanasia to any great extent right now - then I'm not going to.  All our pets have "told" us what they want.  Food, treats and more treats  lol

Thank you for your comments.


Helpful - 0
541150 tn?1306033843
Yes, I have seen  The Cat With No Teeth lol. He is so cute! I told wolf her cat was gorgeous, and he is. I would be so happy if my boy lasted that long THAT healthy...
I can tell all her pets are lucky. I mean 23 years old...that's quite impressive. She has my respect...really.
Helpful - 0
495284 tn?1333894042
Have you seen him??  He doesnt look 23 at all.  I know siamese cats can live to be over 20 but he is this age due to the care he has had.  Her animals are all lucky to be with her.         sara
Helpful - 0
541150 tn?1306033843
Do people tell you to put him down? I would not care. In fact, I could care less if anyone posted negative comments questioning the way I treat my pet. If the cat is 23 years old is because you have been taking excellent care of him, which tells me you're an awesome, caring owner. That cat is lucky....very fortunate.
Helpful - 0
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