Ziay!

smokey's mom

moans alot & sleeps 22 of 24 Today is Friday, May 5, 2006. We haven't had Smokey to the Vet because she is healthy otherwise - she just seems to be existing rather than enjoying life. Under her fur she has a few small nodules/growths that are very small - pencil point - but they are new to her. She sheds excessively. Is that a sign of something? Perhaps renal failure? She drinks alot of water and urinates alot. She is well-behaved and uses her litter box. She follows her normal routine but is only awake a few hours a day. This is of course due to her old age. I've heard that cats can ignore or overcome serious illnesses for a long time and we don't want to needlessly prolong her life if she is quietly suffering. My Vet will definitely run alot of tests and find ways to "cure" her that will result in higher bills than I am willing and able to pay so I could sure use some advice. We need to make a decision soon.
Thanks for all the thoughtful answers! I really appreciate it!

luvbunny

She should be fine, the sign that something is seriously wrong is when she stops eating. Cats typicaly sleep most of the time anyway, so I would not let that worry you. But what an angel you are for putting Smokey first. So many pet parents will think of how it affects them more than the pet. One of my cats went through the same, and he just let me know it was time. I can't explain it, but you'll know when she is telling you. Just the way she'll look up at you or something simple like that. I wish there was a cut and dry answer to something like this that I could give you, but Good Luck and God Bless you and Smokey.

Bassetlover

19 years is very old for a cat, my cat of 16 years just passed peacefully at home. She didn't seem to be in any pain she just went to sleep one night and never woke up. By all means take Smokey to the vet and they will let you know if there is anything wrong other than old age. If the problem is just her advanced age then maybe letting her live out her life in a place where she is obviously loved very much is the best. Good luck and I hope everything works out well, I know this is a very sad time.

hopeful for change

It's best to see the vet and explain your concerns: the growths, the excessive shedding, the extra sleep. Better to be safe than sorry.

I think it's wonderful that your cat has lived to be 19! My family has never has a cat older than 16.

Good luck!

abfabmom1

In general, she's probably fine unless she stops eating. This is usually a sign that an animal is ready to go.

I have found that cats enjoy sleeping, so are you sure she's not enjoying herself?

Scratch her ears lots, while you still can!

imcherokee2004

WOW 19 what an age for a cat...My opinion on her being euthanized is this... As long as she is healthy. Let her live. Maybe to you she just seems to be exsisting and to her she is living the high life now.. Being well taken care of and enjoying the days she has left with the family she loves..

belles_123456789

she is gust old I have a cat that age to his name is tangerine he doesn't like that so we call him boo.(there both 117 years old(in cat years ) )