Go Back   Pet forum for dogs cats and humans - Pets.ca > Discussion Groups - mainly cats and dogs > Cat health - Ask members * If your pet is vomiting-bleeding-diarrhea etc. Vet time!

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old March 10th, 2014, 01:16 PM
marko's Avatar
marko marko is offline
Administrator - Pet lover
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Montreal Quebec Canada
Posts: 12,651
Just get kittens for a depressed older cat - Do you agree?

Hi members,

Saw this over the weekend and I was just curious what other members think?

Q: My 17-year-old cat is now alone for the first time in over 14 years. I adopted three cats from our local humane society, and he was the middle cat. The other two cats have now passed away, and Hunter appears lonely. At first, he didn’t seem to care that the other cats were gone, but now he seems bothered, although he continues to eat well and sometimes does play. Any advice? – M.C., Eagan, Minn.

A: “I’m very sorry to hear about your two cats,” says Vancouver, Canada-based feline veterinarian Dr. Margie Scherk, editor of Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. “First, see your veterinarian to ensure there is no medical explanation – and at 17 years, the reality is that it’s a distinct possibility.”

Scherk continues, “Once you rule that out, find something your old cat can interact with. Try an iPad.” Scherk isn’t suggesting that your cat learn accounting software or send email, but there are apps available with games specifically for cats. Playing a few games a day might be enough to replace your cat’s interaction with his friends.

If this plan fails, consider adopting two kittens. In general, kittens are easier for older cats to accept because they’re less threatening than adult cats. However, all that energy can be annoying to an old-timer. That’s the theory behind getting two kittens; they can play with one another and not pester the 17-year-old. However, they would associate with the older cat, providing companionship.

Source:http://www.buffalonews.com/life-arts...onely-20140307
__________________
Please tactfully EDUCATE or IGNORE posters you don't agree with.
Please PM me & Include URLs and post #'s for any issues and it's my pleasure to help.
I'm firm - but fair. Mind the Rules and enjoy your stay.
Newcomers FAQ - How do I post on this BB?
Pet facebook group
Check out the Pet podcast
Follow me on Twitter
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old March 10th, 2014, 02:44 PM
lindapalm lindapalm is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 717
I could see going both ways, getting kittens and not getting them. If it was my house, I would let the very old cat have whats left of his time be quiet time, without the anxiety of little ones bothering him.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old March 10th, 2014, 06:10 PM
Longblades Longblades is offline
Senior Contributor
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,528
Quote:
Originally Posted by lindapalm View Post
I could see going both ways, getting kittens and not getting them. If it was my house, I would let the very old cat have whats left of his time be quiet time, without the anxiety of little ones bothering him.
Me too. My 17 year old would probably try to kill them. But my last cat was 20.5 years old and I know of several older ones so there might be a lot of quiet time. It might work, it might not. And if it doesn't work what are you going to do with the kittens? Tough call.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old March 10th, 2014, 08:44 PM
Barkingdog Barkingdog is offline
Senior Contributor
 
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 4,371
Quote:
Originally Posted by lindapalm View Post
I could see going both ways, getting kittens and not getting them. If it was my house, I would let the very old cat have whats left of his time be quiet time, without the anxiety of little ones bothering him.
I agree with you , I feel the older cat should be able to spend it remaining days sleeping in peace and not some kittens wanting to play with him. I really doubt that cat is lonely when it's sleeping most of the day .
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old March 11th, 2014, 02:41 PM
RUSTYcat's Avatar
RUSTYcat RUSTYcat is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Le rocher
Posts: 404
Of all the Vets on the face of the Earth who could have been asked this question.............Margie Scherk should have been the last on the list !

She's been away from front-line healthcare for years and now spends her time shilling for Metacam........

Craziness ! (as is her recommendation !)
__________________
the more i learn about (some) people, the more i luv my cats
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off


Forum Terms of Use

  • All Bulletin Board Posts are for personal/non-commercial use only.
  • Self-promotion and/or promotion in general is prohibited.
  • Debate is healthy but profane and deliberately rude posts will be deleted.
  • Posters not following the rules will be banned at the Admins' discretion.
  • Read the Full Forum Rules

Forum Details

  • Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8
    Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
    vBulletin Optimisation by vB Optimise (Reduced on this page: MySQL 0%).
  • All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:14 AM.