John&Joey
Northern MN
(Baby it's cold outside)
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Duke is now 24 years old and has been going strong for all those years. Just four months ago we took the motorhome and Duke south for the winter and was amazed at how well he adapted to the lifestyle. It almost made him young again.
The problem is about a month ago when he would wake up it seemed like a hind leg was asleep. Once he walked around it was OK. In the last week or so it seems to be getting worst. He can scratch his ear with no problem, but when he puts weight on those hind legs (like jumping on the bed) it seems to give out on him. His control of his hind end seems to be lacking.
He's not in pain and seems to just be adapting to it. He plays and still likes to sleep in a sunbeam. Eats, drinks, and uses his litter box like the good boy that he is.
Does anyone have any advice on what might be happening? Is it just old age catching up?
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tom_kat
way upstate new york/lake george area
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he probably has some pain but just doesnt show it,arthrtist in hip or spine or injury maybe some internal problem tumor,cancer? 24yrs is a long time for a cat maybe see a vet to be sure.
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qtla9111
Monterrey, Mexico
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Wow, how lucky you guys are to have had your cat for so many years. What is your secret?
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John&Joey
Northern MN
(Baby it's cold outside)
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qtla9111 wrote:Wow, how lucky you guys are to have had your cat for so many years. What is your secret?
Yes we are very lucky. One of our friends tease us that it's me holding him upside down in my arm, and scratching his arm pit. He loves it, and even sticks his paw straight out requesting it.
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CA POPPY
Santa Clarita, CA, USA
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Wow, a 24 year old cat? YOU guys are the experts, we all should be asking YOU questions! That's just amazing. What kind of a cat is he and what does he eat? I am just in awe. The longest we've ever had a kitty was 16 years, and then the warranty seems to expire on their liver or kidneys. Our Edna is nearly 13 and I hope we have her a long time.
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Code2High
Ridgecrest, CA
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The only way you'll really know is a trip to the vet and probably x-rays. As far as treatment, I doubt there is anything the vet can "do" about it at this age, whatever the cause. A chiropractor... one that has cat experience, we hope... could possibly help if it is a nerve being pinched (quite possible) and an acupuncturist also might be able to tone things up and promote some healing if there's a specific problem in the area.
If it is arthritis in the joints, glucosamine might be helpful and/or either sam-e or a supplement like Animal Natural's Jungle Kitty which promotes the production of sam-e in the body. My dad's ancient cat is on that and does seem to be getting around better since he started it.
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dturm
Munster, IN
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24 is amazing. Our son had two make it to 20 and 21 and I've had a few patients make it to 22, I don't think any to 24!! Rear leg weakness and neurological problems in the rear end are very common to cats this age. It can be caused by arthritis, metabolic causes or specific diseases. There are tons of tests and X-Rays that could be done to find the cause, but I don't think I'd put my own cat through that unless there were more signs. Ask your vet about a mild pain medication/anti-inflammatory and/or glucosamine and see if that helps.
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John&Joey
Northern MN
(Baby it's cold outside)
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CA POPPY wrote:Wow, a 24 year old cat? YOU guys are the experts, we all should be asking YOU questions! That's just amazing. What kind of a cat is he and what does he eat? I am just in awe. The longest we've ever had a kitty was 16 years, and then the warranty seems to expire on their liver or kidneys. Our Edna is nearly 13 and I hope we have her a long time.
He’s a Flame Point Himalayan. My mother use to breed Siamese cats and this was the rarest of that breed. I’m not bragging, but his paper puts him as a descendant of three generations of champions. He is (and really was) a handsome cat.
Always fed Duke “Science Diet” currently their mature blend. He never went outside, and has always been loved. During much of his life he had a good buddy (seal point Siamese) by the name of Deuce, who just passed away two years ago, at the age of 16.
Before we left for Florida from Minnesota I was faced with what to do with Duke. No-one that we knew would take such a mature cat. I was faced with a choice that I didn’t want to make, so I decided that Duke would just have to come with us.
He howled for the first 45 minutes, and then sat down behind my wife as we drove down the road. When I would shut off the engine he would come out and have some food and water and beg for some attention. Once the engine started he would go find himself a spot again to rest. He has adapted to the lifestyle much better then we have even.
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hawkhill
Florida
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As recommended Xrays are a good idea, but I would have your vet check his blood sugar as well. Our previous Ragdoll had similar symptoms at the age of 18 and we found out that he was diabetic. A cat with diabetes often develops muscle weakness due to nerve damage (neuropathy). Once we got his blood glucose under control, his muscle coordination improved.
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Klueck
Georgia
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How about putting a heating pad out for the old guy. At his age he deserves it! My kitties love theirs and it probably would help his achy joints.
Good for you having a cat live that long. Our record is 20.
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