Elderly cat and dislike of cold
Discussion
It's not just in aging cats, ours is 2 years old now and sounds pretty similar.
Spends most of her day curled up on her chair by the radiator or tucked up under a duvet/pillows on one of the beds and very rarely ventures outside.
She seems fine, but we have to be so careful when sitting down on things as there's a good chance she'll be tucked up under there. She's come centimeters from getting squashed a few times now
Mentioned it to the vet who said some cats just prefer "the good life"
Spends most of her day curled up on her chair by the radiator or tucked up under a duvet/pillows on one of the beds and very rarely ventures outside.
She seems fine, but we have to be so careful when sitting down on things as there's a good chance she'll be tucked up under there. She's come centimeters from getting squashed a few times now
Mentioned it to the vet who said some cats just prefer "the good life"
She may be a bit arthritic and finds the warmth comforts.
Cats do not show arthritis in the the same way as dogs, the changes are subtle, ie not jumping so much on such high places etc. Did the vet check her hips by extending and flexing them etc, can often help identify a problem.
Arthritis is far more common in cats than previously realised and often under diagnosed, I have a 14yr old who is small (3.2kg) slim and in excellent health except some stiffness in her hind legs, she is still very mobile though and apart from not seeing her jump a 6 foot fence anymore she acts the same as she always has done.
Cats do love heat and it is thought some cats as they get older do struggle to get warm enough, though it's not clear why, poss due to sl less body fat, similar to elderly people.
Assuming she has had a clean bill of health (ie kidneys/ liver/ thyroid-as you have said and diabetes)and acting normally and still lively then I wouldn't worry too much at this time.
Cats do not show arthritis in the the same way as dogs, the changes are subtle, ie not jumping so much on such high places etc. Did the vet check her hips by extending and flexing them etc, can often help identify a problem.
Arthritis is far more common in cats than previously realised and often under diagnosed, I have a 14yr old who is small (3.2kg) slim and in excellent health except some stiffness in her hind legs, she is still very mobile though and apart from not seeing her jump a 6 foot fence anymore she acts the same as she always has done.
Cats do love heat and it is thought some cats as they get older do struggle to get warm enough, though it's not clear why, poss due to sl less body fat, similar to elderly people.
Assuming she has had a clean bill of health (ie kidneys/ liver/ thyroid-as you have said and diabetes)and acting normally and still lively then I wouldn't worry too much at this time.
They do sell heater pads for cat beads if your interested
http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=cat+bed+heated+pa...
fficial&client=firefox-a#q=cat+bed+heated+pad&hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&hs=M16&rls=org.mozilla:en-GBfficial&prmd=ivns&source=univ&tbs=shop:1&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=dz2WTeOGFdGahQev66jlCA&ved=0CFgQrQQ&biw=1366&bih=587&fp=bd9f04c155202f36
http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=cat+bed+heated+pa...
fficial&client=firefox-a#q=cat+bed+heated+pad&hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&hs=M16&rls=org.mozilla:en-GBfficial&prmd=ivns&source=univ&tbs=shop:1&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=dz2WTeOGFdGahQev66jlCA&ved=0CFgQrQQ&biw=1366&bih=587&fp=bd9f04c155202f36
Our gas fire (sealed and on a hearth so safe) has cushions in front of it for our 22 yr old and 20 yr old cats to sleep on. The fire stays on 24/7 on low over winter. Way I figure, they have given us so much pleasure, the least we can do is spend some cash keeping them warm.
The older one has had arthritis for about 10 years, the younger one still jumps up everywhere!
Trace
PS just read this:
Funny and touching account of a bloke who likes cats.
The older one has had arthritis for about 10 years, the younger one still jumps up everywhere!
Trace
PS just read this:
Funny and touching account of a bloke who likes cats.
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