|
|
| Public Forum |
Proceed to Auspet's
New Discussion Forum |
Pet
Directory |
Classifieds
| Home
| LinkXchange
|
 Click here to make Auspet.com your default home page |
|
 Auspet - Message Boards
 Cats - all types
 22 year old Cat losing/ thinnning fur acting funny
|
 UBBFriend: Email This Page to Someone! |
next newest topic | next oldest topic |
| Author | Topic: 22 year old Cat losing/ thinnning fur acting funny |
|
dawnnoell New Member  Posts: 5 |
posted 01-17-2004 10:10 AM
 
My cat is 22 she is an indoor cat and I give her frountline pluss every month. She has started losing or thinning fur on her back and sides twords her tail but not on her tail or around her bottom. She is moving slower and seems to be having a hard time with dry cat food so I have switched her to canned and she seems to have fattened up again. She just dose not seem herself and with the hair loss she looks horable. She still uses the cat litter box with little problems and walks as fast as she can to her food when we feed her but seems to drink a little more water than she use to. She is due for her next set of shots in March so I was planning on taking her in th the vet then but want to know what to ask my vet about since hes not the best vet with cats but the only vet within 3 hour drive. Should I worry is this a sympton of somthing or just old age. IP: Logged |
|
Chessmind Member  Posts: 701 |
posted 01-17-2004 10:28 AM
Hello. Welcome to the site. Your kitty is getting up there in age. Since your cat is 22, I would not have a vet give her those shots. Cats that age can have adverse reactions to the shots and it may do more harm than good. However, that is just my opinion. I will try and find some actual facts for you on this topic. However, I do think it's always a good idea to take your cat for a check up at any age at least once a year and twice a year for much older cats. As for her not eating dry food this is a common problem in older cats, as they often have problems with their teeth/gums. I would ask the vet to take a look at her teeth/gums and see if any of them need attention. It's good that you are letting her eat soft foods, as she most likely has pain in eating hard food. As for the fur loss, it could be from a variety of things. I'll post again with more information on this. [This message has been edited by Chessmind (edited 01-17-2004).] IP: Logged |
|
Chessmind Member Posts: 701 |
posted 01-17-2004 10:48 AM
Here are some facts regarding adverse reactions to shots in cats. I don't want you to get the wrong idea about shots. I believe they are good to get. Just not a great idea on a much older cat that most likely already has pre-existing health problems. Adverse reactions can include lethargy, fever, stiffness, sore joints, abdominal tenderness, anaphylactic shock (an allergic reaction that causes swelling of critical airways which can result in death within minutes), liver and kidney problems and more . If an animal has a pre-existing health problem, vaccinations can expedite a decline in health of that animal as they are known to depress the immune system. [This message has been edited by Chessmind (edited 01-17-2004).] IP: Logged |
|
Chessmind Member Posts: 701 |
posted 01-17-2004 11:02 AM
This link is about older cats that are drinking more water (just click on the site and it will take you to it). http://www.animalnetwork.com/cats/reference/eating4.asp IP: Logged |
|
fleafly Member Posts: 996 |
posted 01-17-2004 11:16 AM
At her age I would not give her annual shots. For me the risks outweigh the benefits. I am against annual vaccinations anyway. As humans how many immunizations do we have to get every year? Just the flu shot and that is b/c it changes every year. This article talks about some conditions that cause hairloss: It could be a hormone or thyroid problem in an older cat. IP: Logged |
|
Chessmind Member Posts: 701 |
posted 01-17-2004 11:23 AM
Thanks for posting the hair loss Fleafly. I was just trying to find one. Lol p.s. Fleafly...someone was asking you a question in the pics of Kaylifaces post. IP: Logged |
|
MaryNH Member Posts: 240 |
posted 01-17-2004 01:07 PM
sounds like a complete blood panel should be done. Maybe thyroid issues cropping up. And congrats on taking such good care of your cat that it has made it to the ripe old age of 22 IP: Logged |
|
dawnnoell New Member Posts: 5 |
posted 01-19-2004 03:21 PM
Thank You all for the information on yearly cat shots. I have furthered looked into the subject and have decided since she is a indoor cat we will not get her shots. I took her in to my local vet today and My vet seemed upset by the questions I had and did not seem to want to answer any questions. He tried to say it was just old age and not to worry. He did not feel the need to run any tests or anything. I decided to call and make an appoiment at another vet 3 1/2 hours away for Thursday. I read the link on the hair loss/balding but nothing seems to fit her so I am taking her in to new vet Thursday to see what she has to say. I will keep you updated if you want to know what the new vet has to say. Dawnnoell ------------------ IP: Logged |
|
Chessmind Member Posts: 701 |
posted 01-19-2004 06:40 PM
Thank you for the up-date. I can see why your cat has made it to the ripe old age of 22. She's very loved and well cared for. There is a lot to be said for someone that will go and seek a second opinion that is over three hours away. It's always nice to know that there are plenty of people out their that truly love their pets and will go out of their way for them. Please keep us posted on what the other vet has to say. [This message has been edited by Chessmind (edited 01-19-2004).] IP: Logged |
All times are ET (US) | next newest topic | next oldest topic |
  |
|
Contact Us | Auspet.com
Ultimate Bulletin Board 5.45c
| Home | Contact us | Advertise here | Jobs at Auspet | |
| © 1999-2017 AusPet.com |