Cat Breed Info and Feline Health Care > Female 14 years old, Has had another cat as company up ... >

Female 14 years old, Has had another cat as company up until a year ago (death).
Left cat at mother' when I got married 8 years ago, but we still visit and get
along with her. Has been around people a lot in the past. Currently human is
not at home very much. There will be extended periods (a few days to a week) of
time when cat is in basement away from almost all human contact. My question is
this, is she better off in that environment she is familiar with even if she is
alone, or coming to live with me and my husband. We have three cats and plenty
of room. She would have a large room of her own at the beginning that is on the
same floor as everything else. The cats we have were gotten at different times
and introduced to each other w/o any major problems.

Please help, I can't stand the thought of her being alone but don't want to make
it worse if she would be better off there.

Thank you

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Hi Debbie,

My personal opinion is that you should bring her to live with you. Here is my major reason: at her advanced age, she should be monitored daily for any changes in food/water consumption, elimination habits (urination/defecation), injuries incurred (in the basement), possible dental problems, etc.

Older cats are very prone to developing certain illnesses/diseases like diabetes, hyperthyroidism and renal failure. When the initial symptoms present themselves, an immediate vet visit is imperative. Conditions such as these can be treated, but early detection is key. Oral problems like abscessed teeth, infected gums, sores in mouth, are also more likely with older cats. Urinary infections or blockages from cystals/stones, and constipation are common in older cats.

My thinking is--if she shouldn't feel well and no one is around to notice, she can't be helped and could be in a lot of pain or even god forbid, pass away before the symptoms are noticed, identified and treated.

I realize your main concern is the stress of changing her environment at this age. If she's isolated in her own room, there shouldn't be a major problem. She will have you to look after her and monitor her good health and love her.

A product called Feliway, which is a synthetic feline pheromone, may help her transition. It's used to calm stressed/anxious cats and comes in a spray form and also a plug in diffuser--like a plug in air freshener, but it has no scent to humans. You can buy it in Petsmart, etc., online and some vet offices carry it. Here's some info on it:

www.feliway.com

www.catfaeries.com/feliway.html

If the transition is made in the best way possible to cause her the least stress--her usual food, litterbox, litterbrand, cat bed, toys, etc., I think it should go well. Also, it might help to bring an unwashed t-shirt of your mother's (that's who she's with now?) to place in the room where she sleeps, for security and familiarity.

Well, that's my take on the situation. I hope you're able to do what's best for her and please keep me posted on the situation. Thanks!

Cher

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