I need some advice on my cat

[u/origamipony]

Hello all!

I need some advice on my senior cat, Wally. Wally is almost 17 years old and was my grandma's cat. She passed a few months ago and I couldn't stomach the thought of Wally being put up for adoption so I decided to take him in. l've been providing the best care I can for him. He had gone to the vet a few months before my grandma passed and was healthy.

Lately I've noticed he's dropping weight and his appetite has really decreased. He's also peeing outside the litter box which he's never done. I've put out his regular food, soft food, and I do tuna every now and again. I just don't think he's got a great quality of life right now.

In my gut, I know the best course of action is probably to put him down. I honestly can't afford a bunch of testing that a vet would probably want to do and at what cost to Wally?

Can anyone help me on this? I feel extremely guilty and don't even know where to start. Do I just call up a vet and say what I just said?

I wanted to give Wally the best life I could after my grandma passed and I've done my best. I think he's also old and misses her.

If anything, thanks for reading. It's appreciated.

[u/Zealousideal-Cow1335]

Bless you for giving Wally a home after losing your grandmother. Did you spend a lot of time with him before that?

It could be a health issue (hyperthyroidism or kidney disease are common in senior cats and present with these symptoms, and can come on quickly). The vet would have to do bloodwork to determine if it’s either of these, but the thyroid can be managed easily with medication that is cheap from chewy. Kidney disease is a bit tricker, but it can be slowed down with diet.

It could be just as likely that he is struggling to adapt to his new living situation. Cats are very sensitive to change, especially the senior ones, and they grieve losing their people. That’s why I ask if you spent a lot of time with him before, was he familiar with you? Do you have other animals in your home? Are you using the same litter box setup as he had before? Same food?

[u/robinthenurse]

Definitely worth a trip to the vet for blood testing. Things could have changed since those last blood tests, and it is good to catch illnesses in a senior cat early. He may need thyroid medication or a special diet for kidney disease or whatever. Please don't wait.

[u/gfmadden330]

OPINION INCOMING!!

So Wally has had a rough few months, loosing his momma, the person he bonded with and grew up with. That in itself can cause a multitude of issues, health related and otherwise. There may be some underlying issues, BUT chances are, alot has to do with his mental state. He is depressed, and struggling with his new environment, and understandably so.

My opinion is, dont put him down, I know vets are expencive, BUT give him a little time. He is a senior kitty, but he may still have a little time left. He may need a check up, talk to your vet, and see what can be done without breaking the bank, and get the vets opinion. I applaud you for taking Wally in to give him a chance at seeing life through till the end with family, and i'm not accusing you of giving up, or jumping to the big "E". I just feel as though it is more mental than medical, only because of what has happened.

Either way, i wish you and Wally the best, I really hope he pulls through, and manages to live just a little longer. He may show you just why your grandma loved him and how me lived such a long life with her as her momma..

[u/UnhingedMeMaw]

Wally is grieving. As I’m sure you are as well. Add to that, he’s in a new place with new smells, potentially other animals or people. He was uprooted from his home, the one he’s always known and his person is not with him. He’s confused, his world has been turned upside down and he’s not sure what’s going on.

Take him to the vet, ask for a check up & explain what’s going on. Likely if he got a clean bill of health (way to go Wally!) recently, it’s simply grief and depression.

There is no need to jump to ending his life before you have answers. And if it turns out he has health issues you can’t handle financially or mentally, cause caregiver burnout IS a thing, you can surrender him to the vet. They’ll make sure he gets taken care of and he won’t be dumped in a shelter.

Give Wally and yourself some grace. You’ve both lost an important person.

Memaw sends hugs & positive vibes for you and Wally. May you both find Peace & Calm in eachother ❤️‍🩹

[u/Fit_Inside7437]

Whats the litter situation like? Is the box low enough or in an easy to get to spot? At 17 he's likely got sore bones/arthritis and maybe even some cognitive decline where he isn't quite sure where to go. A move is also very stressful on any cat but especially a senior. Give him some grace.

A quick vet visit for the simplest blood test can tell you a lot. I know vets are expensive but for $200 you can quickly find out if he's got kidney issues or anything else brewing. A diet change may make all the difference (like a renal diet). He may have a UTI as well, are you noticing any blood?

It sounds treatable anyways. Losing weight and muscle at 17 is totally normal for senior cats. The key to assessing quality of life is no pain, and able to do the basics like eat/drink/move about. When there's indication of pain, cancer or really odd behavior, then it's time to consider euthanasia.

[u/origamipony → u/Fit_Inside7437]

It’s just a plastic litter box I got at target. I have it in the bathroom off to the side. His food is the same and he’s got a fountain for water and I keep the bath tub tap running because that’s what my grandma did for him.

[u/GaborSzasz]

You can get at least some vet opinion whats wrong. Maybe it is just an infection. You dont know.

If it is some untreatable cancer, sure, but if its just some minor stuff, it may be not that expensive to treat.

[u/origamipony]

Thanks all. I’m taking him to the vet next week. I’ve been really stressed about him and feeling like a failure for him not doing so hot since he’s been with me.