It's tough because cats are really good at disguising poor health (given that they sleep 23 hours a day even when they're healthy kinda helps). Food, water, and litter box issues are the big clues, as well as grooming. If those things are off, those are the clues to follow up on.Mimi wrote: ↑09 Aug 2020, 7:40amA question for those with old cats: what behaviors did you start noticing that were different from when they were a little younger?
Mine are 12. While I know Licorice has a kidney issue and has always been high maintenance, her behavior hasn't alarmed me. Butters has always been lazy and healthy but now I can't tell if he's sick, stressed because of a recent event (flooded basement) or if he's just getting older.
Pets.
- Dr. Medulla
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Re: Pets.
"Grab some wood, bub.'" - Richard Nixon, Checkers Speech, abandoned early draft
Re: Pets.
When he's stressed about something, he doesn't eat, but everything else seems to be okay. He just seems different.Dr. Medulla wrote: ↑09 Aug 2020, 8:38amIt's tough because cats are really good at disguising poor health (given that they sleep 23 hours a day even when they're healthy kinda helps). Food, water, and litter box issues are the big clues, as well as grooming. If those things are off, those are the clues to follow up on.Mimi wrote: ↑09 Aug 2020, 7:40amA question for those with old cats: what behaviors did you start noticing that were different from when they were a little younger?
Mine are 12. While I know Licorice has a kidney issue and has always been high maintenance, her behavior hasn't alarmed me. Butters has always been lazy and healthy but now I can't tell if he's sick, stressed because of a recent event (flooded basement) or if he's just getting older.
- Dr. Medulla
- Atheistic Epileptic
- Posts: 116590
- Joined: 15 Jun 2008, 2:00pm
- Location: Straight Banana, Idaho
Re: Pets.
Water is more important than food, so I wouldn't be overly alarmed. But if it persists, of course, go to a vet. Also: Is he willing to be social with you? If he really wants to be alone, that could be evidence that he's hiding something.Mimi wrote: ↑09 Aug 2020, 9:11amWhen he's stressed about something, he doesn't eat, but everything else seems to be okay. He just seems different.Dr. Medulla wrote: ↑09 Aug 2020, 8:38amIt's tough because cats are really good at disguising poor health (given that they sleep 23 hours a day even when they're healthy kinda helps). Food, water, and litter box issues are the big clues, as well as grooming. If those things are off, those are the clues to follow up on.Mimi wrote: ↑09 Aug 2020, 7:40amA question for those with old cats: what behaviors did you start noticing that were different from when they were a little younger?
Mine are 12. While I know Licorice has a kidney issue and has always been high maintenance, her behavior hasn't alarmed me. Butters has always been lazy and healthy but now I can't tell if he's sick, stressed because of a recent event (flooded basement) or if he's just getting older.
"Grab some wood, bub.'" - Richard Nixon, Checkers Speech, abandoned early draft
Re: Pets.
Yeah, he loves me, so that hasn't changed. The earliest vet appt is 9-11. Thanks, covid!Dr. Medulla wrote: ↑09 Aug 2020, 10:27amWater is more important than food, so I wouldn't be overly alarmed. But if it persists, of course, go to a vet. Also: Is he willing to be social with you? If he really wants to be alone, that could be evidence that he's hiding something.Mimi wrote: ↑09 Aug 2020, 9:11amWhen he's stressed about something, he doesn't eat, but everything else seems to be okay. He just seems different.Dr. Medulla wrote: ↑09 Aug 2020, 8:38amIt's tough because cats are really good at disguising poor health (given that they sleep 23 hours a day even when they're healthy kinda helps). Food, water, and litter box issues are the big clues, as well as grooming. If those things are off, those are the clues to follow up on.Mimi wrote: ↑09 Aug 2020, 7:40amA question for those with old cats: what behaviors did you start noticing that were different from when they were a little younger?
Mine are 12. While I know Licorice has a kidney issue and has always been high maintenance, her behavior hasn't alarmed me. Butters has always been lazy and healthy but now I can't tell if he's sick, stressed because of a recent event (flooded basement) or if he's just getting older.
- Dr. Medulla
- Atheistic Epileptic
- Posts: 116590
- Joined: 15 Jun 2008, 2:00pm
- Location: Straight Banana, Idaho
Re: Pets.
I suspect he's fine if his appetite is the only thing that's off, especially when you can pinpoint a stressful event.Mimi wrote: ↑09 Aug 2020, 10:30amYeah, he loves me, so that hasn't changed. The earliest vet appt is 9-11. Thanks, covid!Dr. Medulla wrote: ↑09 Aug 2020, 10:27amWater is more important than food, so I wouldn't be overly alarmed. But if it persists, of course, go to a vet. Also: Is he willing to be social with you? If he really wants to be alone, that could be evidence that he's hiding something.Mimi wrote: ↑09 Aug 2020, 9:11amWhen he's stressed about something, he doesn't eat, but everything else seems to be okay. He just seems different.Dr. Medulla wrote: ↑09 Aug 2020, 8:38amIt's tough because cats are really good at disguising poor health (given that they sleep 23 hours a day even when they're healthy kinda helps). Food, water, and litter box issues are the big clues, as well as grooming. If those things are off, those are the clues to follow up on.Mimi wrote: ↑09 Aug 2020, 7:40amA question for those with old cats: what behaviors did you start noticing that were different from when they were a little younger?
Mine are 12. While I know Licorice has a kidney issue and has always been high maintenance, her behavior hasn't alarmed me. Butters has always been lazy and healthy but now I can't tell if he's sick, stressed because of a recent event (flooded basement) or if he's just getting older.
Speaking of, we had a neighbourhood cat pop up on the front porch this morning, which sent everyone into red alert panic. Zoë howled like she had to vomit, Luke and Charlotte started swatting at each other, everyone's tail went puffy. Outside cat just hung around and yawned. Dignity would be wasted on these three.
"Grab some wood, bub.'" - Richard Nixon, Checkers Speech, abandoned early draft
Re: Pets.
Hahaha I love when there's a cat outside. It's like Xmas morning for them.Dr. Medulla wrote: ↑09 Aug 2020, 12:03pmI suspect he's fine if his appetite is the only thing that's off, especially when you can pinpoint a stressful event.Mimi wrote: ↑09 Aug 2020, 10:30amYeah, he loves me, so that hasn't changed. The earliest vet appt is 9-11. Thanks, covid!Dr. Medulla wrote: ↑09 Aug 2020, 10:27amWater is more important than food, so I wouldn't be overly alarmed. But if it persists, of course, go to a vet. Also: Is he willing to be social with you? If he really wants to be alone, that could be evidence that he's hiding something.Mimi wrote: ↑09 Aug 2020, 9:11amWhen he's stressed about something, he doesn't eat, but everything else seems to be okay. He just seems different.Dr. Medulla wrote: ↑09 Aug 2020, 8:38am
It's tough because cats are really good at disguising poor health (given that they sleep 23 hours a day even when they're healthy kinda helps). Food, water, and litter box issues are the big clues, as well as grooming. If those things are off, those are the clues to follow up on.
Speaking of, we had a neighbourhood cat pop up on the front porch this morning, which sent everyone into red alert panic. Zoë howled like she had to vomit, Luke and Charlotte started swatting at each other, everyone's tail went puffy. Outside cat just hung around and yawned. Dignity would be wasted on these three.
Re: Pets.
So, it looks like we will be getting Guinae pigs soon. Wish me luck.
Got a Rake? Sure!
IMCT: Inane Middle-Class Twats - Dr. M
" *sigh* it's right when they throw the penis pump out the window." -Hoy
IMCT: Inane Middle-Class Twats - Dr. M
" *sigh* it's right when they throw the penis pump out the window." -Hoy
Re: Pets.
They really are. Since Ari's hamster died, he has been begging us to get a hardier pet. I told him to do some research. For awhile, he was interested in lizards, but they seem super difficult to care for. Then we ended up watching his friend's Guinae pig for a week and he fell in love. He did a great job taking care of him by himself, too. The Humane Society seems to have them on a regular basis, so we are going to order the cage and get everything set up before adopting two of them (they do better in pairs, evidently). The cage setups are something to behold.
Got a Rake? Sure!
IMCT: Inane Middle-Class Twats - Dr. M
" *sigh* it's right when they throw the penis pump out the window." -Hoy
IMCT: Inane Middle-Class Twats - Dr. M
" *sigh* it's right when they throw the penis pump out the window." -Hoy
Re: Pets.
Well, looks like I am officially certifiable. I just ordered this cage for the future Guinea Pigs.
Got a Rake? Sure!
IMCT: Inane Middle-Class Twats - Dr. M
" *sigh* it's right when they throw the penis pump out the window." -Hoy
IMCT: Inane Middle-Class Twats - Dr. M
" *sigh* it's right when they throw the penis pump out the window." -Hoy
- Dr. Medulla
- Atheistic Epileptic
- Posts: 116590
- Joined: 15 Jun 2008, 2:00pm
- Location: Straight Banana, Idaho
Re: Pets.
You do know that those things are designed to control your rodents and turn them into government agents, right
"Grab some wood, bub.'" - Richard Nixon, Checkers Speech, abandoned early draft
Re: Pets.
Yes. Yes I do.Dr. Medulla wrote: ↑17 Aug 2020, 1:15pmYou do know that those things are designed to control your rodents and turn them into government agents, right
Got a Rake? Sure!
IMCT: Inane Middle-Class Twats - Dr. M
" *sigh* it's right when they throw the penis pump out the window." -Hoy
IMCT: Inane Middle-Class Twats - Dr. M
" *sigh* it's right when they throw the penis pump out the window." -Hoy
Re: Pets.
Got a Rake? Sure!
IMCT: Inane Middle-Class Twats - Dr. M
" *sigh* it's right when they throw the penis pump out the window." -Hoy
IMCT: Inane Middle-Class Twats - Dr. M
" *sigh* it's right when they throw the penis pump out the window." -Hoy