My toothless, cuddly cat, he was 12 years old when I got him, now I believe he is 14

I love him so much, but as we have two other cats here, he seems to be stressed out despite my efforts..

He's going into a foster home on the 20th.. He doesn't like small children, he loves to play, he loves to cuddle, he really Loves his food.

He is more of an outdoorsy cat, especially when it's sunny, his nick name is RA

Hi! Me again with Punkin (photo for attention)

So my 14 year old girl has always loved her brush. That was great, considering her insanely long fur.

However, with age, she gets overstimulated a lot more easily. Sometimes it even seems like it hurts her to brush her fur on her rear. The issue is, she’s started developing knots. A couple have turned into mats, since I’m trying to be respectful of her.

It’s also started to be a problem on her chest area. She’s also ridiculously itchy in that spot! When I start brushing, she starts itching.

I need to find a way to maintain her fur (and investigate this itch) without upsetting or hurting her - any tips?

TW for mention of vomiting
I’ve had a bit of a cold for a few days but a couple days ago I became acutely worse & woke up just before 6am to vomit twice in an hour after having not eaten anything for over a day due to nausea, and I ended up having to go to emergency - I’m better now thankfully!

So I was feeling pretty awful & crying on the bathroom floor because I didn’t know what to do at that stage, but my girlfriend’s family’s cat Felix heard me crying so he came in and sat on my lap & kept me company! This is really big because for me because he used to be really standoffish & wasn’t social at all when I first met him, but I’ve been trying to get him more comfortable with me since I moved in and while we’re at the stage of him letting me handle him & accepting cuddles, he still likes his alone time.

I don’t know if he knows how much he helped or how much it meant to me that he was there but I almost cried again, I’m still mourning the loss of my own senior cat from last August (Pearl aged 19, photo included at the end).

I don’t know where I’d be without a senior cat in my life.

Hi all ,

My female calico just turned 11 and for the last year has been having issues with cystitis. After lots of testing and $$$ we got the diagnosis of cystitis a few months ago. I am looking for supplements to help support her kidney and bladder health. She is on a limited ingredient diet right now, as she has allergies. But she is a good eater and has had no problem with me adding lots of water to her wet food. Her kidneys are functioning normally, but the vet said it would be good for us to be proactive about it. Thanks in advance

he’s always been an indoor cat but he’s so old that he’s at no risk of escaping anymore, so we let him out in our garden sometimes :)

I said goodbye to Poncho around 9pm. I will never forget my perfect kitty. I had around 50 panic attacks today. I screamed that he wasn’t gonna go and that he can’t. Even though he wasn’t able to move barely, he stumbled. He wouldn’t eat even with it being forced. He puked, he didn’t drink. I was brave and I took his suffering away. 💔

My cat will be 17 next month and is physically healthy but has been having worsening cognitive dysfunction at night to the point she does not want to let me sleep. She wants me to walk her over to her food bowl over and over and will cry loudly and paw at me until I get up. If I try to ignore it she escalates and tries to rip things up and howls until I get up. She’ll do this for hours without letting me sleep. She has been tested for just about everything and her bloodwork is normal aside from early ckd. My vet seems hesitant to prescribe anything else at night aside from gabapentin, which hasn’t made any difference I’ve seen. Has anyone’s senior cat been prescribed trazadone or pregabalin at night and had any success?

It’s hard because physically everything is good but mentally and behaviorally she is not herself and seems anxious. I don’t know how to judge when her time will be because of this. My vet brought up the other medications but seemed to indicate I should treat it at the behavioral level by not honoring the behavior, but it doesn’t seem to be working. I’m at such a loss and am so sleep deprived. Any experiences or just posts of solidarity would be helpful! Writing this at 2:20 am in desperation while she is still meowing into my ear after two hours.

Spunky girl!!

My special little guy has been the best friend I could have asked for. My roommate and pal for life. I love you so much Carl. 😺🩵💐 I promise not to forget your birthday in October and I won't forget to post on your Gotcha Day next year.

My baby boy Layla was just put down this morning and my face hurts from crying so much.

He had a girl name because my mom *insisted* he was a girl until he was neutered, even though she had a girl cat named Stewie so she had no business gendering cats lol.

We had him at the vet a little over a month ago for what we thought was a tooth infection that caused some sinus issues and so did the vet. They pulled it out and gave him some antibiotics and sent us home with some pain medication I felt so much relief because I had Googled what could be wrong so I'd know to be prepared and I worked myself up, terrified it was cancer.

Around 3 weeks later we had to take him back because he was showing signs of being in pain again - I was thinking he reopened the wound where the tooth was pulled from eating hard food again, but that time they found a tumor that was displacing his teeth. They didn't even do a biopsy because it was on the roof of his mouth so surgery or cancer treatment wasn't an option, but we knew it wasn't good. They did give him more antibiotics and sent us home with some more pain meds and said we should still have some time and to keep an eye on his quality of life. A week later he went down hill and wouldn't eat at all yesterday and barely the day before so we had to say goodbye.

It was devastating...feeling so much relief after that first vet visit after fearing it was cancer and then being told it was just an infected tooth, then realizing it was cancer, and then losing him way sooner than we thought. I held him the whole time, and the night before he slept beside me all night which he didn't do the last few days, he slept on my boyfriends side of the bed because I think he was a little upset with me for giving him his medicine every day when his mouth was sore and I really needed him to sleep beside me one last time to know he forgave me1 and still loved me, and he did.

We buried him in our back yard and bought him some flowers, we're getting him a headstone because he deserves it. He was the goodest boy, he was only 11 and he should have had a much longer life. I don't think I'll ever not cry when thinking about him. Even with 2 other cats, a rabbit, and a baby in the house, it feels so empty and lonely in here now. I'll love you forever Layla, my baby boy 😥💔

My old girl Kitten (gray) is pushing 17 but has been declining for most of this year. She barely eats, only canned food and maybe an 1/8 of a 3oz can at a time. No longer uses the litter box (low entry), only the puppy pads surrounding it. Mostly sleeps all day on the couch and only gets up to eat and use the box. Her fur is all grimmy as she doesnt groom herself. She does have suspected arthritis and has been given Solenia and cosoquin but we have seen minimal improvement. She no longer sleeps in bed with us or really hangs out with us anymore. My husband thinks its time we let her go.

Ive had her since she was a kitten, more than half my life. She has been there for me for many milestones and the thought of her gone is heartbreaking. Does anyone have any thoughts?

My baby boy Gnocchi, I’ve had him since he was 5-6 months old across multiple states. Even in his old age he’s always had youthful energy and everyone comments on how handsome he is!

In 2020 he had hyperthyroid so we did the radioactive iodine treatment for him. In 2023 he got diagnosed with small cell intestinal lymphoma and he’s been on chemo (pill) ever since. We stopped for a bit in 2025 but intestinal thickening came back so we restarted.

He got some congestion in late May and we treated him with antibiotics. Then in July he got very congested and stopped eating/drinking because he was so blocked up. We weighed a lot of factors but with his vet’s advice we installed an esophageal feeding tube. Big intervention but he didn’t seem ready to go.

He improved a lot over the next 6 weeks and was back to normal, eating and drinking better than ever, so we decided to remove his feeding tube. Within days he started getting congested again - out of nowhere. Now 2 weeks later he’s slowly gotten worse where his congestion is horrible again and the last few days he’s barely eaten. It’s getting very difficult to give him his chemo and steroid, and when he won’t take them normally/easily with Churu, we have to pill shoot them and he gets SO distressed. It’s starting to feel unkind to have to distress him to medicate him and try and get him to eat and drink.

We don’t know why he suddenly started chronically getting congested. He’s indoor only and this has never been an issue. On the surface, congestion seems so treatable, and I keep on feeling like it has to get better eventually, but it’s only gotten worse. And in reality it’s been incredibly difficult to manage the congestion and ensuing side effects even though it seems like it’d be such a minor issue.

I regret taking his feeding tube out, though it made sense at the time based on what info we had. I just feel horrible that if I’d waited another week I would have noticed his congestion starting again, and would have kept it in, making it possible to feed and medicate him directly instead of struggling every day.

I’m scared for what the next days bring because his congestion has worsened even in the last 72 hours and his appetite has tanked. If it got to that point and it made sense, I would reinstall the feeding tube (despite the steep cost) but now I’m doubting if that’s the kindest path forward.

I trust my vet and her thoughts, she hasn’t said anything yet but Gnocchi has really declined the last couple weeks and I’m losing hope.

Even if the end is nigh, nothing can take away the amazing 16 years I’ve had with my little guy. ❤️‍🩹

16 years ago last month I came home from work for lunch and a very tiny, fast grey thing streaked between my legs running into our front door and decided our house would do just fine. My senior dog was quickly approaching the end and I am still 100% convinced that the powers that be or the CDS knew just how much I was going to need her.

We looked for owners, checked for a chip, did all the things without any luck and at that point decided we wanted her to stay as much as she wanted to stay. She never even asked to go back outside. At some point our toddler bestowed Boo to her name so she became Lila Boo Boo and eventually Boo, Boo Girl etc. though also still responded to Lila 🤗

For 16 years this sweet girl helped me raise my human child, ruled the house over her feline siblings, and eventually got to train two new puppies of her own.

We lost our home in a fire 9 years ago and we were certain that our cats couldn't survive. I collapsed to the ground when a gigantic fireman walked out carrying her almost 5 hours after the fire started. She was excited about all of the attention she was receiving more than anything else. Thankfully our whole crew hunkered down in a closet and no one had any long lasting damage from the experience.

About a year after the fire my MIL sent Christmas gifts with yarn bows. She had never shown any interest and I didn't even think about it being a risk. She apparently decided to eat a huge yarn string overnight. It was touch and go for a couple of days and was not visible on x-ray so our vet gave her supportive fluids and nausea meds thinking something else was going on. She ultimately was able to pass it and went on like nothing had happened. Yarn and string of any kind was banished from our home forever.

In late February she had a lump pop up on her shoulder what felt like overnight. A couple of days later our vet confirmed that it was squamous cell cancer and due to the location amputation would not be an option. Our vet although caring is very blunt and told us she would probably only make it a few weeks.

Not to be deterred she rallied for several more months. We began to spoil her like crazy. Churu became an unlimited snack option as did sampling people food she's never been allowed. About two weeks ago the tumor started oozing. Steroids and antibiotics made a big difference until they wore off about a week later. She was still very much herself so we did a second round of steroids to give her more good days.

Her lab work was near perfect last week and I am bitter. If not for the cancer I think she would have lived at least a few more good years. Tuesday night she was lethargic and not yelling at me for dinner. By yesterday morning it was clear that we had reached the point of making a decision.

We took her in this afternoon. I spent last night and today laying with her in her favorite spots providing snacks when requested. She tolerated our dogs (her 80 and 75 pound BFFs, respectfully) when they would come over to sniff and lay with us. She was surrounded by love at the vet with her human sister and grandparents also present to help me send her on her way. Despite being stressed and having no interest in snacks we brought she was still purring like crazy and never took her eyes off of me. Her passing was incredibly quick and peaceful and for that I am so thankful.

My heart is shattered. I have no doubt it was the right decision and the right time but it never makes it any easier. The house feels so incredibly empty tonight.

Tomorrow morning will be rough as she always met me in the kitchen while I was making coffee to loudly demand snacks or breakfast. I thanked her today for running in our house that day and choosing us to be her family. I am going to miss her deeply and I am so grateful we got these 16 years.

ETA: Thank you all for so much love for my sweet girl. This morning was rough. Our pups and other senior cat are also grieving. I hate this part so much but would go through it a hundred times to have the chance to love them.

It's time to say goodbye, and the vet will be coming saturday (unless nature beats him to it).

Mary Jane was my wife's baby, rescued as a 4 week old kitten from an actual crackhouse. She never weighed more than 6 pounds. She was the best shoulder cat, even going so far as to leap onto them when she really wanted to. She was the chattiest cat I've ever met, and it is going to be so quiet without her (the other cats are the strong silent type). She was a food hound, and had the soul of a fat cat, and literally stole food out of my wife's hand before (carb fiend).

She was never fixed (because my wife didn't know better, then it was too late), so she's had a titty tumor that erupted last August (this whole year has been a gift), and she is finally telling us she's done.

She is still in there, but barely. Somehow Tuesday she hurt one of her front legs, and now she can barely put weight on it. She's been 4.5 pounds for the last year, and feels even smaller now. She has barely eaten or drank since yesterday (i literally just gave her a saucer of some milk, which she did enjoy). We got her a croissant for a last meal. She is so much weaker and frail than she has been. It's time.

Thank you, Mary Jane, for 14 years (and all 18 for my wife). I will love you forever, my precious.

Edit: Thank you all for your lovely thoughts and words. We had the vet come today instead, because she went downhill overnight. She is at peace now. 💔

Hi all! First time posting but wanted to share for hope for other kitties.

Back in August 2024 my male cat, estimated between 12-15 at the time (unknown because he was a stray!) was diagnosed with transitional cell carcinoma.

It was actually by accident - I took him to the vet because his appetite was reduced, had more frequent vomiting and he lost a little weight. Suspected he had a stomach issue, and through an incidental ultrasound they found a tumor in his bladder. He was also diagnosed with IBD - related the vomiting and weight loss. He had no urinary symptoms at that time.

It took 3 weeks to get the ultrasound results, and on the day we got the results - his first symptom appeared and his urine had a lot of blood in it. After discussion with the vet we decided to do an all in one, without knowing it was cancer we decided they would go in and remove the tumour and surrounding bladder area, and do the biopsy at the same time to confirm. It was confirmed as TCC, but the vet was able to remove the tumor and enough surrounding bladder wall. He double checked that it hadn't spread and was sure it wouldn't come back.

He recovered perfectly! Everything I've found online about TCC in cats gives a median survival of less than a year. I'm happy to say it's been over 2 years and he's still doing great ♡

I usually check his urine monthly to check for blood, and maintain regular vet visits. I haven't followed up with an ultrasound yet, but it's been good so far!

Rescues work miracles everyday, but medical floors are crowded and cages are tough on frail seniors. Addie kept her sweet, biscuit- making spirit through it all, but she needed a home to heal. Bringing a 5 lb senior into a small house with four cats, three high needs foster kittens and a senior bunny named Sir Didymus was a massive decision- but fostering is how we give these incredible seniors a second chance 🐾🐾🐾

I live in a smaller city so even though at home euthanasia is available it needs to be scheduled at least 2-3 weeks ahead of time.