We have been asked to take care of a fifteen year old cat as its owner is going into long term care and is now unable to care for him. We already own two raggies aged two and one. What would be the best way to make sure they can all live harmoniously. Any help would be lovely.

I would introduce them very very slowly.
When you take on the older cat I would get a spare room made up for him.
Everything to make him comfortable and at ease.
I would keep him in there for a few days and then i would pop him into another room while the two raggies can go into his room for a good sniff round. That way they will know that there is a new comer.
After a few days I would show the raggies the older cat. I would put him in a pet carrier and pop him in the same room for a few minutes.
I would do this for a few days. If there is not much hissing or growling then i would leave it longer each time.
After those few days you could then bring him down and then open the pet carrier door so if he wants he can have a little walk around. All the time keep an eye on the them all. After a few minutes pop him back in the carrier and take back to his room.
I know it takes time but if you do this slowly then i think it is better.
I have done this.
2 years ago I introduced an 11 month old to two 15 years olds and last year I introduces a 5 month old to a 16 year old and a nearly 3 year old and it has worked both times.

After about 2 weeks they should be ok together when you are around.
I would still make sure he has his own room and his meals on his own for a while longer as he is quite old and would proably like a quiet life.

Good luck and I think it is very kind of you to take him in.
I would love to see some pictures of him and your Raggies

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Thank you for your reply. It has been very useful information. We picked up cat on Monday night from the cattery, he has been there six weeks now. He is feel very sorry for himself and looks very unkempt. He is black and white bib but he looks grey as he looks like he has dandruff. I have groomed him twice, which he loves and looks better already. Should I try to bath him to help his coat. He has been prescribed Vidalta. We didnt know about this and it will cost 24.00 a month, is there away to get these cheaper? Will he have to take these forever, I am presuming so.

Bathing him may stress him out. You could get some pet wipes
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Or dilute some baby shampoo in warm water and use an old flannel, rinse it in the diluted shampoo and gently wipe the cat over. Make sure you squeeze as much water out of the flannel before wiping the cat over with it.

Try him on some boneless sardines in a little oil (or tomato sauce!) as a little treat once a week.

Not sure about the tablets - have you tried Vet Medic online?

Do post a photo.

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Kaz

For kittens, joy is for the asking and smiles are for the giving

He's hyperthyroid if he's on Vidalta and yes he will have to be on these for life. Very important to control this condition. It would be a good idea to obtain his veterinary records as well or have them transferred to your own vets.

You could ask your vet for a prescription and buy the tablets online. I'm sure it's cheaper this way though not sure by how much.

Hope he's settling in well, poor boy!

If you have been asked to look after this cat - and well done for taking the old lad on, by the way! - would the cat's original owner contribute to his ongoing care? If he was on lifetime meds without your knowledge, it's a bit unfair to have asked you to take on the cat without mentioning this. I'd be tempted to ask the owner to pay for the meds - or at least contribute.

Hope the old boy is settling in with you.

We have changed his details to our adress. He is actually settling in very well much better than we thought. Loves been able to get back in a garden after six weeks in a concrete cage with no love and affection. We have found out that he is 13 years old. Tablets he dislikes but II am getting used to giving him them now. Apparently it was hit and miss before and has not been taking them properly for a while.

My local vets charge just under 24.00 for 30 15mg Vidalta tablets. I have found them online for just under 16.00 for the same via Viovet. Quite a saving. As they know the situation maybe they will be more willing to let me have a prescription.

I will try and gets pics up later.

Thanks for all your help.

well done to you for rescuing this old boy....well actually not so old after all eh? I would consider an operation to remove the affected thyroid at this age....the cost of the tablets is one thing, but you will also need a T4 and regular blood panel every 6 months so that is another couple of £100 per year to consider.

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Nellie Paddy Mitzy Milo Peggy Murphy

Millie and Monty, the White Devils!

Well done for your kindness
We have 3 cats and 2 of them are aged 14+ but still very active and loving,though 1 of them has tummy problems
We have had them both,for 14 yrs

We also have a dog ,Buster ,14who has dementia-having lost our other dog ,Lulu ,6 mths ago
We got Busters Aktivait tablets from Viovet too at quite a big saving
Sending you BIG HUGS and also more big thanks for being so caring
Maureen

FELIX (THE NEW CAT)


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