Gericatrix

CASE STUDIES

2008-02-18T05:06:00.000-08:00

CASE STUDIES

I have used complimentary therapies in a number of different situations for my own pets and those that have come into my care over the years, here are but a few animals I have helped overcome both physical and emotional obstacles.

TELLINGTON TOUCH

OREO JAMES
BREED- DOMESTIC SHORT HAIRED
AGE- 14 YEARS
SEX -MALE (NEUTERED)

REASON FOR TREATMENT – rehabilitation after a critical illness (hyper osmola diabetes and cranial oedema).

HISTORY – Oreo was previously owned by my brother since the age of 8 weeks. My brother then came back home for a year so, Oreo was then part owned by the two of us.
Oreo was in a car accident at the age of 2 years old and subsequently lost his tail.
When I moved house Oreo was left in the care of my brother but shortly after I moved out he went missing for 10-14 days, on his return he then came to live with me along with his friend who is a year younger then him.
Oreo is now living in a house with 5 other cats.

MEDICAL HISTORY – Oreo was diagnosed with diabetes in April 2004.
He was taken off insulin after his diabetes had temporarily corrected itself. After 1 month of no insulin Oreo was found collapsed in the bathroom, he had become dehydrated but was showing no signs. Oreo was in a coma for 1 week and after three days started fitting at first 1 per hour and then they became more frequent. He developed cranial oedema (fluid on the brain) after 3-4days and I was told (for the second time) that he probably wouldn’t survive.

MEDICATION – he was on a cocktail of different medication depending on his symptoms, he was also on two I.V drips most of the time and having blood tests every 1-2 hours. A urinary catheter was also put into place as Oreo was not able to urinate by himself.
On the sixth day Oreo started to regain consciousness and his I.V and urinary catheters were removed as he was on the move.
Oreo was receiving 24hour nursing care and had seen two specialists, one for an ultrasound scan and the other was a Neurologist.

FIRST T-TOUCH SESSION – every time Oreo had a seizure the only thing that would help him out of it was ear work done very slowly, at one point he fitted every 15minutes but as each day went on they became less frequent.
Oreo was also given a homeopathic remedy to help him with the seizures which he only had a few times.

SECOND T-TOUCH SESSION – because Oreo hadn’t used his legs for almost 1 week he wasn’t able to move around that well, it was obvious he was getting very distressed and annoyed with his legs.
I started doing a few zigzag’s over his body as a way of re-introducing his back end to the front end, I then did the Octopus on each leg and then down his whole body in order to re-connect his legs to his body.
His session lasted less then 5 minutes as Oreo tired very easily. Later that night he got up and walked into the bathroom on his own.

THIRD T-TOUCH SESSION – this was 24 hours after the last session, by this time Oreo was moving about by himself but was very unsteady on his legs.
The session was the same as the last, I started with Zigzag’s then the Octopus but this time I added a few circular movements, The Chimp and Racoon, Oreo became very fidgety so I let him go.

Oreo has now made a full recovery and since going back on insulin was then taken off 2 months after this incident.
It was suspected that the underlining cause of his condition was pancreatitis which unfortunately is very difficult to treat in cats so he is monitored very closely.

UPDATE 3 YEARS AFTER HIS ILLNESS

Oreo is coming up to his 17th birthday, he continues to do well and is back on his daily injections of insulin. He has had a few hiccups along the way but he is a true fighter.
Unfortunately because of the coma and illness he was left with slight brain damage and is ever so senile now but still plods about in his own little world and still loves his cuddles

BOO CLARKE
AGE- 10 yrs
BREED- DOMESTIC SHORT HAIRED
SEX- MALE (neutered)

HISTORY
Four years ago Boo became ill and after a number of tests and consultations with specialist was diagnosed with some sort of auto-immune disorder, which means that his immune system is compromised. He is not able to walk properly and now has arthritis in all four legs which are very painful so he takes medication when needed.
Because of his condition Boo no longer goes outside and has to have food, water and litter tray near his bed.
Boo is a very loving cat and has had to put up with a lot over the past few years, he now lives in a caravan with his owner who is touring around England for a year, prior to this he was a patient at the Veterinary Practice I used to work at in London.
I am still in close contact with his owner Kim who contacts me when ever she has a problem or needs support.

REASON FOR TREATMENT
Kim agreed to let me use Boo as a case study for two reason, the first is because he hates having his nails clipped (it’s a painful procedure for both owner and Boo) and he needs to be dosed with his pain relief 3-4 days before having it done. The second is because he doesn’t move around much he gets a bit stiff when lying in the same position for too long.

OBSERVATIONS
Boo does not walk on his pads as any other animal; the only way he can get about is to walk on his carpus and hocks. There is considerable swelling over his joints and he almost shuffles along when he needs to get to his litter tray.
His coat is thinning and flaky in places but I’m told by his owner this is much better then when he first became ill.
He is fed on a high energy kitten diet and eats very well but only passes faeces every two days. On occasions he will get diarrhoea especially if his diet is changed.

FIRST T-TOUCH SESSION
Boo absolutely hates having his paws and down his spine touched so I used a small paint brush. He wasn’t very happy being touched with the paint brush either, his back twitched and he pulled his legs away as best he could. It had now become obvious to me that his sessions would need to be very short with as little hands on contact as possible. After our initial encounter I decided not to try anymore touches but to just give him a lot of fuss (he loves being stroked around his head and tummy), it then dawned on me that maybe I should start on the places he loves being touched and work up to the rest.

SECOND T-TOUCH SESSION
I let Boo rest for about 30mins (he gets tired very quickly) and then started stroking him around his head and mouth with my paintbrush, he absolutely loved it he was nudging the paintbrush with his head instead of trying to get away.
After a few minutes I started stroking down his back (with the paintbrush), and it started twitching again. Boo was lying on his side so I just did a few circular movements around his body, again his back twitched and he tried to pull his legs away so I took my paintbrush further away from his body to a distance he was comfortable with, after a few minutes I stopped so that Boo could rest.
I did try to do a few more touches with Boo but it was too much for him and I would be seeing him in a few days anyway.

THIRD T-TOUCH SESSION
I was amazed to learn that Boo had been sitting up to eat. He is usually fed lying down.
This session I started as I previously had with the others, Boo was still unhappy with me stroking down his back but to my amazement would let me use the paintbrush on his back legs, he pulled away at first but then relaxed, after very little stroking I was able to do a few circles but only on the back legs.
He did however let me stroke near his front legs with the paint brush but I was not able to actually touch them which was fine. I did very little with Boo as this was the first time he actually let me touch anywhere other then his face.

FOURTH T-TOUCH SESSION
This was about one hour after the last. Boo let me touch his back legs straight away with the paintbrush, this time I was able to do a few Python lifts (using my thumb and forefinger), at first he was very wary so I did a few lifts in the air until he was comfortable and was then able to do three Python lifts on each back leg.

This was the last time I was able to see Boo as they are off to pastures new.
I have shown Kim how to use the paintbrush for stroking and circular movements and have asked her to keep up with it so that the next time I was able to see Boo I could do some more work with him.
I would like to try Boo with a few lifts, especially around the back end but would need to build up to further movements with him.

UPDATE ON BOO 2 YEARS AFTER OUR LAST SESSION
He is an amazing little boy and continues to go from strength to strength.
Boo has finished his travels and now lives by the sea with a new little friend Molly. She is much younger then him so he does get a little grumpy with her when she wants to play.
Boo potters about his new 2 bedroom home and will now sit at his food bowl to eat and I’m told that he has started using his scratching post again.

BACH FLOWER REMEDIES

CASE HISTORY FOR ‘BALOO’ DOLAN

Baloo is a client at All Creatures Veterinary Surgery where I work as a full time Veterinary Nurse so he is already known to me on a professional level.
In January 2005 his long term friend Bagheera became ill and went through a series of blood tests and ultrasound. In Feb ’05 Bagheera had surgery and was diagnosed with an untreatable form of cancer, he became very ill shortly after his operation and in March ’05 was euthanased.
Bagheera was older than Baloo so he had never been alone.
Yvonne adopted the two cats after loosing her previous cat to a bladder tumour. They had been in her care for 5 years but when they first moved in Baloo would walk around with his stomach practically on the ground and was very nervous. He also had constant diarrhoea which he had since he was a kitten and it was never investigated. He was diagnosed with irritable bowl disease in October 2000 and after a short course of medication it is now controlled by a special diet.
Baloo in general is very vocal and always wants company from his owner since loosing his long term companion; Baloo has become more vocal and is now demanding constant attention. He has also been wondering around both at home and outside as though he were searching for Bagheera and looking very lost.
Yvonne contacted a behaviourist shortly after loosing Bagheera and followed her advice but unfortunately it didn’t help.
I had previously spoken to Yvonne when Bagheera became ill and explained how the Bach Flower Remedies worked but she was so upset and caught up with Bagheera’s illness that she had put it out of her head.
In June ’05 Baloo came into the surgery after being in a cat fight, Yvonne was still very concerned about his grieving and after consulting Nicola her Veterinary surgeon, Baloo was referred to me.

Initial Consultation Tuesday 12th July ‘05

Baloo was very quiet in his basket which isn’t uncommon for him, it’s almost as if he believes if he keeps quiet we won’t realise he’s there.
Yvonne was happier for him to come out of his basket once we were in a safe environment and she was confident she would be able to get him back into his carrier quickly and without any problems.
Throughout our first consultation Baloo remained quiet but would explore his surroundings. He seemed fine and didn’t appear to be stressed at all but that isn’t always the case with some animals.
During our consultation Yvonne explained how she came about adopting both cats and that Baloo had always been with another cat (which it seemed he relied on for a lot of different situations). I think because Baloo had another cat around for most of his life it was a huge shock for him when Bagheera became ill and he didn’t really have a lot of time to adjust to the change in his friend but also because his owner was so worried and focused on Bagheera, Baloo may have been unintentionally ignored.
I have seen Baloo in a number of different situations both at the Veterinary practice and on home visits and the one thing that I have observed about him is that he is not comfortable without his friend. Bagheera always appeared to be a confident cat that wouldn’t put up with any strange animals in his territory and never liked being examined. He was always a handful and quite often had to be sedated at home prior to procedures.
Baloo however would let you do anything to him. He almost turns into jelly and acts like it’s not happening. I think he is a cat that lacks confidence and looks to his friend or owner for comfort, I also think he has a lot of fears and would either look to his owner or Bagheera for reassurance. These are shown in a number of different ways, he’s following Bagheera around the house and when he wasn’t around he follows Yvonne. He’s constant looking out of the window in a fearful manner and Yvonne says that when he goes outside he paces around the garden at least ten times before jumping over the wall and since loosing Bagheera will not stay out for very long.

Telephone conversation Tuesday 19th July

I spoke with Yvonne seven days after our consultation, she reported that there was no change in Baloo’s behaviour but that he also appeared fearful at times and keeps looking out of the window as though he were seeing something which appears to upset him.
I explained again that every animal will react differently to the remedies; how it can take a number of weeks for there to be any change and that they will sometimes be very subtle so she may not notice.
I have asked Yvonne to continue with the remedy and have booked another appointment for a further three weeks.

Second Consultation Tuesday 9th August

Over the past three weeks Baloo seems a little more focused. He is still howling but not as much as before, he isn’t following Yvonne all the time around the house but takes time to sleep during the day. Baloo still seems lost without Bagheera and is still looking for him.
Yvonne is happy with the way things are progressing with Baloo. We had a discussion about his fearfulness and it seems it may have started shortly after his cat fight. This may be because he has always had Bagheera to protect him and fight with the opposition.
I have kept Baloo on the same Remedy of Star of Bethlehem for the shock of loosing his life time companion, Honeysuckle as he appeared to be pre-occupied with his past life with Bagheera by his constant searching for him and Walnut to help him adapt to the change of now being the only cat in the house hold. After our discussion I have also decided to add Red Chestnut to his treatment bottle as Baloo still appears to be concerned about Yvonne and being left alone this is shown by his following her around the house, even though it was reported that this behaviour has improved. Yvonne also reported that Baloo appears tired and when he’s not pacing up and down or following her he’s sleeping. I thought this may help him settle better at night and hopefully stop him waking his owner up early.
I may also consider using Larch to help with his confidence as he always seemed to be confident prior to his loss and Mimulus or Aspen for fear.
I have arranged to see Baloo in four weeks but have asked Yvonne to contact me in two weeks or sooner if she has any further queries or difficulties with Baloo.

Telephone conversation 23rd August 2005

Yvonne has reported that Baloo still appears lost at times, it has improved but she is still very concerned about him. I think Baloo is still picking up on Yvonne’s over concern and grief towards loosing Bagheera.
Yvonne has decided to get another cat to keep Baloo company. It will be another Burmese and he will be younger than Baloo. I have suggested she contact the behaviourist for some advice on introducing a new cat to the home so that Baloo doesn’t get too distressed about the whole situation.
Baloo is due to see me in two weeks so I have asked Yvonne to continue with the same remedy and we will re-assess things at our next consultation.

Third consultation Tuesday 7th September 2005

There has been no change in Baloo’s behaviour over the past four weeks. He is still following Yvonne around, howling and looking for Bagheera so I have decided to change Baloo’s remedy and will be giving him the following:-
Mimulus for fear, it isn’t 100% clear what Baloo is afraid of but I feel being the only cat in the house and defending his territory may be a little too much for Baloo and is possibly why he is always looking outside for something and getting upset about it.
Larch, to help with his confidence. Prior to loosing Bagheera he always appeared confident and I think he may now almost feel vulnerable as he no longer has any back up and there are a lot of other cats in his area.
I’m going to keep him on Star of Bethlehem and Walnut as he is still adjusting to new circumstances and Yvonne will be getting her new cat in a few weeks so they will help him cope with having a new cat in the house.
Yvonne has been given advice by her behaviourist so that when the new cat arrives she will be able in integrate the two cats safely and make the experience as stress free as possible for all concerned.
I have asked Yvonne to contact me after her new arrival just to let me know how their initial introduction is and to see if Baloo’s remedy will need adjusting.

Telephone conversation Saturday 25th Sept ‘05

Yvonne picked up her new cat Cossu on Thursday. Their initial encounter was fine as it was all done as advised. Cossu has a large cage (big enough for a litter tray, bed, food and water), which he goes in when necessary, it is also put into what Yvonne calls the nursery. This is so that when Yvonne has to go out and at bedtime he is safe and not able to get to Baloo.
He was put into his bed and Baloo was let into the room, he went up to the cage and sniffed, Cossu did the same but then hissed at Baloo who just walked away (all this time the door to the nursery was left open so that Baloo could leave at any time if it became too much for him). Yvonne said he stayed in the room sniffing but never made eye contact with Cossu, after about 5-10 minutes Baloo left the room and Cossu was let out of his bed. Yvonne has been told to do this regularly but to always make sure that Cossu is in his cage and Baloo is able to get out when he needed.
After a week of this Yvonne has been told to feed Baloo in Cossu’s room continuing to do as she was before and after one week of this move Cossu’s cage to the kitchen as this is where Baloo eats and sleeps most of the time.
I have arranged to see Yvonne in three weeks but have told her to contact either myself or her behaviourist if any problems arise.

Last consultation Tuesday 11th Oct ‘05

Yvonne has now had Cossu for just over two weeks and they are now eating in the same room, Baloo still doesn’t make much eye contact with him when he is in the nursery but there is no hissing and he appears to be getting used to having his new little brother. He has also been seen playing with Cossu’s toys even though he has plenty of his own and tries to get his food if Yvonne forgets to close the cage door. Luckily he hasn’t managed to eat much of it as it will give him diarrhoea.
His behaviour has also changed, he isn’t howling like he was. Yvonne is aware that he will still howl as he was when she had the two cats as this is what Siamese cats do but at least he’s not constantly howling and wanting attention.
He also appears a lot happier when he goes outside and isn’t pacing up and down.
Yvonne is very pleased with Baloo’s progress and with the way he and Cossu are getting along.
We have decided to keep Baloo on the same remedy of Mimulus, Larch, Star of Bethlehem and Walnut for a further 3-4weeks and then Yvonne would like to see how he goes without it but if she feels he needs it longer she will contact me as this should hopefully be our last consultation.
I have told Yvonne she is more than welcome to contact me if she needs any further help with Baloo.

CONCLUSION TO BALOO

I think Baloo has had a lot to deal with since he was adopted by Yvonne, not only did he have to cope with having a new owner he also had to get used to a new home both indoors and eventually outdoors. Shortly after being in his new home it was obvious to Yvonne that there was something wrong with Baloo so then he had the shock of having investigations into his diarrhoea which he had since he were a kitten.
Over the five or so years that Yvonne has had him he has generally been well, Bagheera was always the one that had to have treatment after being in cat fights. Baloo’s whole life has changed and he has had to learn to defend him self and his territory. At first I think it was a bit too much for him to cope with which is why he would rely on Yvonne and follow her, howling all the time.
I don’t think Baloo understood that his friend had gone even though he was given the opportunity to see him after her was euthanased. He did a lot of grieving for Bagheera but I also think he did a lot of grieving for his owner Yvonne. I think this started before the death of his friend but unfortunately just wasn’t picked up. I don’t think Baloo is the confident cat that everyone thought he was it’s almost as though he were hiding his true self which only really seem to come out after loosing his long term companion.
I think if Baloo was put onto a remedy as soon as Bagheera’s illness was diagnosed he would have been able to cope with the whole situation a lot easier.

The remedies I gave Baloo and the reason I chose them were:

Star of Bethlehem – for the shock of being in a new environment when first adopted the trips to the vet and investigations that were done and then for the shock of his friend becoming ill then loosing him and now being the only cat in his home.

Walnut – to help him cope with all these different changes and eventually for when Yvonne got his new companion

Honeysuckle – as I felt he was unable to move on with out his friend and with a little help and encouragement would hopefully soon be himself.

I then added Red Chestnut to his second treatment bottle as I felt he was almost worrying too much and was unable to leave Yvonne.
I then changed his remedy in his third treatment bottle as I felt we now had other issue’s to deal with so I gave him:

Mimulus for his fear though I wasn’t entirely sure if it was a known or unknown fear but decided to try the Mimulus first as I thought he was afraid of being alone both indoors and outside.

Larch to help with his confidence which I was hoping would also help with his fears.
I kept him on Star of Bethlehem and Walnut as he was about to go through more changes of having a new companion and I didn’t want it to be too much of a shock for him.

Overall I am pleased with the way things have progressed over the past three months. I knew that animals do grieve as we do but didn’t realise just how much especially if they were lifetime companions.
Doing this field study has given me a lot of insight into the behaviour and relationships of animals and has also made me look at things very differently as a Veterinary Nurse. It has made me more knowledgeable and I hope more equipped to deal with grieving animals.

3 MONTH FIELD STUDY ON ‘BALOO’ DOLAN
JULY 2005 – OCTOBER 2005

UPDATE ON BALOO OVER 2 YEARS AFTER OUR LAST CONSULTATION

Baloo is doing well and just loves his little brother (except when he wants to play and all Baloo wants to do is sleep).
He is still on his special diet for his bowl problem along with something for his arthritis.
He’s no longer as vocal and demanding and has settled into his roll of top cat.

ARE OUR CATS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LOSS OF OUR BIRDS

2007-12-14T05:53:00.000-08:00

I don’t know about you but sometimes it makes me mad when I constantly hear people saying that cats are killers and because of them there are fewer birds around.
I have to question this, is it not that our times are changing and as our cities are becoming more and more polluted and crowded that these clever little feathered friends are moving to nicer, cleaner less crowded parts of the country?
Where the cats and I are now living it is full of many different species of birds that appear to be happy as they sing very loudly and I know there are cats in the area.
Why is it so wrong for our feline companions to do what is so natural to them, if they were in the wild they would be eating all kinds of things to stay alive.
I’m not saying I like the idea of cats killing birds and not eating them and I’m not anti birds at all in fact I love nothing more then watching them flying past my window and I love hearing the dawn chorus what I object to is the fact that it’s alright for man to go around killing things and what about the fact that birds of prey kill other birds so why is there such an uproar about cats doing it.

SO WHAT CAN WE DO AS RESPONSIBLE CAT OWNERS?

If your cat wears a cat collar just make sure it has a bell on it, the idea behind this is that the bell should make a noise whenever your cat moves therefore alerting the birds to their whereabouts.
Never place bird baths near a fence or tree, by doing so it’s giving cats an advantage point to pouncing on unsuspecting birds.
If you do have feeding platforms or bird baths in your garden it would be a good idea to have a certain time of day when your cat is safely tucked away in doors and the birds are able to come out and feed, by trying to make it the same time each day our feathered friends should clock on to the idea that the kitty’s aren’t around and its safe to come out and play.

COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES FOR OUR PETS

2007-06-26T05:39:00.000-07:00

As you know complementary therapies are becoming more popular with people, well did you know it was possible to get a number of complementary therapies for your pets?
I can only tell you about the therapies that I offer but will also list a number of websites for other therapists.

BACH FLOWER REMEDIES
You may have heard of rescue remedy or seen it in your local pharmacy well did you know that there are 38 different Bach Remedies made from plants and trees, they are used to help both animals and people with a number of different emotional problems some of which may be associated with physical problems, stress and grief to mention just a few.
Your Bach Practioner will take a full history of your pet as much as you are able to tell them. By doing this they will be able make the correct remedy and give you full instructions on how to give the remedy. Bach remedies are not a quick fix to any emotional problem but is a good place to start and the results can be very subtle so you may not notice a change in your pet or it may take some time with a number of changes in their remedies.
I have used the remedies in a number of elderly cats and continue to use them in my own cats if they become ill or we’re having a change at home.
For more information or to find your nearest Bach Practioner for animals visit the Bach Centre website on http://www.bachcentre.com/

MASSAGE
Massage is a wonderful thing to use on all animals to help with arthritis, general aches and pains or even just as a bonding exercise for you and your pet. It improves blood flow, releases toxins in the body and improves oxygen levels for tissue repair. It is also good for helping with pain and encourages the body to heal itself.
I’ve been massaging for a number of years now and even though I’m fully qualified to massage people I much prefer doing it on animals as you can see the benefits better and they won’t tell you they like it even if they don’t, the other great thing about massaging animals is they will usually give you the part of them that needs to be massaged (at least they do in the case of dogs).
I use massage on my Mogwai as his shoulder sometimes causes him to limp especially when he’s been lying down in the same position for a long time. At first he didn’t like it as it was a new experience for him coming from me so as soon as I could see he wasn’t enjoying it I would stop and try again another time now he absolutely loves it, the look on his little face when he is being massaged looks like sheer pleasure and you may be wondering how I know he likes it well it’s simple if he didn’t want me to do it he would get up and leave, animals make it quiet clear when they are unhappy with anything you are doing.

REIKI
Reiki has been around for centuries, it uses the earths energies channelled through your practioner to heal the emotional side of your pet, this in turn gives them the opportunity to cope with whatever illness or emotional problem they may have. The amount of time an animal will take reiki does vary so your practioner has to be well aware of the subtle or sometimes not so subtle signs given by your pet.
My Oreo always comes to me whenever he needs a bit of reiki and will give me his backend which is usually where he wants it, when he has had enough he will simply get up and walk away, not every cat is quite that nice about it as I have found out, my Thomas would turn around and try to bite me when he had enough and just recently I was doing reiki on a friends British Blue and after 5-10mins she stood up and went to swipe me (it was a very new experience for her so she didn’t know how to react).

TELLINGTON TOUCH
Not many people have heard of TTouch but it has been around for over thirty years.
TTouch uses a number of different subtle movements, groundwork and body wraps to help teach your pets self confidence, self control and self awareness.
Many animals carry tension in their body which we are not aware of, this can affect their balance and posture but can also effect their behaviour, by changing the way they would usually do things (this can be simple as asking them to walk on different textured mats to using a harness instead of a simple collar and lead in dogs) can change the way they carry their body and make them more aware of what their back end is doing.
Over the past four years I have used TTouch in a number of different situations but there are a few that stick in my mind there are too many for me to put in this article so will add a case study page so you can read some of my successes with all complimentary therapies.
For more information or to find your nearest TTouch practioner visit TTouch Uk website on http://www.tilleyfarm.co.uk/

There are a number of websites explaining in detail about the different types of complimentary therapies for animals but please always make sure your therapist is fully qualified.
Alternatively ask your veterinary surgeon if you would like further information on any complimentary therapies as they may have a number of therapists already working alongside them.

PLEASE NOTE: Complementary Therapies are not intended to replace conventional treatments but can be used alongside them and all consultations are done under veterinary referral

HAZARDS IN THE HOME

2007-06-01T09:11:00.000-07:00

I’ve been asked by a very good friend to do a piece on just a few of the dangers that could be lurking in our homes that may me poisonous to our furry little friends.
She was very surprised when I told her about some of these things and thinks that it would be good to share this information as a lot of other people may not know and although they may be an everyday thing for us, they can pose a threat to our cats.
There are many plants both in and outdoors that are dangerous to our cats but I’ll only be listing a few of the most common ones that we may go out and buy for our homes.

Lilies – these are quite often found in bouquets of flowers but believe it or not they are poisonous to cats.
I was just reading in a recent addition of your cat magazine that a lady went out one day thinking her house was cat safe and when she returned she found her cat collapsed on the floor having just eaten one of the lilies.
If like me you don’t like lilies this won’t be a problem but for those of you that like them then please spare a thought for that nosey, furry person that lurks in your house and cut out the stamens and place the vase up high so they can’t reach it.

Poinsettia – you can almost guarantee one of these will be in your house at Christmas time but is it worth it just for a few weeks. They may look pretty but what happens if your cats eat them, you could end up having a miserable Christmas.
Another must for some people at Christmas is mistletoe which is usually found hanging around the house but this too is another poisonous plant to cats.

My Mogwai has a special liking for plants that look like grass especially if they are dangling, they say that cats know which plants they can and can’t eat but I say why take that chance, cats are naturally nosey and in my experience will have their little noses in everything. Twice Mogwai has eaten a plant that has made him very poorly one was my spider plant (he was vomiting for 24hours) and the other was a plant from the sedge family. He was vomiting for 72 hours and had to go onto intra venus fluids to flush out his system, it was the fact that he is such a big boy that got him through.

CLEANING PRODUCTS

Whilst they are part of our every day life please spare a thought when using and storing them.
Some products can cause skin irritations in our cats. I have seen this from products used to freshen carpets or upholstery.
Bleach is another dangerous product and should be used with extreme care, always dilute it for cleaning and if you use it in your toilet always keep the seat down as cats like to drink from the strangest of places.
It’s not only in the house you need to be careful, there are also a number of products used on cars that can be poisonous to cats, car batteries and anti freeze can cause ulcers in the mouth if licked, these are extremely painful and take a long time to heal, they will also stop your cat from being able to eat.

LAMINATE FLOORING

Although not poisonous laminate flooring can be quite dangerous to all pets.
They make life very easy for us and they look nice but have you noticed how difficult it can be for our pets to run and play because they are so slippery. It could be the equivalent of us walking on ice without the proper footwear.
It may be humorous to watch but it’s very easy for our pets to slip or slide in an awkward position and hurt their back or legs which could end up with a trip to the vets and in some cases surgery, they can also cause tension patterens in your pets spine just as you would tense if you were on a surface that you were unsure off. I’m not trying to scare those of you that already have laminate flooring because I too have it in my house but to make life easier place a few rugs or vet bedding around the house until they get used to life on a slippery surface also it’s not always nice for them to sleep on a cold hard surface.

These are just a few of the things you should watch out for around the house, for a full list of poisonous and dangerous products for our cats visit The Feline Advisory Bureau’s website on www.fabcats.org then click on information for owners then poisoning and cats, you will also find all the information you may require for the health and well being of your naughty, furry little friend.

IF YOU SUSPECT YOUR CAT HAS BEEN POISONED THEN PLEASE CONTACT YOUR VET IMMEDIATELY AND GIVE THEM AS MUCH INFORMATION ABOUT WHAT THEY HAVE BEEN POISONED WITH SO THAT THEY CAN TAKE THE APPROPRAITE ACTION NEEDED.

A Tribute To Old Friends

2007-04-16T02:21:00.000-07:00

I would like to dedicate this page to many old friends who taught me so much over the years with their medical and emotional problems.
Thank you all for your love, knowledge and patients even though you were all doing what elderly cats do in your own special way.
I miss you all very much but feel privileged to have had you all in my life even if you were cared for by friends.

YING

Her exact age was unknown but it was suspected that she was in her early 20’s.
She was so expressive that if you walked into her room and she didn’t want you there she would simply turn her back on you as if to say ‘go away your disturbing me’
Ying lived for a further 3 years after having major surgery in order to remove a cancerous growth on her spleen.
Her last illness was very sudden and she deteriorated rapidly, it was suspected that the cancer had returned but I decided to leave her be and let her go with dignity rather then have her poked and prodded with tests and drugs.
I will always remember and laugh at the way she would glare at me when I went to give her a cuddle.

REGGIE

His age was unknown as he was a stray. He was the grubbiest, skinniest cat I’d ever seen with a really nasty problem on one of his ears, he would take a few steps and collapse in a heap on the floor.
After a few blood tests it was determined that he was Hyperthyroid, this meant he had an over active thyroid gland and because it was left untreated it had started to affect his heart. His treatment was 3 weeks on tablets (and let me tell you this was by no means an easy task) with the possibility of surgery once his thyroid was more stable.
Because we had to do surgery on his ear it was decided that he would just have the one anaesthetic and everything done at the same time so one quiet day at work Reggie was out onto I.V fluids (this means his kidneys would be able to flush the anaesthetic out of his system quicker), both his thyroid glands were removed as was his ear and all his teeth (these were practically falling out anyway. His recovery was speedy and he then came to live with the nurses at the surgery.
Reggie was in my life for 18months, one day I woke up and found he had been coughing up a lot of blood and expecting not to still find him alive there he was waiting for another meal. He was diagnosed with lungs tumours so again I thought it best to leave him be and when the time came let him go with dignity. Two weeks later Reggie died peacefully the way he would have wanted to go with no one interfering
Reggie was the funniest elderly cat I have ever come across, he would barely be able to get up the stairs some days and was supposed to be deaf but as soon as that fridge door opened he was there behind you even if he was down a few flights of stairs. He was also a chocoholic and if you weren't careful he would steal it and some how with no teeth unwrap and eat it before he was caught.

BLOSSOM

Darling Blossom was such a emotional little lady, she came to live with me after a friend decided to take her but then her circumstances changed so she was no longer able to look after her. She was in my care for just over 1 year and came with a variety of both physical and emotional problems.
Blossom had multiple allergies so taking care of her was a full time job, I was forever watching over her so she didn’t wander off and eat something that would make her poorly to the point where she was ripping at her skin which is why she had to wear clothes.
She was also like a sponge, if one of the other cats were poorly then so was Blossom, it was as though she took on their illness too.
It was very hard having a cat that demanded such attention but I loved her as much as I did the other old folk and it broke my heart to say goodbye.

ARNOLD

He was 16 when he’s family decided they couldn’t cope with his old age and apparently he started going to the toilet around the house. One month previously to this he had been brought in for a full mot and dental work so we knew he was well. When I spent time with Arnold on that day he WAS a total gentleman and would let us do anything to him, he had to have all teeth removed but was only in hospital for the day.
You may notice I said he was a gentleman, well let me tell you I felt like I had a member of the mafia on my hands. At first we decided we would find him a new home but he was kept in hospital for a little while so that we could get to the bottom of his inappropriate toileting (he just didn’t like a dirty litter tray or it could have been the type of litter that was being used).
It was my wish that he become a surgery cat because he liked nothing more then to flirt with everyone that came into the practice, in fact he had a little fan club and people would come in just to visit him but unfortunately no one wanted to take him home so I did.
Arnold appeared to be a very confident bully but the more time I spent with him it was obvious he was a very scared boy and would jump with all four paws in the air if something frightened him (and trust me it didn’t take much sometimes).
Arnold was a loner but struck up a relationship with Mousey when she first came to live with us. She was very timid around the others but had no problems curling up with Arnold and whilst he couldn’t stand any of the others around him (except feeding time and then he was more concerned about his stomach) he was very fond of her (I think they were in love).
Arnold loved to be outdoors so it was a dream come true for him when we moved to a house with a garden and before long he was over the wall exploring and getting into trouble, he would either come home with oil all over his paws or would get ambushed on the way back by one of the neighbourhood cats so I had to go rescue him and take him back to safety.
Arnold became sick very quickly and 4 days after becoming ill had to be euthansed. I was so upset to say goodbye but at least he had a good time in his new home.

SHUSHI
(Cantonese for short sleep or siesta)

What can I tell you about darling Shushi, well she was originally owned by Amanda and lived in Battersea with her brother Smartie.
I first met them both in 1997 but unfortunately not under good circumstances as Smartie was very poorly and sadly gave up his fight.
All the same the first time I set eyes on Miss Shushi I fell in love with her and every time she was brought in to have a check up I would try and sneak out the door with her. I couldn’t tell you what it was about her that was so special as I didn’t spend much time with her but all I know is that she was beautiful yet had a look of naughtiness about her.
In 2005 after 8years of trying to steal her Amanda asked me to look after Shushi indefinitely as she was planning a new life in Cypress and wasn’t sure if it was fair to take Miss Shushi. Of course I said yes before she even finished getting the words out so that summer she came to stay which was quite strange for her at first but she soon found her spot in the downstairs kitchen.
In Jan 2006 we all moved to Peterborough and Shushi was given her own bedroom with en suite bathroom, heat pads and a constant supply of food when all she wanted was to sleep under the bed. After some time she came out and stated mixing with the other more and before I knew it she was up and down the stairs and sunbathing under a tree in the garden.
Shushi unfortunately became ill in Aug 2006 at the grand old age of 21. She would quite often get problems with her mouth so I had to make the hard decision should I take her in to have treatment done or not, either way I was caught between the devil and the deep blue sea so decided to take the chance but unfortunately it was a bit too much for her and it was suspected she had a stroke under anaesthetic.
The one thing I will always remember about darling Shushi is the constant howling at ungodly hours of night for no reason.

WILF

Although he is still alive he is no longer living with me.
Wilf was 2yrs old when I took him on in 2006 and despite the fact that I had never taken on such a young cat and he was hard work I am glad he was in my life even though it was only for 6 months.
Wilf was about to be euthanased because he was getting nasty towards his owners when in fact he was in a lot of pain. He had a problem with one of his back legs which could have been sorted with an operation.
When he came to live in the house I was away working so 2 weeks had passed before I met him. I was getting updates from my cat/house sitter about his progress or lack of progress. When I finally met him it was a treat, where previous he was attacking everyone and everything in site he was all over me and followed me everywhere, he hated the other cats with a passion and would pounce on them all so they decided to live upstairs unless someone was home to protect them
Wilf was the angriest cat I had ever seen, his back was very arched and his ears were sitting flat on his head, he hated anyone picking him up and would try to bite at the slightest thing. That weekend I started doing a bit of Tellington Touch with him, the first thing was to try him with a body wrap which he hated at first and it was only on for a few seconds, the second time I put it on he went to bed under the cupboard in the kitchen for 5 hours. On his return the body wrap was off, his back was no longer arched and his ears were sitting comfortable in their normal position, he was also able to cope with one of the other cats being near him but only when I was with them.
Wilf finally got his operation and spent 8 weeks being confined and not able to go outside which he loved. I continued doing as much work with him as possible and he continued to attack the old folk and make their lives hell but not as much as previously.
Six months later I decided to re-home him. Wilf went to a couple with no other cats and he is the happiest little spoilt mummy’s boy that loves nothing more them cuddling up on the bed.
Even though my time with Wilf was so short I fell that had I not taken him it would have been a totally different story for him and he wouldn’t have had his happy ending.

There you have it, the friends that I have had and lost due to one illness or another.
I’ve had many other cats in my life that at some time or other I have looked after or given some form of complimentary therapy too and wanted to say thank you to all of their owners for allowing me to be a part of their lives. I miss them as much as I do all my other furry little stalkers and they all have a special place in my heart.

DINKY
Much loved friend of Kim and Pete and brother to their cats Big and Boo.
Dinky was a cheeky little boy and the first time he met my Oreo he attacked him, to this day Oreo still has the scar on is nose and has taken a disliking to all ginger cats!!!
Dinky’s other brother Ambrose died from a nasty form of cancer a few years before him and unfortunately at the time no one had a digital camera so at the moment I am unable to post a photo of him. He too was a beautiful ginger boy that was very loving to all he met.

BARNEY
I first met Barney on 20 April 2007 and although I only knew her for a few weeks, she carries a very special place in my heart.
Barney is very much loved and missed by Sarah and Matt. She first came into Sarah’s life in July 1992 after having spent a few years living rough and being fed by a kind old man, then 2 days in a rescue shelter in Brighton, from the minute she took her on Barney made herself at home, taking over and making Sarah her servant.
Sarah and Barney then went to live with matt in London, he’d never had a cat before so it didn’t take Barney long to win him over and before he knew it he was changing his home to accommodate the little lady.
Barney died on 21 May 2007 just four weeks after she came into my life; she had a multitude of problems and coped with them all as best she could. Barney welcomed me into her home with opened paws and trusted me to do reiki on her straight away. Barney said her final farewell to her mummy and daddy whilst being cuddled and stroked and being told how much they loved her, I think that was a wonderful way for her to leave us and I thank both Sarah and Matt for allowing me to have Barney in my life for those few weeks.

BRACKEN

You may think that’s a strange thing to see amongst all these cats but I wanted to give
a little tribute to a boy with such a big heart.
Bracken was a great friend to Gina and Annie not to mention his many other followers.
On a training trip to Bath, Bracken allowed Gina and I to share his room but I think he was having second thoughts after the first night. He would take himself off to bed after a hard day at the office and lie there sighing at Gina and I for staying up to the small hours chatting and laughing only problem is this made us laugh even more.
Thank you dear Bracken for teaching me so much and making that trip so enjoyable, we all miss you very much.

About Me

2007-04-01T08:17:00.000-07:00

I started working in a Veterinary practice in 1990 and went from being a kennel maid to the day to day running of the practice.
A few years after starting work I soon realised how important preventative healthcare was so started studying many different subjects. This wasn’t enough for me as I had a big passion for complimentary therapies and wanted to extend this to the animal kingdom.
I left my first practice and joined another in 1997 and it was here my two passions blossomed, elderly cats and complimentary therapies.
I qualified as a Massage Therapist in 2003 and then went on to studying Bach Flower Remedies and Tellington Touch for animals.
I became an Accredited Bach Practioner for Animals in 2005 and in 2006 finished my three years studying to become a Tellington Touch Practioner.
What started as a personal hobby has spiralled into 17years of absolute pleasure with a few difficult but essential learning curves. I believe it is possible for Complimentary Therapies to work alongside Western Medicine and will continue to do what I can to aid any animal that may come into my care.

Gallery of my other elderly companions

2007-03-22T10:54:00.000-07:00

OREO
(aka Squidgey Bum)

Oreo was my first cat and my first love, he came to me after spending a year living with my brother, I grew so attached to him that I gave my brother no choice but to give him to me especially because at the time I was living with my brother but then moved into my own flat, a few weeks later Oreo went missing. I was absolutely beside myself and spent two weeks looking for him. After putting up a lot of leaflets asking people to look out for him he turned up and my posters went missing. He was very hungry, dirty and happy to be home. He has been with me ever since and i have no intention of letting him go without a fight.

Oreo is now an elderly man (age 16yrs) with his own problems, he has diabetes and kidney problems, he is also fighting a very nasty bladder/kidney infection but with much love and medication (not to mention trips to the vets) he is hopefully on the mend.

He has to have daily insulin injection for his diabetes and tablets for his kidneys, he should be on a special low protein diet but it upsets his tummy so has a special powder which goes in his food twice a day.

On 1st Aug 2008 my precious little boy passed away, his work here was done and his fight with one illness and another got the better of him.
He has left a huge gap in my life and I miss him terribly as I do all the furry little friends that have been in my life since 1991.
I thank him with all my heart for all his love and purrs, he was always there when I needed him as I was there for him.

THOMAS
Thomas (aka TJ) is another golden oldie.

Thomas is blind and has high blood pressure I was luckly adopted by TJ 18 months ago after it was discovered he had the start of kidney problems, his owner at the time started feeding him as a stray (so his age in unknown but he too is an elderly gentleman) and decided that the family would not be able to cope with his problem if he were to become ill.

Being blind does not stop him from doing anything trust me!! He is still able to jump onto the bed and sofa (though sometimes does bump into the others and can be a bit of a bully about it). My worst fear was when we all moved into our new home in Peterborough. I had no idea how he would react to my other cats and there was a fish pond in the garden so, me being the careful cat slave that I am put a little fence up around the pond (thinking that if he bumped into it he would turn around). TJ decided he was not going to let this fence stop him and he just climbed over it to drink from his new everlasting water bowl (it didn't matter that there is two filtered water fountains indoors).

He has to have two different medications every day, one for his blood pressure and one for his kidneys, he's not the easiest of cats to medicate but we get there in the end!!!

We had to bid our final farewell to Thomas on Monday 18th June 2007. Unfortunately his kidneys got the better of him and he decided enough was enough. Goodbye my darling Thomas, you will always been known as My Big Polar Bear and I will miss you very much. Thank you for a wonderful 19 months.

MOGWAI
(aka Chuncky Monkey)
This handsome boy has been in my life since he was 8 weeks old, he is now 15 and even though he will hate me for letting out his secret he really is what I would call a Mummy's boy, he is 100% devoted to me (most of the time).

Luckily for me he has no problems(touching lots of wood), except his eating disorder. He is a secret biscuit muncher (though not so secret most of the time). In case your wondering why I let him munch so much it is very hard to restrict his eating without taking it away from the other senile old folk who are all older then him and it is important for them to eat regularly.
On 14th October 2007 we said farewell to the Chunky Monkey, he'd been through a rough couple of months and decided he just couldn't fight it any longer. This sad time came 2 days before we were due to move to The Lake District.
Goodbye my darling boy, I miss your purring so much and the way you always put your paw or head in my hand every night until I was asleep. Our friendship was so special and one I will always remember.

MOUSEY (aka Mental Mousey)
The eldest of my pride is Mousey at a grand age of almost 21 she is also the only female I now have which is just as well because she can be very demanding for attention from both me and the boys!!

I have had Mousey for almost 2 years, she had an overactive thyroid gland and was having tablets to control it, which in itself was like running a marathon (hard work), so it was decided to have her thyroid gland removed and she has been fighting fit ever since.

You may look at this little old lady and think butter wouldn't melt but oh how you would be so wrong, she loves nothing more then to come and wake me up at some ungodly hour for her breakfast, most of the time I hide under the duvet until she gives up and goes back to sleep (it's not as though there isn't an endless supply of biscuits left overnight for them all).

On 15th Nov 2008 we had to bid a final farewell to Mousey at the ripe old age of 22yrs.
The past 3 yrs with her were wonderful and I loved every minute I was fortunate enough to have with her. She like all the others has left a huge hole in my life but would not have changed a thing as I loved each and everyone no matter what.

Why This Site?

2007-03-21T10:55:00.000-07:00

In 1994 I adopted a 16 year old cat who I thought I would only have for 1-2 years but at the amazing age of 26 she finally had to be euthanased due to a bladder tumour. Never did I ever think that when I first met this beautiful, feisty old grey and white cat that she would teach me so much and give me many wonderful years.

This website is designed to help those who find themselves in the same situation as I did and is based on my true experiences, but firstly I would like to tell you our story.

Clary's Story
I used to work in a Veterinary Practice in Surrey, on a Saturday morning whilst at work a client came in to ask if we would do some emergency boarding for one of our elderly client’s cat as she had to go into hospital and was refusing until she knew Clary would be safe. As we had just recently added a cattery to our practice we agreed so the following Monday this frail old cat was brought in making a hideous noise (objecting to being in her basket of course), I took her to her bed not knowing that this was the same cat I would make house calls to (in order to give her medication when she needed it) and immediately fell in love with her. Now some would ask why this tiny, thin angry old cat won a place in my heart and for those who were privileged enough to meet her would know why.

I took sole responsibility for her and spent many hours sitting with her, after 10 weeks of care the owners son reluctantly came in to ask if we would euthanase her as he was unable to find her a new home. This just made me want to cry and I convinced the vet to wait to see if I could find her a home. At the time I already had 2 other cats that were happy and content as they were so taking another cat home was not an option (or so I thought). After many sleepless nights and endless rejections to give Clary a home I finally decided that I owed it to her to make her golden years as comfortable and happy as possible even if it was for a short time, so one evening after work we started our new life together.

I’m not saying it was easy letting a new, elderly, female cat into my home especially when my other two boys were so young compared to her but however it was the start of a friendship I will never forget.

Each year I had Clary was like winning the lottery but with some years came sickness and lots more sleepless nights but is something I would do again without hesitation (well I have done it many times with many more elderly cats with an assortment of medical problems).

Well there you have it, Clary’s story; I hope it inspires you to always think about taking on an elderly cat even if you think it may only be for a short time. I always felt and still do that a short time is always better than no time.

So what did I do that was different, well apart from giving her the special place in my bed there are many things you can do to assist your elderly cat through those precious, golden years but firstly the most important one of all is regular Veterinary examinations depending on the age of your cat this could be anything from 3-6 months, your Veterinary Practice can advise you on the best healthcare program for your cat. For me it started as every 6 months and as Clary got older it was every 3 months.

Looking after your elderly cat

2007-03-21T02:56:00.000-07:00

Why should my elderly cat have regular veterinary examinations?

Well it's simple, your cat CANNOT tell you when they are feeling unwell and although to you their primary carer they may look fit and healthy on the outside things are changing on the inside and by having regular examinations it may be possible to detect an illness in the early stages, therefore it may be possible for your vet to start treatment if required.

Blood/Urine testing

A simple blood or urine test is a great way of finding out how your cat's kidney's functions are and in most cases can be done at your own vet's in house laboratory. There are more extensive blood test available so it is better to get the advice of a qualified Veterinary Surgeon.

When should I get my cat blood tested?

It is always best to consult your own Veterinary surgeon as each practice has a different protocol for such things but blood testing can be done at any age as it gives your vet something to go on in the future. It is also recommend that they be done on a regular basis but each animal is assessed individually at the time.

Isn't all this going to be costly?

Yes, consultations, blood and urine testing can all be very costly but in my opinion is worth it if it means you getting peace of mind knowing you have done the best you can for your elderly cats.

Some Veterinary practices offer nurses clinics for their clients which means the consultation may be at a reduced rate or free although if you are wanting blood and urine tests you may need an appointment with the veterinary surgeon. Please ask your own vet on charges of such things as they will vary but most are covered by pet insurance, this again would need to be checked with your vet and or pet insurance company as policies may vary.

What changes should I be looking for in my elderly cat?

Weight loss – if the weight loss is sudden it could be an indication that there is a medical problem especially if the cat is eating well.

Drinking – always make a note of how much your cat is drinking prior to taking them for a consultation with your local vet as they will almost always ask if you have noticed a change in you pets drinking. This will also apply to the amount of food the cat is eating each day.

Coat condition – some elderly cats stop grooming themselves so may become matted especially around the tail area, this can be an indication that they are no longer able to turn around to reach the back end so regular grooming is always a good thing and is a good way of interacting with your cat. Some cats may not like to be groomed especially if they are in pain or a bit thin so please be gentle and if your cat is agitated by it (I'm sure you know when your cat is upset) stop for a while and try again later. I always find a grooming mitten is good for elderly cats and doesn't pull at their coat as much as a regular brush or comb might and they just absolutely love it.

Claws – as your cat gets older their nails may get stuck in the carpet,so examine the paws regularly to make sure the nails are not over grown, they can grow so much that they start to go into the pads which is painful and may cause your cat to limp. Your vet will always be happy to trim the nails for you (unless your cat is like Clary and hated having her paws touched), if you are brave enough you could ask your vet/nurse to teach you how to clip the nails especially if they grow quickly as this would save your cats the sometimes stressful journey to the vets.

Toileting – if your cat has always gone outside to use the toilet then please be aware that as they get older it may be necessary to provide a litter tray indoors. Some cats as they get older prefer to go in a area that is safe (this is usual at home), as they are in a vulnerable position anyway. Just imagine how you would feel if you were an elderly cat expected to use the outdoor facilities knowing you were no longer able to run or defend your self as you once did in your younger years.

Cats can also get a little forgetful as they get older so please be patient with them if they have the odd accident around the house and always contact your veterinary surgeon if it becomes an ongoing problem. They will be able to give you advice or put you in contact with someone who may be able to help.

Night time howling – I was once told that cats do not go senile in the same way that dogs do, well I must disagree. I share my home with a number of elder cats and from my own experience senility applies.

You may hear your cat howling at some awful hour of the morning and if your anything like me you'll immediately without a second thought jump out of bed, put all the lights on to check the cats (who by the way will be sitting somewhere looking at you as you fall down the stairs),only to find out that all is well and no-one is hurt.

Cats may wake up from a deep sleep and get confused, its dark, quiet and the person they rely on to keep them warm and safe is no where to be found (or so they think). Just by giving them a bit of re-assurance will often calm them down, I have been know to leave a little light on just in case the little ones need to get up during the night.

Please be careful in these situations!!

Miss Clary may have been senile but she was also very clever and knew that if she started howling no matter what time of day somebody would always go running to her rescue when all she wanted was a cuddle on her terms.

I didn't mind as every minute I spent with her was a huge bonus and I'd decided that as long as I had cats in my life there would always be no or very little sleep most nights.

What other changes will I need to make?

One of the most important things for any elderly animal is to make sure they have a warm comfortable place to sleep (though I'm sure most of your cats have already taken over your favourite spots), but in some cases they still prefer to sleep on cold surfaces which although may be what they want it isn't entirely good for them especially if they suffer from arthritis.

Providing a hot water bottle (safely wrapped in a towel of course) or a heat pad (these are easily obtainable from many shops) will give your cat both a warm and comfortable place to sleep with the option of getting off if things get a little hot. There are also special beds called fleck-ta-beds which reflect the bodies own heat.

A few of my elderly cats now find it difficult jumping onto the bed or sofa so by providing steps makes life a whole lot easier for them, all I have done is placed a few boxes (the sturdy kind) or wicker baskets (upside down or they fall in) around my home so that they can always sleep in their favourite places without feeling like they need to climb a mountain to get there. Alternatively you could just go out and buy low leveled furniture but that might just get a little expensive!!!

It may also be necessary to place food and water bottles on slightly raised platforms as they may find it difficult bending down to eat and drink, one simple way of doing this is to use an upside down litter tray.

My cat doesn't seem to be as active

It's only fair to expect elderly cats to slow down as they get older, or is it?

Just because your cat is getting older does not mean they should stop playing (unless of course their Clary's age and only play when no one is watching), one of my cats at 16 years of age still loves to play and I have heard of cats older that still run around like kittens (maybe not for as long as a kitten would) but still it is important for your cat to get regular daily exercise even if it's just a few minutes, so take the time for a little play, it would be good for both of you and make your friendship even more special.

If however your cat is no longer able to move around as they once would then please instead of putting it down to old age as so many people do, ask the staff at your local veterinary surgery for help and advice on what to do. There are a number of possibilities available for your cat; it may be a case of medication or a short course of physiotherapy or even massage

I know it seems like you have to make a lot of changes in your life to accommodate your cat when they get older but just imagine how you would feel if it were you!!

I hope all the information I have provided helps you and your cats have a long, happy life together.

In 1997 I started work in a different veterinary practice and was there for just over 8 years; it is my belief that if I did not change my job Miss Clary would never had lived for an extra 10 years. The support I received from everyone involved in the care of my "Little Angel" over the years was amazing.

If you would like to contact me please email me at jenthewren@gmail.com

I will always be happy to talk to you even if it's for support but remember the staff at your local practice are always happy to help and it is always better to get a full medical examination even when your not able pin point where or what the problem is, don't feel as though your wasting the time of your Veterinary Surgeon or feel like your going mad, believe me I've done it many times myself.

You're the one that spends the most time with your cats so you know their behaviour better then anyone else.

Copyright 2005 Jenny James – jenny@gericatrix.com