Advice On My Elderly Cat

[LaraC83]

Hi

I have a cat who is 17 years old (he’s an old boy with cataracts and can’t see very well) Yesterday I noticed the side of his face was swollen and he would not let me touch that side. I assumed it was a problem with his tooth so I immediately rang my vets and took him.

Luckily I was mistaken and there was no swelling but there was a bit of a problem with his teeth. He had a blood test to check his thyroid (still awaiting the results) and the vet gave him an injection of Convenia. I asked about side effects and told there were none but he would feel better. When we got home he seemed great. Ate more than he had in a long time (I joked they must have given him weed and he’s got the munchies) since then he’s mainly slept (not too unusual for him) he seems to be drooling a bit and keeps licking his lips. He hardly ate this morning nor has he gone to his water, I even brought water to him but he has not drank. I don’t know if he’s passed urine.

I suffer with bad anxiety and I’ve been in tears all morning as I stupidly googled the injection and read so much bad stuff. I’m hoping all this is just because he’s had a jab (I felt the same way when I first had a flu jab) but my mind is in overdrive.

Hoping someone can put me at ease or give any sort of advice

[roopower]

I can't really help, but noticed you said there is a bit of a problem with his teeth. He may have toothache. See how he is later and maybe ring the vet again. I don't know what the injection was and don't google such things as it comes up with a real scarefest. Try not to worry but your puss is a good age and can start having problems now. Take care,

[LaraC83]

Thank you Roo. I’m just in full panic mode. When he ate he was making a weird kind of crunching sound and the jab is to treat infections. Since the jab when he has eaten he has not made that sound so I took that as a positive.

Think it’s my anxiety just going mad as he is my baby (sad I know) and having so much loss in the last 2 years including my mum, 2 dogs and my cats sister I just want him to be ok.

[Prudie]

Lara firstly many will understand how you feel, I'm always in tears if one of my cats are ill. Personally I think you should grit your teeth and ring the vet now, ask them to explain why they gave you that particular antibiotic and what they think it is treating, tell them he's not eating or drinking today, they should take that seriously. All the symptoms seem to point to a tooth/abscess problem (to my untrained eye) but as they have ruled that out it can't be. Ring them, it will stop you worrying about doing nothing but worry.

[anneasquith]

I know how you must feel Lara. Owners of elderly pets are always worried something is going wrong with their health. Leave food and water out for him, ensure he is in a comfortable place and just observe him. Contact vet tomorrow. Have a cup of tea and try ( I know it’s hard)to to relax .

[Sqad]

I am not a vet, but my first thought would be diabetes.
Aged 17 yes, cataract and an undiagnosed illness, in my opinion would be a blessing to have him euthanized.

[pixie374]

If he is having trouble eating, maybe tempt him with something soft like salmon, mix it with a little water, so he hopefully gets some fluid too. Our local vets suggest canned pilchards in tomato to tempt cats to eat. Good luck. Xx

[LaraC83]

Thank you for all the advice. He has fresh boiled chicken for breakfast, cat biscuits are available to him throughout the day and so is water.

I’m feeling a bit better as he’s just got up and had a really long drink. I then made a fuss of him and he was purring away while being tickled.

[237SJ]

He might have a bit of gingivitis. I had a cat with that and it would flare up every now and again (he used to dribble a bit as well)

[pixie374]

I'm not sure if it applies to cats, as well as people, but antibiotics can cause some nausea, so that may temporarily put him off. Glad he is doing better x

[LaraC83]

237sj - he was given the injection as there was a bit of plaque buildup on one side and he had chipped a bit of a tooth. I was told this could cause discomfort.

As I said he’s had a really long drink of water, a tickle and now he’s laying down again. He doesn’t seem to be licking his lips as much (think that was because he had dry mouth and now he’s drank it’s eased that) I will monitor him for the rest of the day and call my vets if I feel the need

[Buenchico]

It can take a while for an antibiotic, such as Convenia, to start working. In the meantime the infection might have spread, leaving your poor cat very unwell. Now that the antibiotic is starting to do its job though, it's to be hoped that he'll start feeling a lot better.

[lankeela]

Sue the vets would not have let him suffer if they felt it was his time. They will have given him something to ease the discomfort which can take some time to kick in. Just monitor him over the next couple of days but don't be afraid to ring the vets if you are worried. Well done for getting him to that age, he must be well loved so just take each day as it comes and spoil him.

[LaraC83]

Thanks Lankeela. We’ve been very lucky with our pets. My old cat got to the ripe old age of 22. There’s no way I’m giving up on my boy yet. As long as any condition is treatable I will do that. But I’m also not stupid enough to know that if it’s his time it’s his time. I would never prolong any agony.

[Patsy33]

Glad your darling 'boy' is doing better. Try to relax now and enjoy every minute. :-)

[david small]

LaraC83. How delightful. You love and care for your companion so well. He’s a very lucky cat. Of course you won’t give up on him. My daughters both have very elderly cats who they adore. You will know when the day comes to say goodbye. But that day is far away. Enjoy each other.

[LaraC83]

Thank you David. A little update on him. He’s always been a lazy little so and so who would much prefer a litter tray than going out.

As a fish hater (if it’s not a tin of tuna I can’t touch it) I did go to the shop and bought him some salmon. Poached it and offered it up. He ate it! lol not a lot but at least he ate. He then went to the garden to use the ‘facilities’ came back in and drank more, ate biscuits then went to his litter tray upstairs to do a number 2.

Then it was purring cuddles on the sofa for us.

I’m obviously still worried about him but my anxiety has lessened and I’ve finally stopped crying ha ha. I can assume it’s just his body getting used to antibiotics.

Again thank you all for your advice

[woofgang]

I have dogs not cats but they find a vet visit very stressful and would be very tired afterwards regardless of what they are given or even if given nothing.

[lankeela]

Just seen my typo - obviously mean to say 'sure' not sue the vets!

[LaraC83]

Ha ha Lankeela I got what you meant.

Well my baby has perked right up today. I was awoken at stupid o clock with him laying on my chest purring loudly in my face. He followed me to the kitchen awaiting his chicken which he ate 2 bowls of. He’s drinking much more than yesterday and has been grooming himself for the past half hour.

Again I can’t thank most of you all enough for easing my anxiety with your kind words

[woofgang]

what lovely news