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Barnyard Buddies:  elderly cat problems  |
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sugarsfarm
True Blue Farmgirl
272 Posts
Leah
Woodward
Iowa
USA
272 Posts |
 Posted - Sep 30 2006 : 3:43:22 PM
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i need some major help! i have an 18 year old cat, who is in pretty great condition for her age. Unfortunetly she has recently started not using her litter box. We have 2 other cats who are using the boxes just fine. We have no idea what to do so any suggestions would be great!!
You must be the change you want to see in the world.
Mahatma Gandhi |
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Phils Ann
True Blue Farmgirl
1095 Posts
Ann
Parsonsburg
Maryland
USA
1095 Posts |
Posted - Sep 30 2006 : 4:32:46 PM
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Leah, have you taken her to the vet? Sometimes there's a physical problem that can cause that. Many years ago one of our cats quit her litter box, and I forget exactly what the vet checked for. He did have me give her valium, I believe (causing a LOT of jokes, as I could have benefited as well). I've read that dementia can also be the cause in older cats. Meanwhile, I am so very sorry. It's such a serious problem.
Ann
There is a Redeemer. |
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LizDarnell
True Blue Farmgirl
102 Posts
Liz
Gulfport
MS
USA
102 Posts |
Posted - Sep 30 2006 : 6:12:17 PM
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| She could have a urinary tract problem, maybe as simple as a basic infection. I agree with Ann about taking her to the vet, that would rule out the bad stuff. I have a cat that we adore, I always worry about him when he acts strange in any way. |
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Kelly43
True Blue Farmgirl
349 Posts
NJ
USA
349 Posts |
Posted - Oct 01 2006 : 3:10:30 PM
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Leah, Taking her to the vet would be the best thing. I'm a vet tech and the ladies above are right. It could be a lower urinary tract infection. Is she drinking more water? A cat of that age is prone to some kidney problems too. You could try changing the litterbox more often, sometimes that helps.
Kel |
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verbina
True Blue Farmgirl
231 Posts
randi
n.j
USA
231 Posts |
Posted - Oct 01 2006 : 4:44:52 PM
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| a very low litter box with thick sheets of newspaper. thats what iam doing. randi |
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Tina Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
6948 Posts
Tina
sunshine state
FL
USA
6948 Posts |
Posted - Oct 01 2006 : 5:08:30 PM
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aww, hope you find out the problem.
I just had to give up my 11 yr old cat to a new home on Friday..my husband has allergies and my inlaws kept reminding me although nicely and for concern for their son ..that the cat wasn't helping matters...so I placed and ad and hoped for the best..well..she went to a good home where the family promised to give her a good home and plenty of spoiling..of course I cried..but sometimes decisions like this are necessary.
Anyhow, I hope your cat does better.
~Seize the Day! Live, Love, Laugh~ |
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LJRphoto
True Blue Farmgirl
760 Posts
Laura
Hickory Corners
MI
USA
760 Posts |
Posted - Oct 01 2006 : 9:14:18 PM
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Do all of the cats have their own litter boxes? I have some cats who are picky about who is using which litter box. They'll be going along fine and all the sudden someone must have encroached on their territory because they start going other places.
"I would feel more optimistic about a bright future for man if he spent less time proving that he can outwit Nature and more time tasting her sweetness and respecting her seniority." -E. B. White
http://www.betweenthecities.com/blog/ljr/
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verbina
True Blue Farmgirl
231 Posts
randi
n.j
USA
231 Posts |
Posted - Oct 02 2006 : 3:13:30 PM
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| i have six litter boxes.(storage containers.) like tidy cat the best. money saved in long run. change the small one every day and scoop others as needed.(a lot) and change weekly but can some times get away with alittle more than a week. the reason for the large containers is that they sometimes foget to squat. geeze what pains!lol randi |
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sugarsfarm
True Blue Farmgirl
272 Posts
Leah
Woodward
Iowa
USA
272 Posts |
Posted - Oct 02 2006 : 4:15:46 PM
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Thanks gals for your input. I noticed today that she does pee in the boxes just wont do all the other stuff in there! I have 3 cats and 3 boxes, but i just migt put a couple more out. I change them constantly sometimes twice a day. I also use storage containers Randi!! haha if adding more boxes doesnt work ill be off to the vet!
You must be the change you want to see in the world.
Mahatma Gandhi |
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KellyA
True Blue Farmgirl
237 Posts
Kelly
Johnsonville
NY
USA
237 Posts |
Posted - Feb 20 2007 : 1:45:50 PM
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Hey, I am curious if you ever got a solution to this problem...I have a cat that is 18 years old and has been treated multiple times for a urinary tract infection, but it doesn't really go away. She seems fine for a few days, then leaves blood spots on our floors and relieves herself (both ways ) around my house. I looked online for preventive measures, and there are a few out there...I just wanted to know if anyone has had this issue and solved it without antibiotics.
Kelly
When a cookbook is in hand, life is good! |
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Bluewrenn
True Blue Farmgirl
1122 Posts
Erin
Texas
USA
1122 Posts |
Posted - Feb 20 2007 : 3:47:13 PM
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She may not be able to get into the box easily. I second the recommendation for a lower sided box. My old kitty was so upset about not being able to get into the box, but she just couldn't do it all the time. Some days she just felt too stiff, I guess.
My Homesteading Journal http://toomyvara.livejournal.com
My craft journal http://bluewrenn.livejournal.com
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beckels
True Blue Farmgirl
237 Posts
becky
warrington
pa
USA
237 Posts |
Posted - Feb 24 2007 : 5:38:20 PM
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I would have her checked by the vet - but in her old age she may be getting some old-timer and forget where the litter box was. When our last cat that was 20 something years old she would start walking somewhere (be it the food dish or the litter box) and give a look like where am I going. We couldnt leave her outside by herself because you would hear this pitiful cry like where are you ....so my dad became her constant companion and we moved the litter box upstairs (it was in the basement) so she wouldnt forget where she was going (but maybe she not happy with one of the other cats or the side is to high)
but if it is a uti - give her some cranberry juice or oj that helps cleans up their uti track
beckels |
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KellyA
True Blue Farmgirl
237 Posts
Kelly
Johnsonville
NY
USA
237 Posts |
Posted - Feb 25 2007 : 10:42:11 AM
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We went to the vet...they put her back on an antibiotic, and said that sometimes with older cats, they just have to stay on the antibiotic for prevention. Tried the cranberry juice, but didn't notice a difference. She is just an old lady... :-) Oh, and the lower box is a no go...she just goes over the side...
Kelly
When a cookbook is in hand, life is good! |
Edited by - KellyA on Feb 25 2007 10:43:28 AM |
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sugarsfarm
True Blue Farmgirl
272 Posts
Leah
Woodward
Iowa
USA
272 Posts |
Posted - Mar 06 2007 : 6:00:18 PM
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Hi gals i just noticed that this topic was revived...unfortunetly my kitty passed away in december, and just a week ago her feline friend who was also almost 19yrs passed as well...its wierd to not have them around because ive had them basically my whole life, but they stayed around longer than we thought that they would. Thanks for your suggestions though, and im sure this will help other elderly cat owners.
You must be the change you want to see in the world.
Mahatma Gandhi |
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Patsy
True Blue Farmgirl
592 Posts
Illinois
USA
592 Posts |
Posted - Mar 07 2007 : 06:50:40 AM
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My 13 year old cat was recently diagnosed with colitis. She started going outside the litter box and that is what made me notice. She took a round of antibiotics. I tried to get her to lick some yogurt but she just turned up her nose at it. I wish she would eat it. I know it would help her tummy.
May God bless those who love the soil,
Patsy
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KellyA
True Blue Farmgirl
237 Posts
Kelly
Johnsonville
NY
USA
237 Posts |
Posted - Mar 12 2007 : 5:06:18 PM
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Well, my cat has been on the antibiotic every day, and I think it is really keeping her healthy. She has gained a pound, which is great! The vet suggested baby food ( the meat kind) and she loves it...she also loves sour cream!! I think we may have her for a while longer...thanks for your suggestions, ladies!
Kelly
When a cookbook is in hand, life is good! |
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Barnyard Buddies: elderly cat problems |
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elderly cat problems
