19 year old cat incontinent

itsalldrivingmemad

My old male cat seems poorly. He is weeing everywhere - at least I think it is him, I have 2 other young cats 7 and 5 and they are healthy and active. They have access outside though cat flap. He doesn't seem to want to go outside, I put him outside and 30 seconds later he is back though the cat flap again.

I think he has kidney problem/ cat diabetes as he is constantly drinking water and this is what searches suggest through googling it. He has lost weight and is fidgety....

I am struggling to come to the decision to take him to the vets as I know what they will say but then am I being cruel not taking him if he is in pain and I am being selfish because I am guessing the vets will suggest putting him to sleep.

Can someone be a voice of reason for me please?

meritaten

he is 19 and you hesitate to take him to vets? even though you think he is the one weeing everywhere? I appreciate that you love him but, you are letting him down here - he needs to see a vet - you don't KNOW that it isn't something that can be sorted out! and if it cant - then a long lingering death surely isn't something you wish for him?
I feel its a bit harsh - but you did ask!

itsalldrivingmemad

Thank you... I need to be string and I know deep down it is the phone call I need to make in The morning. I have separated the cats now shut other 2 in dining room overnight ( obviously with food and water and litter, and let the old man have the run if the rest if the house to see if it is him and not one of the others.

monty-doggy

Aww bless him. What makes you think he is in pain? At 19 he probably could do with a check up and talk to the vet about his needs.

I understand how hard it must be but if you love him then please do it for him.

I hope it's not too hard for you and wish you the best with him xx

itsalldrivingmemad

Thank you...He can't settle on his normal spot at the end of the sofa. He is up and down to the water bowl or to turn around as if he can't get comfy.

monty-doggy

Take him to the vet. It could be something small and easy to help him. Let us know how you get on xx

teddysmum

The constant need for water and his age do suggest kidney problems, so you really must see your vet ? Don't you get annual MOT/vaccinations, anyway ?


I know your fears having lost a number of dogs over the years. We love them, but the kindest thing is to put your own feelings aside and think of the animal.


There may well be something the vet can do, but you must know in your heart that you can't let your pet suffer. Pain aside, most pets are houseproud and feel awful if they soil their home.


If there is nothing to be done, then you have to face up to things and be glad that you've had him for so long, though we do forget that they are not permanent when we have them so long.(I lost my last dog at 14).


A friend has just had to let her little dog go at just age 4, but she did the best thing and has even been brave enough to allow her to be used to help others of her breed . (Cavalier Collection Scheme researches their ailments)

Gold_Dust_2

Hi,

I've had cats with both kidney issues and diabetes, and they are both treatable - my cats lived for months after both diagnoses and would have gone longer were it not for cancer. Diabetes is not a death sentence, I can give you some advice and point you in the direction of a great specialist forum. If it is diabetes, he needs to be seen ASAP. You can rule that out for a tenner if you want, just grab a glucometer from the chemist and test the cat on the edge of it's ear, a reading of over 8.2 is a red flag (check youtube and google for advice on how to home test, but don't go for the paw pads/claws etc.. I can give you a lot more advice if you'd like, just PM me as I don't check the forum often.

I hope you've taken the cat today, or at least made a phone call.

monty-doggy wrote: »

Take him to the vet. It could be something small and easy to help him. Let us know how you get on xx

Exactly, a lot of the time the stuff that looks scary is easily treated, so don't jump to conclusions yourself and give the cat a chance.

Gold_Dust_2

How is your cat doing now?

Gold_Dust_2

Any updates ?