Dear UrbanAnimal,I have an 18-year-old cat named, Norman. I've had him since he was a kitten and I think I've heard him meow just once or twice in all these years. Lately he's become very vocal. At first, I thought it was cute he'd found his voice after all these years, but I think he's trying to tell me something. He doesn't look ill. He's eating and drinking and using his litter box. He's also sleeping well, but as soon as he gets up, he starts meowing. Have you ever heard of this before?
Jocelyn
Dear Jocelyn,
First, congratulations on helping Norman live such a long, healthy life.
It sounds as if he's feeling well, but I understand your concern he's begun "talking" to you after 18 years of silence.
Cats share a talent for hiding symptoms of illness and this is why my first suggestion is to book a veterinary appointment for a checkup if you haven't done so in the recent past.
Animals aren't able to tell us when something is wrong and, depending on how observant you are, symptoms of illness can sometimes be easily overlooked. You wrote Norman is eating and drinking as usual, but sometimes when we live with an animal year after year, we fail to see subtle changes. I'm not suggesting you aren't aware of your cat's normal behaviours, but we humans can miss small cues, especially when they arrive slowly. This is the reason why it's a good idea to have a veterinary checkup to rule out medical reasons for Norman's vocalizations.
The examination will include a physical check and your vet may suggest further tests to uncover problems such as arthritis, renal failure, deafness, blindness, dental problems, diabetes, thyroid issues and a number of other maladies commonly seen in elderly animals.
Many health problems in pets, considered insurmountable in the recent past, have now become possible to treat. When caught in the early stages, these issues can be addressed with medication, change of diet or other options recommended by your veterinarian. Veterinary science has evolved in leaps and bounds over the past few years and you may be surprised at the options available nowadays.
Since you wrote Norman is otherwise healthy, I'm thinking his vision and hearing may be weakening. Cats depend on their eyes and ears to help them navigate through life and, just like people, these senses can deteriorate with age.
Yes, it's an age thing.
You may not have noticed the signs because they can decline slowly over months or even years. If this is Norman's problem, he may be feeling insecure and has suddenly found he needs his voice to communicate with you. He's saying: "I'm having trouble hearing and seeing you. So I'm using my voice. Will this work?"
It's not uncommon for cats to live into their 20s and Norman may indeed be one of those cats.
Dealing with a geriatric animal has its challenges, but to many owners of elderly felines, these can be the best years of a cat's life. They've "been there, done that" and their idea of a great time is a long snooze.
Here are a few suggestions to help ease a cat through his geriatric years:
* Elderly animals aren't quite the adaptable creatures they were in their youth. Keep litter box, food bowls and beds in the same locations.
* An adjustment in diet may be necessary. All that extra sleeping can pack on the pounds, which can be detrimental at any age, but more so in the elderly. Ask your veterinarian to recommend an appropriate diet geared to a senior cat's needs.
* Groom kitty often. Like people, cats lose their flexibility and are unable to groom themselves as adequately as they'd like. Brush gently, keeping away from any protruding bones and stop when kitty has had enough. Consult your veterinarian if you feel any lumps or bumps while grooming.
* An older cat still wants to play. Calm, friendly games will stimulate your cat's mind and provide physical exercise.
* Cats that live with other pets or rambunctious children may need their own special place to enjoy peace and quiet. Many owners notice their cat has chosen a warm, safe place in a closet or cubbyhole in the house as their private retreat. Add a comfy bed to that place and encourage your cat to use it when there's too much action elsewhere in the house.
Thank you for writing, Jocelyn, and please keep me posted on Norman's progress.
E-mail jacque-newman@rogers.com with a question, comment or suggestion.