Old, old cat and incontinence

[makbike]

You might ask your vet about using medications to control this. It has been a year since I worked in a clinic but I recall a drug (Proin) that was often prescribed for this problem and many owners reported good results.

[spokewench]

well, here is an update. Big Kitty has settled down with his new circumstances and seems to be doing okay. I am only locking him up while I am away from home and at night. And, he has a kitty door from the laundry room to the garage (where his cat box is) so he can go wander in the garage and there is a window in the garage with a large benchlike area in front of it where he can perch and watch. We have closed the doors to the bedrooms so he cannot get on the beds, but he was quite content to lay in front of the fireplace last night on top of a puddle pad and also on the couch.

Not, such a bad life especially for a cat who just sleeps all day long anyway. So, we will see how things go, but I don't think he feels punished and he seems to be fine. I think he is adapting pretty well; as he used to be a garage kitty for the first 12 years of his life anyway. And, up until three years ago, he was not allowed to get on furniture at all. Yes, he is a very smart trainable cat and never got on furniture when he was not supposed to.

So, I am in a holding pattern to see how things go. If he is in pain or not doing well in other areas, quits eating, etc., this will probably change; but right now, he is doing okay with his change in circumstances.

Thanks everyone for your input. It was nice to hear other people's opinions. I'll keep you posted.

[Blueberry]

Glad to hear he's settled in! Cats can be such amazing animals.

Here's hoping he stays happy and as healthy as possible!

CA

[Biciclista]

Spokewrench, that's great! and give him lots of extra treats and TLC in his waning years.

[OakLeaf]

((((((Spokewench & kitty)))))

That's so tough. Glad she's feeling somewhat better.

Our Measle had fecal incontinence for about his last year and a half, but he could control his bladder most of the time. It obviously upset him but on balance it didn't seem like it was making his life unlivable.

Flur, I'm with the others in hoping that you never have to make that decision. We could have let our Taz starve to death because he couldn't eat, in terrible cancer pain, or let him go peacefully and painlessly. We chose the latter when his pain became so great that he couldn't rest.

[gnGracie]

well, here is an update... So, I am in a holding pattern to see how things go. If he is in pain or not doing well in other areas, quits eating, etc., this will probably change; but right now, he is doing okay with his change in circumstances.

Thanks everyone for your input. It was nice to hear other people's opinions. I'll keep you posted.

I'm glad to hear Big Kitty is doing better now. My oldest dog, Harley (a 15-yr-old pomeranian) is having problems with incontinence as well as other age-related issues, but he's still happy and enjoys his life, so we're enjoying each and every day we have left with him. I personally believe euthanasia is a gift we can give our beloved pets if they don't die a peaceful natural death. When they're in so much pain that there's no pleasure left in life, it's the last gift of love we can give them. We had to have our oldest dog, Rocky, put to sleep last year and it was no easy decision, but we did it for his sake, not ours. The vet came to our house and he was surrounded by everyone who loved him. I wish I could have that choice when the time comes!

Big hugs to Big Kitty and you!

[jesvetmed]

Spoke: If all else seems to be going well, I'd suggest a check at the vet's. He could have a urinary tract infection, and likely has kidney disease by this point (all cats this age have some degree of kidney dysfunction), and there are some things that may be helpful.

Otherwise, you are right in that it doesn't sound like a "bad" life for him. He likely likes to sleep by the warmth above anything else at this age anyway. You are obviously taking very good care of him and love him very much -- keep it up. You'll know when he is ready, and it sounds to me like he's still a happy kitty. 23 is an amazing age and a great life for a kitty. You've done well by him.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving, and give thanks for the 23 years you've been able to enjoy him. Take care and I wish you both the best.

[wildhawk]

Glad to hear that your cat is adapting to his new situation - I would, first of all, have your vet check for a UTI - I have a disabled dog who is 8, and from time to time she gets a UTI and will have accidents on her bedding and the carpet. We put her on antibiotics and it clears up and she can control her bladder again. If it is not a UTI, you can try what a friend of mine did once with her kitty: she got some infant onesies, cut a hole out the back for her kitty’s tail and lined them with pet diapers. At first the cat did not like them, but after awhile he actually enjoyed wearing his “clothes” and adapted to the diapers just fine. He lived to a ripe old age (18) and was very loved. He would actually let her know when he needed a diaper change! Purring can be either content or uncomfortable signs. Our oldest kitty Majic died this past year - we tore the house apart looking for her and found her lying on a towel in the bottom of a never used closet. She was cool to the touch and when we picked her up she was purring. We rushed her to our vet, but by the time we got there, she was almost gone. We got to say our goodbyes and she purred to the last breath. I wish you lots of hugs and love for your big kitty whatever comes, he is a lucky kitty to be loved so much for so many years!!

[spokewench]

Spoke: If all else seems to be going well, I'd suggest a check at the vet's. He could have a urinary tract infection, and likely has kidney disease by this point (all cats this age have some degree of kidney dysfunction), and there are some things that may be helpful.

Otherwise, you are right in that it doesn't sound like a "bad" life for him. He likely likes to sleep by the warmth above anything else at this age anyway. You are obviously taking very good care of him and love him very much -- keep it up. You'll know when he is ready, and it sounds to me like he's still a happy kitty. 23 is an amazing age and a great life for a kitty. You've done well by him.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving, and give thanks for the 23 years you've been able to enjoy him. Take care and I wish you both the best.

Oh, yes, he has been checked for urinary tract infections, etc. He has had bladder issues all his life; he had the surgery where they basically turn the cat into a female cat, that is to pee; and he has had the crystalization in his system for many, many years. This has, over the years, made the walls of his bladder very thick and i'm sure has caused the urinary incontinence. Tthe only problem with antibiotics now with him is that when you give them orally, he just throws them up and the last time I gave it to him with shots, he reacted quite badly to the shots and got huge sores where he was given the shots. He also has diminished kidney function, but the last time he was checked, the numbers had stabilized and he was doing okay.

We do the best we can at his age!

spoke