Is my grandma's cat dying possibly?

[paulettehunt]

My Grandma has had this cat for atleast 22yrs. Ms Kitty is a recluse, we rarely ever see her, she is not social at all, and if you try to pet her she will box you with her declawed paws. Anyway we went to NC to visit this year, and that cat is now skinny and she sat on the kitchen table and let everybody pet her and actually kissed us. It is cold there now, and she lays on the vent where the heat comes out. A complete 360 from what everyone is used to. She even used to meow and screech at night but she no longer does that. My Grandma doesnt know what to make of, I think she may be getting ready to die. Usually they go off into hiding when that happens right? Maybe she is just too old to go romping through attics and basements? As far as I know she is up to date on shots, and she is still eating and drinking. Just not her normal recluse self. Any ideas?

[Justine Lee, D.V.M., DACVECC]

22 is very geriatric for a cat, but of course age is never a disease. That said, I make the decision to assess a cat's quality of life by three measures:
1) if they stop eating
2) if they start hiding or acting different (i.e., more clingy, more affectionate, or more aloof)
3) if they don't act like they did as a younger cat (i.e., when they are 3-4) - if they aren't playful or interactive.

I agree that a vet visit is imperative - especially if she's lost a lot of weight! They'll be able to help assess what's going on, and when the right time to humanely euthanize may be...

Hope that helps, and best of luck with her!

[Jim Humphries, B.S., D.V.M.]

Paulette:  

Unfortunately this calls for pure speculation and we don't like to do that.  I would say that such a change in behavior is not uncommon in older pets, but it does not necessarily mean they are close to dying.  

I know this has been reported both in people and in animals, so I understand the reason for your question, but I simply cannot say.  

What might be a good idea is a veterinary exam.  A veterinarian could not only do a complete physical exam but perhaps also some very basic blood work that could give you a very accurate measurement and assessment of health status.