I just took my oldest cat, @smashthecat to the vets for the first time since he was diagnosed with herpes a year or so ago.
Back then he had a single flare up and was the first time it was ever diagnosed, suggesting all three of my cats have it too. That being said, there's been no more flare ups since so I guess it's more just an annoyance than anything else, like any human getting a cold or flu.
But he has been displaying some signs of aging for a while now and although it seems like nothing serious - achy joints, fatty lump growth, expression of pain if you mess with his lower back/butt area - it's a constant, daily reminder that his days are numbered.
He's 10, but overweight, and a street cat breed that typically only lives to about 13-15 if they're lucky. Given his fatness, it means I should be grateful for him to give me 3 more years. That's majorly depressing every day I look at his silly ugly face.
He will not compromise when it comes to sitting on my chest. Even if a bluetooth speaker has to dig into his ribs.
The Diagnosis
I was dreading this checkup because at this age, everything could be wrong. I was a little nervous, for sure.
Thankfully in the end, there was nothing critical wrong with him so far.
Peridontitis
Terrible teeth, he has a disease extremely common in cats generally, even more common in street cats, and even more common in street cats with herpes. However, since he's showing no signs of pain when eating (meowing, loss of appetite), at least right now there's nothing to be too concerned about but I imagine it won't be much longer before he has to have all his teeth removed. This is a pretty common procedure in cats but I do worry because it's not generally a safe bet to put such old cats under anaesthesia. Better to only do it if absolutely necessary.
On the flip side though, cats seem to do very well without teeth and it does extend their life with the removal of various bacterial infections and viruses etc. So I do need to seriously consider making him a gum-faced old man. At least for now, it's ok. Just bad breath.
Aching joints
He had an X-ray after I mentioned he finds it hard to get up onto the sofa. I know he's 10 but he should still be able to make that kinda small hop. Anything bed height, he has to use pure strength of his front legs to pull himself up.
It turns out I was right and his knees and base of tail bone are worn down, the tail possibly due to some trauma at some point (He broke his leg when much younger but nothing near there...? Who knows). Mostly, it's a sign of aging and being overweight, and so I've been told to give him some fish oil supplements I can dribble into his food. If it helps, he might become more active and might even lose weight this way.
Overweight
This has been a lifelong issue, and with 2, and then 3, cats, it's almost impossible to separate his eating from theirs. If I give less food, he will just eat their supply and bully his way to the resources.
If I put him in a separate room, he just meows like he's a prisoner without eating. If I feed him less, he will relentlessly meow all night and all day. It's tough! So, making him more active would be the second approach. Oiling up his knees could help with that.
Kidney issues
One kidney is smaller than the other, and both have kind of rough edges rather than the standard smooth. 'like a flower' the vet said. Again, this is mostly a sign of aging and nothing too serious, something to check up on next year, and just encourage more water (putting water into his food, too).
Fat lump
He grew a lump on his shoulder about 8 months ago I guess. I kept an eye on it with my own research and the vet confirmed it's just a lipoma. Once again, a sign of being fat and old. I wasn't too concerned about this because I've been checking it daily and it hasn't grown, doesn't seem uncomfortable, and is loose suggesting its just skin deep.
Overall Diagnosis: Not too bad, all things considered
This vet was certainly the best service i've had here in Shanghai in all my years here. Their app and communication was solid, polite and caring, all fluent in English too. The price for everything was 1,000 yuan ($140) which includes:
- Consultation
- 6 weeks of supplements
- X-ray
- Cytology (Cancer screening of fat lump)
- Cutting all his nails (free)
All things considered, I'm very happy and very relieved. They basically didn't tell me anything I didn't already know (or expect) except maybe the kidney thing which still comes as no surprise. Cutting his nails has become an increasing nightmare for me at home as he gets annoyed much faster than before. He had an ingrown nail a few months ago which, unlike my own which seems doomed to eternal pain, managed to go away after a few careful trims, but he's been less tolerant ever since.
The question is now, what changes do I make moving forward to make his last 2-5 years the most chill and happy years of his retirement?
For years, I dreamt of taking him to England and having my own little private fenced garden for him to safely chill out in, laze around in the grass, get a sun tan, finish of his days as happy as can be surrounded by nature.
I think this is a dream I have to give up on, as even if we were to head over to England right now, the chances of renting such a spot is slim to none, let alone owning. Most rental places don't even allow cats.
But in all likelihood, we would only be able to get an apartment anyway so his fate, sadly, is just wrapping up life indoors. This is always best for cats and nature overall. I have learnt to resent letting cats outside given all the disease and dangers, all the destruction to native wildlife. But Smash is old. He's not going to do anything like that, he's not climbing trees and fighting other cats. He would just lie down and snooze.
So, in the end, I just plan on spoiling him at every opportunity I can get and keep him as healthy as he can be. Honestly, I feel like he's in better shape than me in some ways lol.
Speaking of which, it's my turn to go to the dentist tomorrow. First time since 2006. I wonder how many teeth I'll need knocking out??
I'm seeing this post later than I'd like to, but your kitty sounds fairly healthy given their age.
My little (large) - she's ~5.2KG Mia has similar things - she's overweight for her size, has had a cyst drained a few times on her belly, but it otherwise healthy.
With regards to the arthritic stuff in the cat, there's an injection that can be given to them (3 rounds a few weeks apart, then 6 monthly thereafter) which helps with the joints. Its something that is in human trials now, and it works, she's like a new cat everytime she gets a shot of that juice (whatever it is).
She's coming up 12-14 years (we're not entirely sure, as we adopted her when she was assumed to be 6 - and have had her for about 8 years now) - and now that it is getting cold at night, she's become the annual winter snuggle muffin, and its just adorable.
Have you tried adding some water the wet food in addition to the jelly that comes in the can / pouch / however you fed them? This increases their fluid intake which can help with the erosion of any kidney stones / issues etc.
Edit:
Also all the best for your human mouth, hope it isn't painful
I only posted it a few hours ago lol, not bad timing!
I did ask to confirm that he does not yet have arthritis, just worn down which I guess are two different things. That being said she did mention these injections, but I'm of the mindset of being the least invasive as possible until necessary given his age. Going to the vet is very very stressful for him and doing that so often isn't a good life. That being said, the second he shows any actual discomfort, even a slight limp, I'll take it to that next level. So far his only symptom is an inability to jump more than shin height.
That's a very manly thing to say haha. But yeah Smash is similar. He just slept next to me in bed all night (Don't tell my wife, she's visiting parents and I'm not supposed to let him up!)
(I'm aware this evidence will be on the blockchain forever. If it ever comes to it, it was a complete joke and he's never been on the bed)
This is what I'm doing now as well as putting these fish oil supplements in. Annoyingly he has decided the food is therefore invalid so I'm gonna have to hide it better. I know cats get pickier as they get older but damn he's always been like this. He's never even been interested in human quality food, real tuna, chicken.
30 more minutes before my departure to dentist doom... 20 years never knowing how bad it is. Dread to think
Sounds like a fussy boi.
He'll learn
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Since Pūciņa now also is elderly (we think she is probably 14-15) she also has trouble jumping on her beloved surfaces. I bought these foam kitty stairs that make it easier for her. Maybe that could help out Smash too? Since I got her those she gets on and off the table and her window only by using them and even began using me as a step ladder xD
She also shows signs of early kidney disease in one of her kidneys and the vet prescribed her a supplement called Renalvet. I give it to her every day for a good while now and at the last checkup vet was very happy saying that her situation is improved a lot since the last time.
There is also veterinary foods that help kitties to drink more water. Pūciņa is eating wet Royal Canin urinary s/0 and since then she is chugging water so much more. There are two different types one is for kitties who have no issue with weight gain and other one that is for kitties like Smash.
Hey that's really useful thanks! We do have Royal Canin products here so I'm gonna look into that specifically.
I actually had this kind of thing cross my mind although he's not meant to be on the bed anyway (Wife is allergic). When he can't get on the sofa anymore I may indeed do so, although it's so sad to think about!
Cheers from here to Pūciņa for a long, luscious life!
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There are a few other ways to get cats to lose weight:
Feeding wet food - it's not as calorie dense as kibbles
Feeding set amounts divided into 4 small daily meals and feeding like that means that all get finished fairly quickly and you can feed the glutton with the others
Having said that, I have a girl who was born to a feral mother on a rubbish dump and is so food driven that she tamed herself. When I try and limit her intake, she goes next door to eat the neighbour's cat's food. She remains a little blimp. Do take the teeth out, 10 isn't that old and you will have a much happier boy. Bacteria from dental disease can damage both the heart and the kidneys. Omega 3 oil is very helpful
Hey thanks for the advice! I also considered putting collars on them for this kind of bowl that only gives access to the cat with the right collar on which sounds neat but I'm not sure if it's so effective at keeping him quiet (wife works at home).
Regarding the teeth, I'm not against their removal so to speak, but the anaesthesia at his age is a risk many vets aren't willing to take especially at his weight.
I don't want bad teeth to cause kidney diseases but at the same time I don't want him to die trying to reduce the risk of that. It's tricky...
Sadly, yes. Weight loss should be gradual to avoid complications with his liver because cats don't process fat very well but if you can get his weight down, it's worth a try. Don't reduce his food intake by more than 10% every couple of weeks. The Hills metabolic diet kibble actually worked well on my little butterball when I used it
It's great that your cat is doing well. I hope you have more time filled with joy with your beloved pet. Their presence is a blessing.
Thanks! He's lying with his face in front of my face as we speak. Quality time
You're welcome. You got a great companion in him.
I know the sense of nervousness that comes with aging pet.
My rottweiler just hit his 8 year and now is getting too tired to do pretty much anything.
He was always a lazy one actually but now the laps are longer, the barks are lazier and the whines are far louder.
He could just walk up, rest on my lap and sleep there...
It's both calming and disheartening cause where's the boy that wouldn't rest till I run with him or throw the ball?
It's such a mix bag of feelings eh? On one hand, Smash here looks happy. He has no idea of his impending demise. A peaceful passing is the best anyone in this life can ever ask for. On the other hand... why can't they live forever :'(
If your rotty is happy running around young, and also happy sleeping all day old... that's the only thing we need to consider in the end. Sorry you have to go through the same fears as me!
Yeah.. nothing's better than a peaceful passings
Jordan Peterson claims the carnivore diet cured his periodontitis. And yet here we have a carnivore animal with periodontitis 🤔
It's also supposedly impossible to overeat on such a diet.
I saw him talk about his meat diet and I believe roughly 0% of it lol.
Even if it was true, which it isn't, if nothing else, all that red meat is gonna give him a heart attack in short order.
It comes across similar to that fruit-only woman who insisted it was amazing, then died of malnutrition.
Only a vegetable would think that was a good idea!
But yeah given periodontitis is extremely common in cats and dogs, both meat eaters, it just points to more BS
So you think he's lying? So that would include his daughter, too? And wife, cos I think the whole family is on the meat-only (Lion, they call it) diet.
I disagree with much of what he says (and agree with much, too), but based on what I've seen so far I can't bring myself to believe that he purposely lies to people about eating only meat.
I reckon he's lying yeah. His obsession with being 'brutally honest no matter what' suggests to me that he's got a track record of lying to himself if not others.
He hid the fact that he believed in God, denied at first, then avoided, and now admits it with pride. I don't think that spells a kind of character I can trust.
I also think, as he is most well known for, that he talks out of his arse a lot of absolute codswallop which, no matter how much you break it down, turns into gobbledegook. Put him in a conversation with somebody like Stephen Fry (which happened) and he looks totally lost.
He denies climate change and all sorts of other stuff. I don't trust his words about almost anything.
Now, when he talks about issues that don't depend on his honesty, as in, philosophical points that society needs to, but may not like, to hear, free speech etc, I can often get behind a lot if not most of what he says. I think he's a potential force for good in several ways. I just wouldn't take advice from him on what to eat for dinner!
(Also, even I can tell he has a horrifically poor understanding of climate science. Like, really bad its cringeworthy)
I haven't followed his entire corpus, obviously, but as far as I'm aware I don't think he ever hid the fact, although he's sometimes reticent about answering the question.
I want to give him the benefit of the doubt, so I lean toward him actually believing what he says (e.g. about climate change) rather than purposely hoodwinking people about it. Though, about the meat thing . . . it's kinda hard not to be aware of what you're putting in your mouth!
Speaking of climate change, would you say it is an incontestably true fact that climate change is a top priority survival issue for humanity? I think that's what the scientific consensus believes, correct? So I'm asking what you think about it. I haven't read a single book on the topic, and have only read a few articles and watched a few podcasts by experts, and I don't feel able to definitively evaluate the things I've heard.
I side with the scientific consensus by default but, for example, there's people, like some physicist who appeared on a Michael Shermer podcast (found it; will link it below), who argue the science is unsettled (although he admits climate change is happening, but he says we don't know how impactful it will be), and I can't really respond to their arguments other than to say "But consensus". I guess there's something about it that seems iffy to me unlike, say, COVID vaccines where I feel much more confident about the consensus view and will enter long FB arguments against the conspiracy theorists! Whereas the climate change deniers (I mean, the deniers of the danger of the change, not the change itself), I will simply leave alone!
Hmm well my concerns are less about whether or not climate is or isn't and to what extent this and that, my problem is more the cheap and stupidly political response to it. Politicians using it to get brownie points. I remember in an election debate some years ago, our UK leaders were all standing next to each other, asked about what they'll do about it, and then each one of the five just started numbering the amount of trees they were going to plant like an auction
Meanwhile in the time they had that debate China opened about 17 coal power plants that generate more CO2 than the UK does in 10 years.
We as a species are meant to innovate our way out of problems, not freeze and starve our elderly in the name of some idealistic, globalist endeavour. You can't expect India and China to stop producing thus never having the same developmental privileges we in the west did just because we did it first. The fact is, Africa, India, China, they're all going to start producing more and more emissions. You could wipe Europe of the face of the earth and it wouldn't make a blind bit of difference. I mean, the UK is less than 1% of global emissions. Even if you did wipe the UK out of existence, China would just see an open market opportunity and pick up the slack.
We see the farce in so many ways. We cut our emissions and the politicians announce it with pride. 2 minutes digging into the details and you find they're just importing energy resources from around the world, which not only is made in less sustainable ways, but also has to be shipped on large ships across the oceans. We're not reducing climate change at all, we're just shunting it off to poor places. It's all a massive joke.
Solar panels on your houses? Great! You'll break even in 45 years, except the panels only last 20 years and lose efficiency as you go. Also, you're in the country with fourth lowest sunlight hours on the planet, roughly the same as Iceland and Alaska. Oh, now you want to block the sun to cool the earth, over a country you just make completely bankrupt investing in solar panels? Nice!
(I'm sure there's more nuance to that last one but you get the point).
None of these people give an honest shit about climate. If they did, they would stop importing immigrants to the country given that their carbon footprint invariably skyrockets when they land on our soil. Surely it's greener to leave them where they are and help out charitably in reasonable ways? But no, that goes against their political posturing. Ideology before consensus I'm afraid.
Ok I went on a bit of a rant there so I'll keep the rest short!
I'm always a bit wary of 'consensus' because it's treated like some kind of godlike status, which just automatically makes me skeptical. In China, it's scientific consensus that acupuncture works 100% of the time to heal everything ever. Who's to say the West's consensus is anymore valid than theirs? We're already well aware of the Replication Crisis which we just conveniently sweeped under the rug and forgot about.
In principle, it's a noble thing though and I try to trust things to the best extent that I can. (scientific) conspiracy theories are just too easy at this point to even bother with.
❤️
a medida que avanzan en su edad es inevitable ver sus cambios, ya no hacen lo mismo, generando una nostalgia, me ha pasado mucho con los mios.
as they get older it is inevitable to see their changes, they no longer do the same, generating a nostalgia, it has happened to me a lot with mine.
I can feel myself going through it, too! Time is unforgiving