Ailing older cat

[Fran98765]

I have 2 old girl cats, 16 & 15. The 15 year old (BooBoo) seems to be failing. Her littermate died 2 years ago (he was mine). I feed them 1 can cat food in the morning, 1 can cat food in the evening and essentially all the dry food they want. BooBoo isn't moving around much, I've seen her stumble a couple times while walking (which freaks me out, her bro did that during his stroke when he died) and she seems to have arthritis or something of the sort. She used to be an excellent jumper, now jumping on the bed is too hard for her, she has found a spot now on the floor in my bedroom which she essentially stays in all day and night long. Until a few days ago, all the food has been eaten, but now, there are large amounts of leftovers at mealtimes, so it seems she has lost her appetite, although she does appear at meal time. She used to be chunky and is now bone thin. How can I help her and is she essentially dying?

[badger]

I would get her to the vet today. If this is the end - but it may well be something treatable! - then there is at least comfort care and, if it comes to that, a peaceful death. All the behaviours you describe are indicative of something serious, particularly the weight loss. You know she is suffering; please don't let your fear prevent you from acting in her best interests. She has only you to count on.

[sugarcatmom]

Please take her to the vet for a full blood work-up and urinalysis. She may have something easily treatable, but time is of the essence, especially if she's off her food. Some of the common conditions that senior cats develop (besides arthritis, which 80-90% of cats over the age of 12 have) are kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthyroid. These can all be treated and your cat could live many more years. Make an appointment for tomorrow morning.