Thyroid or Diabetes in Cat

MouldyOldDough

Our 19 year old moggie is losing weight, ocassionally vomitting and his coat is falling out in clumps all signs of both diabetes and thyroid problems

He has been on Thyronorm for 3 years and is getting worse - when he was put on the drug - we were told that it would only work for a couple of years

He has lost most of his sight and has dementia

I am guessing that his time is coming soon ?

Any advice ?

MovingForwards

Speak to your vet as it may be something else, when you've full information an appropriate decision can be made.

Fleas can make cats pull clumps of fur out, as can scratching. They also lose their winter coat in hot weather; my cat has made about 3 new ones this year.

Katiehound

However sad it seems I really think you have to weigh up his quality of life versus trying everything that might prolong his life.
He is a good age, and clearly you have looked after him very well. Put it like this, if he were my cat I would be preparing myself to say 'goodbye'

No, I don't have cats, I have 2 dogs one of whom is elderly. She doesn't see well, doesn't hear well and has wobbly back legs but loves her food and a short walk  . There are good days, and others not so good so I take each day as it comes but I know the time is approaching ....
Been there, done that, bought the T shirt very many times now. 
We have the gift to let our pets pass on without pain: that's how a responsible caring owner behaves.

It's very hard but think of all the wonderful times you have had and then make a decision.

It's hard
Thinking of you.

TripleH

Despite the issues you list, does your cat seem their normal self or has their behaviour changed?

Are they hiding more?

I know when our eldest (passed away this year at 17) had arthritic flare-ups would hide under the bed.

Maybe make them a nice secure, safe den so they are comfy at least.

MouldyOldDough

TripleH said:

Despite the issues you list, does your cat seem their normal self or has their behaviour changed?

Are they hiding more?

I know when our eldest (passed away this year at 17) had arthritic flare-ups would hide under the bed.

Maybe make them a nice secure, safe den so they are comfy at least.

He has been quieter for the last few months - he tends to stay outdoors all night at the moment (the heat ?) and comes in through the cat flap YOWLING as if he's seen something scary - he doesn't come upstairs any longer - the stairs are a barrier to him !

SensibleSarah

I'm very sorry that your old boy is struggling. 

I went through very similar with my old boy about this time last year. I took him back to the vets and they tweaked his meds, which seemed to have an effect for a while. By late autumn though, he'd stopped enjoying life. Was still eating a little and loved a fuss but spent most his time out of the way (outside, which was also out of character for that time of year) and wasn't very mobile any longer. I knew it was his time just a few weeks shy of his 18th birthday. It's all about quality of life and his had gradually disappeared to the point where it wasn't really living anymore. 

I'm sure you'll know when the time is right for your boy 

Mrs_Z

So sorry to hear about your cat.  I guess if you were to take him/her to the vets, they could do a blood test and determine to what level the thyroid medication is or is not working. But, at the age of 19, you have to really think hard whether it's worth and right to put animal through the stress of it of it all, just to try and gain some extra time. Nineteen is a very good and respectable age for a cat - we lost ours at the same age, she had a stroke one evening and lost the use of one side of her legs.  Sad as it was having to let her go, we took comfort on the fact that she had really 'maxed' her time with us and was already on 'bonus time' as she also had thryoid and blood pressure issues and had become quite hard of hearing too. Wishing you the best of luck whichever way you decide.