Hidden Signs a Cat Is Dying: What I Learned from My Senior Cat

 

Knowing when it’s time to euthanize a cat is one of the hardest decisions a pet owner will ever face. Cats are experts at hiding pain, illness, and discomfort an instinct rooted in survival. Even the most attentive cat owners can miss the subtle signs, especially when their cat continues to eat, groom, play, and follow their normal routine.

Feral‑born or formerly outdoor cats often hide when they feel sick, retreating to closets, under beds, or behind furniture. But well‑socialized indoor cats especially those deeply bonded to their people may do the opposite. They stay close, act normal, and mask their decline.

I learned this firsthand with my senior rescue cat, Gracie.

My Cat Showed Almost No Typical Signs of Decline

Gracie never changed her routine. She ate well, drank normally, used her scratching post, played, and followed me around the house. She used her litter box perfectly. She even entertained me with her little bursts of senior‑cat playfulness.

But there was one behavior that didn’t feel right: She would stare at the wall as if she were in a trance.

It was subtle easy to dismiss but something in my gut said it wasn’t normal.

I scheduled a wellness exam and bloodwork, thinking maybe she had early thyroid disease or possibly a small stroke. I never imagined the veterinarian would tell me it was time to euthanize her. It didn’t even cross my mind that she wouldn’t be coming home with me.

The Diagnosis I Never Expected

The veterinarian explained that Gracie was legally blind, seeing the world as if through wax paper. She had adapted so well that we never noticed. Then came the second blow: a large abdominal mass cancer.

Gracie had always been sensitive about her belly. We rescued her at approximately nine years  of age and we respected her boundaries, brushing her fur but never touching her abdomen. We assumed it was just her personality. In reality, she had likely been uncomfortable for a long time.

There were other signs we misunderstood:

• She began lying in the metal sink. We thought it was adorable senior‑cat quirkiness. But the veterinarian explained that the cool metal soothed her belly and eased her pain.

Looks can be deceiving. Cats hide illness from the people they trust most.

Why Senior Cats Need More Frequent Checkups

If you have a mature or senior cat, I strongly recommend veterinary checkups every six months. Gracie had yearly exams, but her cancer developed quickly faster than annual visits could catch.

Senior cats can decline rapidly, and many illnesses (cancer, kidney disease, hypertension, hyperthyroidism) show no obvious symptoms until they are advanced.

A six‑month wellness exam can catch:

• early organ changes
• blood pressure issues
• thyroid abnormalities
• subtle neurological signs
• hidden pain or discomfort

It can give you time to treat, manage, or at least prepare something I wish I had known sooner.

What I Learned From Gracie

Gracie taught me that:

• Cats can appear healthy while hiding serious illness.
• Blindness in cats can go unnoticed because they adapt so well.
• Senior cats often mask pain to stay close to their people.
• Unusual behaviors like staring at walls or lying in sinks can be quiet cries for help.
• Preventative care is essential, especially in the final years.

Most importantly, she taught me that love doesn’t always come with clear warnings. Sometimes a cat stays themselves until the very last moment because they trust you completely.

Other cat articles by author

End of life care for senior cat

End of Life for 17-Year-Old Feral Cat

Rescued Cat Diagnosed with Cancer

A Safe Natural Dewormer for Cats: What Worked for My Feral Colony

 

This holistic cat-care guide explains how food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) supports natural worm prevention for feral cats, indoor cats, and sensitive cats, based on real-world results since 2006.

If you’ve cared for cats long enough especially ferals, barn cats, or the sensitive ones who react to everything you already know worm prevention isn’t as simple as grabbing a chemical dewormer and hoping for the best. Some products are harsh, some strain the liver and kidneys, and some cats simply cannot tolerate them. After watching cats react badly to “perfectly safe” medications, I started looking for gentler, holistic options that actually work in the real world.

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🐱 My Experience With Food‑Grade DE (And Why I Trust It)

I’ve used food‑grade diatomaceous earth with feral cats since 2006 consistently, not occasionally. If I could add DE to their water, I did. If not, I mixed it into the wet food I used to top their kibble. Over the years, I trapped these cats for vaccines  upper respiratory, FeLV, and rabies and every single time they were checked for worms.

Not one feral ever tested positive.

My feral girl Lucy lived to age 18, completely worm‑free. That’s not theory that’s lived experience. And it’s why I recommend DE to caretakers who want a natural wormer that’s gentle, affordable, and effective.

🐱 Why Cats Need Worm Prevention (Even Indoor Cats)

People love to say, “My cat never goes outside, so she can’t get worms.” I wish it worked that way. Worm eggs are microscopic hitchhikers. They come in on shoes, clothing, potting soil, and even fleas that slip through a screen. Outdoor and feral cats are exposed to rodents, soil, fleas, and shared feeding areas a perfect storm for parasites.

Worm prevention matters for every cat. But how you prevent worms matters even more.

🐱 What Makes Food‑Grade DE Different

Farmers have used DE for generations because it works and it’s gentle. DE isn’t a chemical it doesn’t poison anything, enter the bloodstream, or stress the organs. It’s fossilized algae ground into a fine powder. Under a microscope, it looks like tiny glass shards that dry out parasites through a simple mechanical action.

• Non‑toxic and chemical‑free
• Doesn’t strain the liver or kidneys
• Parasites can’t build resistance
• Safe for long‑term holistic cat care

🐱 How DE Works Inside the Body

When mixed into food or water, DE moves through the digestive tract without being absorbed. Holistic practitioners believe the abrasive particles help break down the outer layer of intestinal worms and interrupt their life cycle. DE doesn’t need to “dissolve” worms like chemical dewormers it simply creates an environment where parasites can’t thrive.

I’ve seen this with ferals, barn cats, and sensitive cats who couldn’t tolerate chemical wormers. When you trap a feral for vaccines and the vet checks for worms and they come back clean you remember that.

🐱 How Caretakers Actually Use DE

Most colony caretakers and holistic cat owners use DE in simple, consistent ways. It’s one of the easiest natural worm‑prevention routines to maintain.

• Mix a small amount into wet food once daily
• Add a pinch to water if the cat tolerates it
• Use for 30 days to cover the worm hatching cycle
• Continue with a gentle maintenance routine if needed

🐱 Why DE Feels Safer Than Chemical Dewormers

If you’ve ever had a cat react badly to a chemical dewormer, you already understand the appeal of natural worm prevention. Some chemical wormers hit the nervous system, strain the liver, or cause vomiting and tremors. Sensitive cats, seniors, and FIV cats often struggle the most.

DE stays in the gut, doesn’t enter the bloodstream, and doesn’t interact with other treatments. For many cats, it’s the gentlest option available.

🐱 What About FIV Cats?

FIV cats can benefit from DE, but they need a little extra awareness. Their systems can be more sensitive, and they dehydrate faster. Many caretakers still use DE successfully just in smaller amounts, mixed into wet food, and with good hydration. For cats who can’t tolerate chemical wormers at all, DE is often the only realistic holistic option.

🐱 Supporting Worm Prevention Naturally

DE works best when paired with simple, consistent habits that support overall feline health and reduce reinfection.

• Keep fleas under control to prevent tapeworm
• Clean feeding areas regularly
• Check stool occasionally
• Feed high‑quality nutrition to support immunity

🐱 When Chemical Dewormers Are Truly Needed

There are rare cases where a cat has a heavy worm burden and needs immediate help. In those moments, a one‑time chemical dewormer may be necessary. Afterward, DE can help prevent reinfection and support long‑term holistic care.

🐱 The Bottom Line

Food‑grade DE is one of the safest, gentlest, and most effective natural worm‑prevention tools available. It’s trusted by farmers, used by holistic caretakers, and proven in real‑world feral and barn settings. It doesn’t poison anything, stress the organs, or leave you wondering if you did more harm than good.

For many cats especially the sensitive ones DE isn’t just an alternative. It’s the best option.

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Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian. I am a long‑time feral cat caretaker sharing my personal experience using food‑grade DE since 2006. This article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian regarding your cat’s individual health needs.

Feral, Stray, or Abandoned? How Location Affects Outdoor Cat Behavior

If you’ve ever fed outdoor cats whether in a quiet country field or a busy alley behind a city café you’ve probably noticed they don’t all behave the same. Some slink like shadows, others watch you from a distance, and a few cry out like they’re begging for help. Over the years, I’ve learned to tell the difference between feral cats, stray cats, and abandoned cats, especially in rural areas like mine. What I didn’t realize until I started digging into the research is just how much geography shapes outdoor cat behavior.

What Makes a Cat Truly Feral? Rural vs. Urban Feral Cat Behavior

Out here in the country, the ferals are true ghosts. They’re strictly nocturnal, showing up at my feeding station only at dawn and dusk. You won’t see them lounging in the sun or crossing the yard mid‑day. They’ve learned to avoid people at all costs, and I respect that.

They’re not just shy they’re wild. Their survival depends on staying hidden, hunting for food, and steering clear of humans.

In the city, though, feral cat colonies often live in tighter groups. Food is easier to come by dumpsters, restaurant scraps, and kind‑hearted folks who leave out kibbleso they don’t need to roam as far. Urban feral cats might even be spotted during the day, darting between buildings or waiting near a back door for a meal.

How to Identify a Stray Cat: Former Pets vs. Semi‑Feral Cats

Stray cats are different. These are the ones who once had homes. In the city, they might hang around porches or meow at passersby, hoping someone will let them in. They’re cautious, but they remember people.

In rural areas, though, strays tend to keep their distance. I’ve had them watch me from the tall grasses while I garden close enough to see me, but not close enough to trust. Without regular human contact, they can slip into feral behavior over time, especially if no one steps in to help.

Signs a Cat Has Been Abandoned: Red Flags to Watch For

Then there are the abandoned cats. These break my heart. They’re the ones who were dumped left behind by someone they trusted. You can usually spot them because they’re sitting in the same spot, meowing loudly, looking lost and confused.

That meow is a red flag. It’s not just noise it’s panic. They don’t understand why they’ve been left, and they’re calling out for the person who’s not coming back.

In the city, someone might hear them and step in. But in the country, where houses are far apart and roads are quiet, they can go unnoticed for days. That’s why I always pay attention when I hear a cat crying in the same place more than once.

Rural vs. City Outdoor Cats: Why Territory and Resources Matter

One of the biggest differences between rural and urban outdoor cats is territory. In the city, a feral cat might claim a few blocks. Out here, they need acres. Food is harder to find, so they hunt mice, birds, rabbits whatever they can catch.

That’s why feeding stations for rural cats can be a lifeline. I’ve seen cats walk a long way just to get a meal. And because there are fewer people around, they don’t get the same chances at rescue or socialization. It takes time and patience to earn their trust, but it’s worth it.

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This article is written from personal experience caring for rural outdoor cats. It is intended for educational purposes and to help others understand the differences between feral, stray, and abandoned cats.

How to Know If the Shelter Cat Is Choosing You

 

Cats aren’t just passive pets they’re intuitive beings who seek out energy, safety, and connection. Whether they’re visiting your yard or sitting in a shelter cage, cats often choose their people long before the paperwork is signed.

This article explores how to recognize the signs of feline bonding, especially during shelter visits and trial adoptions.

 Cats Know Where They’re Welcome

In my own yard, cats come and go freely. Feral, stray, and neighbor cats drink from my pond, nap in the clover, and lounge on the patio furniture. They don’t visit my neighbor’s yard even though it looks similar because they sense the energy. My neighbor doesn’t like cats. And cats know.

Cats are social animals, but they’re also selective. They gravitate toward places and people who feel safe. That’s true in neighborhoods and it’s true in shelters.

 Shelter Visits: Let the Cat Choose You

If you’re visiting a shelter, don’t rush to pick the prettiest cat or the one with the fanciest breed label. Instead: Sit quietly near the enclosure Let the cat observe you Watch for signs of curiosity or comfort See who approaches you first Cats that choose their people will: Make eye contact Rub against the cage or reach a paw toward you Sit calmly near you instead of hiding Show relaxed body language (tail down, ears forward) These are signs of trust. And trust is the foundation of a lasting bond.

Trial Adoptions: Let the Bond Build Naturally

When I’ve placed rescue kittens, I always tell adopters: “Sit back and let the kitten come to you.” the kitten that approaches, sniffs, and shows affection is the one that’s chosen you.  These unions are strong. None of those kittens were ever returned.

 When Cats Choose to Stay

Over the years, two neighborhood cats decided that their visits would be permanent. Both came from a troubled home. They arrived with bite wounds and trauma but they found peace in my garden. One day, they curled up beside me on the bench while I read. That was their way of saying, “You’re my person now.”

Eventually, I offered food, water, and shelter. But only after they made the first move.

 Signs a Cat Is Bonding With You

Whether in a shelter, a foster home, or your backyard, look for these signs:

Follows you from room to room

Sleeps near you or on your belongings

Slow blinks and relaxed posture

Head butts, cheek rubs, or gentle paw taps

Comes when called or responds to your voice

These aren’t just behaviors they’re invitations.

🐾 Final Thought: Let the Cat Lead

Adoption isn’t just about choosing a cat. It’s about being chosen.
Let the cat guide the bond. Let the energy speak. And when the moment feels right when the cat curls up beside you or reaches out with a paw you’ll know. You’ve been chosen.

Bringing Home a Rescue Cat: Day One Rituals for Safety and Trust

 

Welcoming a rescue cat home? Learn how to create a safe, calming space on day one from setting up the perfect cat room to building trust through quiet companionship.

Over the years, I’ve welcomed many rescued cats into my home. And while each one arrives with their own story, my first-night routine has never changed. It’s a ritual of safety, calm, and quiet trust.

Setting Up the Safe Room

Every new arrival gets their own sanctuary a cat-safe room prepared with care: A clean litter box, fresh food, and water bowls. A pet crate lined with a self-warming bed, covered with a blanket to create a cozy den. A Feliway diffuser plugged into the wall to ease anxiety and promote calm. A sturdy cat tree securely mounted to the wall for safe climbing. Soft classical music playing in the background it seems to soothe them, and it soothes me too.

The floors are laminated wood, easy to clean and disinfect. I always wipe them down with vinegar before a new cat enters. This room becomes their haven, a place to absorb the scent of the house and the quiet presence of other pets without direct interaction.

What If You Don’t Have a Spare Room?

Not every household has a dedicated cat-safe room. If you're juggling kids, other pets, or limited space, you can still offer your rescue cat a soft landing without compromising their emotional safety.

Here’s how I’ve adapted when space was tight: I’ve used a large dog kennel with a secure latch and covered sides. Inside, I place a pet bed toward the front and tuck food and water bowls behind it, out of the way. For litter, I use a shallow shoe box lid it fits perfectly and keeps things tidy. I always spray the interior with Feliway Mood Modifier before the cat enters, never while they’re inside. The scent helps ease anxiety, but spraying near a frightened cat can backfire. I’ve carved out calm zones in guest bathrooms, laundry rooms, and even behind furniture using folding screens or baby gates. I’ve taught kids that this is a sacred time—no loud voices, no reaching in. Just quiet presence. I’ve kept resident pets out of the cat’s zone for the first few days, swapping blankets and toys to introduce scent before any face-to-face meeting.

Playpens don’t work for adult rescues. They climb. They leap. They panic. Containment must be secure, not just suggested. The principle remains the same: containment, calm, and quiet companionship. Even without a spare room, you can offer your rescue cat the gift of safety and trust. It’s not about perfection it’s about intention.

First Impressions Matter

On day one, I don’t expect affection. I don’t reach or coax. I simply sit on the floor and read a book. My presence says: I’m here. I’m safe. I won’t hurt you.

Most cats hide. Some hiss. A few try to scale the walls or test the windows. That’s why I always keep windows shut and locked. Fear makes them resourceful, and safety must come first.

The Hardest Day Is the First

The first day is often the hardest for both of us. But it gets better. With time, patience, and quiet companionship, the Feliway begins to work its magic. The cat starts to relax. They begin to explore. And eventually, they’ll want to learn more about me.

This isn’t just a rescue it’s the beginning of a relationship. One built on trust, respect, and the quiet promise that they’re finally home.

Ginger Cats are Good for Families

  

Over the years I have rescued and found forever homes for many ginger cats. Overall  the ginger cat is good with families, single people and with seniors.  This cat is easy going, affectionate and friendly. Fact is I never met a ginger cat that I did not like.

I have placed the ginger cat with families with kids because the cat’s personality is easy going, calm and playful.  The cat will cuddle with your kids or they will play with their toys. Plus its not uncommon for the cat to snuggle with kids during nap time.  Unlike other cats that may be afraid of kids, the ginger cat affectionate and easy-going personality is well suited for a family setting.

Ginger cats are known to carry on conversations with their owners.  Yes, this cat can be talkative. And they may tell you a long story while they are sitting on your lap.  They also may sit by a window and talk to a bird or a squirrel.  They will make chirping noises as if to mimic the bird.

Ginger cats are not all male; however, females are rare. I read that 80% of the ginger cats are male while only 20% are female.  My one friend has had a female and now has a male and told me that his male ginger was more active whereas the female is more laid back and quieter.

Here are my photos of ginger cats.

It makes little difference as to whether the ginger cat is a female or a male because  both are affectionate cats. So, if you like sweet cats that are playful and talkative then you will want to adopt a ginger cat.

All photos are of ginger cats that we have cared for over the years. 

Successful Trapping for Stray Cat

 Last fall one of our neighbors released her 5 little kittens and then  refused to let them return to their home for food, water or shelter.  The neighbors tried to catch them but kittens are fast.  Out of the five only three survived. 

One of the kittens had reached mating age and kept getting beat up daily. So my husband and I decided we would trap and pay for him to be neutered. From the looks of this skinny, dirty and beat up kitty we thought that he may have Feline Leukemia or Feline Immunodeficiency Disease. The sooner we trapped him the better. 

It took me ten days to get him dependent on us feeding him.   And once he felt safe with us we were successful in trapping him. 

He was negative in cat disease, he was neutered, given shots and a dose of revolution for mites in his ears, and infestation of fleas and ticks.   They also gave him a bath and he is recuperating at the veterinarian over the weekend.    

We will pick him up on Monday and after a few more days of rest we will pursue responsible cat adopters. 

I am not sure why people release their kittens like this but do think that there should be a law to prevent this type of abandonment.   

       

How Fat Cats Benefit from Cat Trees

 

 

Today the cat tree that we bought at Chewy arrived and my husband is putting it together.  We bought the tree for our 4 older and fat cats.  The cat tree will benefit all of our fat cats because it will stimulate them to move, play and jump around.  An increase of movement will burn calories and aid in weight reductions.

 

Cat Tree for Large Cats

Any movement is better than no movement. All of our cats are rescues that were abandoned when their people moved away.  We tried to find them homes but because of their older age nobody wanted them. 

My 3 rescued cats

We ended up keeping them and we love them very much. However, as soon as these cats got comfortable they stopped being active. Its as if their purpose in life is to eat, sun themselves on the windowsill and sleep.  The sluggish behavior has caused them to put on weight so we bought them a cat tree to stimulate them to want to play and exercise.

 

Sally my calico seems happy about the cat tree

Our one cat Sally the Calico has been watching from afar and she seems generally interested in the cat tree. Our other bored cats have not moved from sleeping on the bed.

 

Sally and sibling Larry being lazy fat cats

We are hoping that after we cover the tree with spray on catnip that our fat cats will stretch to climb on the tree, rub on the tree and scratch their nails on the tree.  This activity would be much needed exercise and would benefit their shoulders, hindquarters and back.

 

All activity is exercise for a Fat Cat

This cat tree comes with a toy that is dangling from one of the ledges. This toy will encourage the cat to stretch their paw to play with the toy.  Another way to exercise.

 

The location of the cat tree matters.  My husband set it up in the laundry room next to the large window.  The placement will entice the cats to climb to the top post so they can look out the window at the birds and the squirrels.  This location should keep them interested.  Nothing better than a cat tree with a view or nature.

If you have a cat that is putting on weight, or has a slow metabolism you can stimulate the cat to be active with a cat tree. Exercise along with low carbohydrate diet is best for a fat cat.

 We bought ours at Chewy but you can find cat trees at many online and offline stores like Pet Smart, Amazon, Walmart and I think eBay has cat trees also.  Do check the product reviews before you buy to make sure that its quality made, and if the size is right for your cats.  Some trees are made for kittens or small cats other trees are made for large cats.

Outdoor Cats Breed Seasonally in Cold Climates

 Many people will tell you that outdoor queen cats breed continuously and that one unaltered stray cat can populate the community with thousands of cats in their lifetime. Know that is not the case for a cat that resides in an area that has a change of seasons. The average queen cat that breeds seasonally has approximately 300 kittens in their lifetime.  

 

 

Cats that  lives outdoors in areas where the temperature is cold the daylight is short and days are dark do not go into a reproductive cycle.  The outdoor feral cat only breeds from spring to fall when the weather is warm, and days are longer.

Our winters are bitter cold and the unaltered stray cats do not go into their reproductive cycle until mid-spring or after the snow has melted and days are warm and becoming longer. 

The queen cats will mate two times during our summer months although some feral queen cats do mate up to three times during the warm season it all depends on if we have an early spring.

.Cats will stop breeding in autumn when the daylight is shorter and the temperature is cooler / cold  Outdoor cats sense when it’s the warm season and time to breed.

* female cats that are not spayed are called queens and male cats that are not neutered are 

Mistletoe is Toxic To Cats

While shopping today my husband grabbed some mistletoe and held it above my head.  And we kissed because it's tradition during the holidays.  While it's fun to kiss under the mistletoe did you know that it's toxic to cats?

Mistletoe contains substances that are toxic to both dogs and cats,

Mistletoe growing on branches of trees

mistletoe ornament used during the Christmas season

Normally during the holiday season, people will hang mistletoe in the doorway so that all who stand under it will receive a kiss.  This is great for homes with no pets because mistletoe is not a harmless plant, all plant parts are toxic, and depending on how much is ingested it may cause any of the following; excessive drooling vomiting diarrhea gastrointestinal upset, and pain abnormal heart rate seizures or death (the entire plant is toxic, branch, leaves and berries)  

I would recommend that you enjoy the mistletoe when you are away from your home because the only way to keep your cats safe is to keep it out and away from your house. 

Poinsettia Plants Are They Toxic to Cats

 

The poinsettia is known as the Christmas plant due to its colorful green and red foliage.  While this plant is stunning to look at during the holiday season it's also very attractive to cats and it's important to know if this plant is toxic or not. 

Poinsettia plant leaves

Today my brother gave me a beautiful red poinsettia and since I have cats I wondered if the plant might be toxic to my pets.  My indoor cats are plant-starved and normally everything I bring indoors is deemed a new kitty treat.  So I needed to make sure that this holiday poinsettia would not poison my pets. 

my poinsettia plant on the porch / away from the cats

I searched online and found that many websites have listed that poinsettia plants are toxic to cats and that I should keep the poinsettia away from them. All of the websites seemed to say the same thing and honestly, I needed to confirm the information so I searched for a veterinarian school.

My search led me to an educational website for veterinarian medicine and this website gave me accurate information regarding poinsettia toxicity to cats. 

 ". Poinsettias have received bad publicity in the past whereas, in fact, poinsettias are not very toxic to pets. They do contain a milky sap that can irritate the mouth but if signs develop they are usually mild.  The College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University provides the following information for Poinsettia, as well as Mistletoe and Holly. "Holiday Health Hazards" https://hospital.vetmed.wsu.edu/2021/11/23/holiday-health-hazards-for-pets/ 

In conclusion and in my opinion, the poinsettia plant will not end your cat's life, as this plant has very low toxicity to cats.  You know your cat's behavior, if they are plant-starved like mine, attracted to all greenery as something new to chew on then keep the poinsettia away from your cats.  

The leaves of the poinsettia will cause an irritation to the mouth. Watch out for drooling.  Now if they eat the poinsettia leaves, stems all parts of the plant  they may drool, vomit, or have diarrhea.  

End of Life Care for Senior Cat

 The end of life for your senior kitty is never easy because your cat will have behavior changes that you are not accustomed to because like humans senior cats experience cognitive dysfunction which is like dementia in humans.

 Some senior kitties will have dementia similar to humans and some senior kitties become more affectionate and want to be next to their people at all times.  A once calm and quiet cat may become vocal and some senior kitties will walk around the house at night as if they are lost. 

Know that my senior cat is experiencing all of the above and also health issues such as ear infections and mobility decline.  But she has a hearty appetite and still purrs when we pet her. 

 

Our eldest cat is 18 years old, and her behavior has changed and is that of a dementia kitty.  She tends to wander around the house at night and will meow loudly.   She will also meow loudly because she is thirsty and wants me to turn on the bathroom or kitchen faucet.  Sometimes she cannot find her food bowl and this will cause her to become cranky.   I will put it in front of her and she will eat happily.  Other times she has no problem finding her food bowl.  Every day is a new experience in the life of a senior cat.

Know that her body has slowed down and she now prefers to sleep in our bed.  Her preferable sleeping area is up by the pillow between my husband and I. She sleeps at all times and is only awake to eat, drink, and use her litter box.

Normally our cat enjoyed being groomed but recently we noticed that she pulls away from the brush.  My thinking is that her skin is more sensitive to the brush and that it's not enjoyable for her.  So, we stopped brushing her and now use nature's miracle cat wipes to clean her fur and we pet her often.  Our senior cat still enjoys being petted.

 

Occasionally our senior cat will play with her catnip-filled mouse.  She used to love her mouse but overall she is disinterested in it and I suspect it's due to her fading sense of smell. Our kitty loves to still look at the birds that are outdoors and she loves cuddling with us and our dog. She still enjoys her favorite catnip-flavored treats and still purrs when we pet her so she has not lost all interest and still enjoys specific things.

 

My husband and I have discussed our cat's condition and if we should euthanize it when the time is right.  My husband hopes that she passes peacefully in her sleep and he wants her to pass naturally at home.  He tells me that death is a part of living and it is nature.  I am the one who spends the most time with our senior cat and would prefer euthanasia when the time is right.

Today we had a scare when our senior kitty could not stand to pee or poo.  It looked like she hurt her right hind leg. She could not stand, she would try but would fall down and then roll over.  We took this as a sign that her passing was soon.

Our veterinarian squeezed us in by staying late and I asked if she would examine our senior cat before euthanasia as we needed to know if there was a specific ailment or if it was her time to pass.

My veterinarian examined her and told her that it was not time for our senior cat to pass away, that she was very alert, and that her ears needed to be cleaned,  When her ears were cleaned we found out that she had an inner ear infection and that this was probably why she had difficulty walking and standing.

Treatment was administered; antibiotics, and steroids, and she was given fluids due to slight dehydration.  We were told to crate her or confine her to a bathroom, to put down puppy pads, a cat bed food, and water. 

Within 8 hours our senior cat showed signs of better mobility, she was able to use the litter box and also drank and ate from her bowls.

at age 18 our senior kitty loves to eat

 Know that when it comes to the end of life care for a senior cat that there is no right answer.   You choose the option that is best for you and your cat. My husband and I had a difference in opinion and we discussed our opinions with our veterinarian she said that when the time was right that she would come to the house to administer the euthanasia and thus the cat would pass peacefully in my arms.