Old Incontinent Cat and Toddler...

9 years ago

Our old lovable companion was at least 2 years old when we rescued him 12 years ago. He is a very human friendly cat, who loves to sit on your lap. About a year ago we started noticing some puddles around the house. We took him to the vet and the vet said it is most likely age or behavior related. His symptoms were not consistent with diabetes or hyperthyroidism. He does have some bad arthritis in his hips. It has been mostly contained to the basement, where it is easier to clean up. Though he is starting to leak everywhere. This morning hit a new low, we gave him his wet food in the kitchen and while he was eating it he peed. It seems like he has no idea he was peeing as he was sitting it. I found it, when I stepped in it. He even drops cat pickles every so often.

We have two litter boxes far apart from each other in the basement. We tried different food, gave him a lot more wet food.

As he is an indoor/outdoor cat and there are many feral cats that do fine, even in our cold weather, I am thinking about building him an insulated cat shelter. He is a Maine Coon, so he has a lot of fur to help him bear the winters.

We have a very active toddler and this is the best solution I can think of to accommodate him. I do not want my toddler playing with fecal matter. All parents know it only takes a second for you to turn your head and have the child run over to the cat she love to play with him and what he has left.

I have always questioned putting an animal to sleep. we never put a human out of their misery and that is why it bothers me. Though if he is displaying obvious chronic pain and suffering, I wouldn't hesitate.

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Comments (4)

annztoo
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I think you need to check out more options before considering euthanasia or putting your cat outdoors. IMO, it would be cruel to force him to become an outdoor-only cat, especially at his age and with health problems. The cold will make his arthritis worse and being outdoors 24/7 will only add stress.......something he doesn't need as a senior cat. In addition, if he's outside you won't be able to observe him on a regular basis to know when he's not feeling well. After living with you for 14 years he deserves to be treated as a senior with easy access to food, water and a warm bed. I suggest you first find a veterinarian that specializes only in cats and see what meds are available for incontinence. I think once you find a cat vet that is willing to work with you on meds for pain and incontinence you may find you have a happier healthier cat.

Keep in mind that with arthritic hips & hind legs your cat is not going to be inclined to go up and down steps to the basement. ( Ask any person suffering with arthritis how painful it is.) Since he probably isn't using the litter box as often as he should (due to the steps) he may be trying to hold his urine but ends up leaving puddles instead.

Try to find an area on the main level of the house where you can keep his litter box so he doesn't have to use steps and also make sure he has an area he can access to get away from the toddler. Using a pet pen or furniture may help to keep your child away from the box.

PS.....if you're finding poop now and then, it could be the poop is sticking to his fur and then falling off later. Trim, or have the vet trim, the hair around his backside and see if that helps.
rob333 (zone 7b)
9 years ago
I tolerated it and helped my friend/family member right up until the end despite incontinence. If you can't do that, and have "no other options" surrender them to the HUMANE society. Don't kill them. Ever.
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Pea
9 years ago
If the cat is peeing while eating there is a medical issue...not behavioral. If you haven't yet find a new vet and tell him/her about peeing while eating and leaking...that is not anything normal and 12 years is not that old.
nyboy
9 years ago
Sorry I think a quick peaceful end is much better then the fear and stress of being dumped in a shelter.

Old Incontinent Cat and Toddler...

Comments (4)

annztoo

rob333 (zone 7b)

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