Old Cat, lots of problems, but seems happy.

by Stacey
(Beaver Dam, WI)

My cat is 14 years old, she has had severly bad breath for many, many years. Her gums are definetly red and swollen. And I'm sure they itch and bug her also. She also has an obsession with drinking cold water straight from the tap. She will drink out of a bowl, but not very often. She recently lost her upper canine tooth. I found it while sweeping. She has also had a gargly type of breathing sound for many years. Always sounds like she has extra flem in her thoat. I thought at first maybe she was having problems from the smoke at my moms house, but now that we have moved her to our house, where we don't smoke, she doesn't seem to be any better. She eats her dry food, doesn't really chew it, more or less swallows it whole. She doesn't like wet food very much. She throws up occasionally, probably at least once a month, and it's usually just stomach fluid, not food. I try to stay on top of giving her hairball medicine which seems to help with the throwing up. At least for awhile. She als has lots of dandruff and has always had it. Besides these issues, she really seems very happy, and energetic for her age. She has her spurts of energy where she will take off across the house like a little kitten again. I know if she were to get dental work done she would need to go under anesthetic and I'm terrified that I will be hurting her more by putting her though this, then letting her live out the rest of her days with the problems she has had for so long. What should I do?

Answer from Kate
Hi
Yes she definitely needs to see a vet and for you to get some advice about her teeth. It is not good for her not to be chewing hew food and this could lead to other problems.

the vet may be able to do some basic dental work without using anesthetic he may also be able to give your cat some medication in case she has some abscesses in her mouth due to the recent loss of her tooth.

She must be in some discomfort and she deserves to spend her twilight years in comfort. I had a cat who was 17 and she had a operation when she was 16 and she was totally fine, so don't be afraid of an operation for your cat. Your vet should be able to advise you on the best course of action for your cat.

i hope she is better soon

best wishes Kate