cats

[hollytree]

Can anyone tell me ,please, how I can make life better for my old cat who seems not to be enjoying life? She eats well, probably drinks more water than is normal. I think she may have a little arthritis. It's just that she seems unhappy. I do take her to the vets regularly. Is there pain relievers for animals? One which they are unable to detect in food, for to give her tablets etc makes her so very distressed.

[josaphine32]

We are in the same boat as you my old girl is 18 1/2 and she does not do much at all now, we took her to the vets about a month ago as she looked so sad, I thought they would put her down but after an examination they told me that she was in good condition even though i have to clip her back end as she will not wash, she has artheritus in her hind quaters and gave me some metacam for cats ( antiinflamitary liquid form which helped loads and prescribed some aktivate for cats it stimulates there brain for aging cats, she is loads better now, but i am dredding the cold winter months.

[tonyav]

hi hollytree, you say that she drinks more water than is normal. usually with cats that means that she may have a kidney problem, but i'm sure the vey would have picked that up.

[momac]

As Tony says,drinking more than she normally does points to a bit of a kidney problem which affects all older cats,try to find a cat food that she likes which has the least protein in,and if she drinks milk also....I think whiska's does one that doesn't have a lot of protein in,that's what my vet advised me when little cat got old,I wish you and your little 'un good luck.

[hollytree]

Thank you everyone for answering my question re old cats. The suggestions have given me hope

[garner]

Hi hollytree, I would have thought your vet would have picked this up, but older cats can develop thyroid problems and drinking alot of water can be an indication..Might be worth having a word with your vet on the next visit.A blood test will be required, and treatment can be very successful.Good luck with your little lady.g.