Hi all. I have given a home to an elderly cat (his elderly owner in hospital and then going into care).He's called Puss and I think about 15 years old. His coat is very poor, almost greasy, so have been brushing him every day and there is a bit of an improvement. Will this just take time with some T.L.C? I've had him nearly a week and have never seen him do any grooming. Is that normal?
My other concern is his claws, he keeps getting stuck on the soft furnishings, so I guess his claws need trimmed. Is it feasible to do this myself or better to take him to the vet? I just want to give him as little stress as possible. Thank you

I would give him some more time to settle in before you worry about the grooming. If he is unsettled he may not feel like looking after himself, so hopefully that will come back as he feels better about being with you.
My elderley cat no longer sheds her claws as they grow, so they need constant vigilance and trimming. She hates it and is a real baby about it, so we try to do a paw at a time to minimise distress. Using cat clippers is difficuly, so we use rabbit/guinea pig clippers which have a hole that the claw goes through, then a quick snip and it is done. If you DO catch the quick, get him to a vet as the blood will not stop flowing and your home will look as though there has been a massacre! But the vet has a special silver nitrate stick which seals the wound so it is not a complete disaster.
The most important thing is that you have given him a loving home for his twilight years, so mucho respect to you for that. If he is warm, comfortable and loved, I reckon any elderly cat would be happy.

We got a 2 year old cat from a breeder, who never was handled much and her coat was awful. When after a month or so she finally let me pet her a little, but it took months for her coat to improve. Just petting her made a lot of difference.
As for clipping claws, I just use human finger nail clippers turned sideways. I have used them on all kittens and cats since 1987, never once had an issue with them. Over the years I have had a lot of kittens and cats. You just have to be careful not to cut the quick. I have found finger nail clippers are a lot easier to use than cat clippers.

Thank you, he is an affectionate, loving cat. I have been rubbing his paws and looking at his claws and he just sits and purrs so think I could be in with a chance here of cutting them myself.
Your right about the grooming, I am just being impatientTbh he's such a scruff and smells badly of his last home, but yes, that will take time.
Haven't had the experience of an older cat, as sadly our 6 year cat got run over last year. I could be asking lots more questions!

Firstly, well done on taking in an oldie. 15 really is not so ancient and you will hopefully be able to enjoy the company of this old gent for a fair few years to come.
Now, it may not be what you have 'budgeted ' for, but I would be tempted to take him along to the vet for an MOT and maybe a senior panel blood test. While the greasy coat may just be the product of an insufficient diet in his old home, it could also be the symptom of some underlying health issues.

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Nellie Paddy Mitzy Milo Peggy Murphy

Millie and Monty, the White Devils!

I wholeheartedly second this.

Congrats for taking on a OAP (old age pussy-cat) not many people do.

Like others have said could be worth popping him down the vet for a check-over and just make sure everythings working the way it should be. I would also give him some time to settle before you go after him with a brush, although in the mean-time some cat food brands make the little 'treats' for anti-hairball and healthy coat. Try some of them maybe?

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Adopted by:

Ginge - Abby guinea piggy
Bubbles - English crested piggy
Mackenzie - English crested piggy
Skit - Standard (but cute) piggy
Max - Ragdoll x cat
The Rainbow Fish
Rest in peace my lovely furfamily that are no longer with us.

Thank you for replies, thought you might like an update. We cut pusses claws ourselves and all ok, the relief for the poor old chap was instantaneous, he could walk without sticking to the carpets.
He's had a visit to vets, it seems he's 17 years old (vet had some info on him) and apart from being older he's healthy enough. His coat is improving, just loves being brushed, purrs through the whole proceedings
All in all I think he's quite happy and settled, he has a bed by the radiator in which he spends most of his time. Have yet to see him grooming himself, can't fathom that one, and forgot to ask vet. Any ideas?

Me too. I was going to say this, but these 2 beat me to it

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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

am i right in thinking a 'starey' coat could be mistaken for greasy? and that the kitty could actually be a bit dehydrated? i'm no professional, but just wanted to check i understood what a starey coat was from a few weeks back

well done on taking the kitty in - i'm sure you will be happy together

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