I have an 18yr old cat who is the last of three sisters, the other two of which has passed in the last year. Last night she seemed to take a turn, having been very healthy and happy until then. I came home and she'd been sick several times, and was just generally not herself - sitting in odd places etc. She refused to eat, literally turning her nose up at everything I offered. She had a lot of trouble in the litter tray, eventually managing to do a tiny poo. She didn't appear to be in any pain or discomfort but had no energy. I stayed up most of the night worrying and trying to coax her to eat, fully expecting a trip to the vet first thing.

This morning, she's still not herself at all but I have managed to entice her to eat a little bit of cat food (although it was mainly gravy and a tiny bit of meat), a couple of cat treats and a little bit of milk. She has not been sick but she also has not moved from the spot she's been in since 5am. She is in better spirits today, happy to be fussed by me.

I just don't know what to do. I'm sure if I take her to the vet she will not come home, but at the same time, looking at her now, I'm not sure it has come to that point. The fact that she's eaten something is a huge relief to me. I don't want to put her through tests and drips etc because she is old and fragile and I don't think it would be the best thing because I know it would stress her out.

Please give me some advice, what's the best thing to do? Should I wait out and see how she is later? At what point should I know it's time?

Thank you.

Personally I would take her to the vets, I would need to know what was wrong for my own piece of mind and also because some things can get degenerately worse with time.

I always think if you know what's wrong you can deal with it, but if you don't it's much worse, and for all we know it might be something easy to treat but until you get a diagnosis you just don't know.

It doesn't have to be your last trip to the vets, no-one will demand you lose her there and then, but at least you can be assured she isn't in pain or suffering because I know you wouldn't want that.

I echo GL above - a vet visit is a must. She might just have a wee infection that an antibiotic jab will sort out. Just because she is 18 doesn't mean she is on her last legs. From what you say, she has had good health & activity until yesterday.

Vets are better these days at caring for older cats BUT, if you feel your vet is not giving you the support you require, do not be afraid to tell them so.

It is becoming more common these days for cats to live into their 20's thanks to better diets & vet care so I think your old girl may still have a good few years in her yet.

You need to think positive!!!!

Good luck & please keep us updated.

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Yes, definitely a vet visit today. Given her age it could be a number of things-also something very treatable if caught in the early stages. It's a good sign she's been very healthy up to now. As others have said you do not have to agree to do any course of action you're not comfortable with. However, I know you'd feel awful if she suddenly deteriorated.

Eating, drinking and how is toileting?

I can only echo the above posts. I have an 18 1/2 year old, and I lost her companion a year ago, so fully understand where you are. No vet should be pushing you to have your cat pts, unless it is clearly in the cat's best interest. My girl that I lost last year lost her appetite, and they gave her injections to perk it up a bit. They really did help, and I would recommend chatting to your vet about the options available. My girl lasted about 5 years longer than anyone thought - so there is hope!!

Also, must say, trust your own instincts where your cat is concerned. You know how she is feeling better than any tests, and you WILL know when the time is right - however painful. If your gut says it is not now, trust that.

My babe, Misi (who WILL be 19 in January) has had loads of ups and downs this year, and is on extremely familiar terms with the vet! When they get elderly, things start to go awry, but mostly those things are very treatable and I wouldn't let thinking she won't come home from the vet delay you in taking her. I thought I'd be taking Misi to the vet for the last time in September (stomatitis flare-up, G.I. bleed, kidney crash, herpes flare-up) and the vet very calmly suggested fluid therapy over the weekend and she's now fighting fit again.
It could be something as simple as constipation, a hairball, or a slight infection with your babe, or it might be something more serious like renal problems. BUT that can easily be addressed and you must find out what's wrong. Ultimately, it's your decision how to proceed and no vet would force you into a pts situation.
Keep us posted. Paws and fingers all crossed here for a happy outcome.

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http://catscanjump.blogspot.com

Wendy, mum to:
Simba von Wurzbachtal, Turkish Van, born Austria, 5/9/10

RIP
Tarka, 1989 - 2008 my gentle Phileas Fogg
Bruno, 2008 - 2010 taken too soon my darling boy
Misi, 1993 - 25/3/2012 My brave, beautiful tabby

Any news on how your cat is doing?? And how you are feeling?? Hope the advice has been a help/comfort!!