poorly old cat

My cousins cat lived for quite a while after being diagnosed with kidney disease. If he does need medication you could ask if you could take the prescription to a Manor Pharmacy where it might be a bit cheaper, but I suppose the vet will have to monitor his condition. And you can certainly get diet food from Manor that's cheaper than the vet [my daughters cat had pancreatitis and has been on a special diet for most of his life].Cats are very prone to kidney problems because of having such a high protein diet. Best of luck with getting a urine sample, by the way.

Sunflowers, sorry about you old cat. I had a darling old Tom untill 3 years ago. He was subject to urine infections but on a regular pill and carefully chosen food was living a full life. Untill, collecting him from a stay in the cattery, he felt thin (he was very long haired and not into cuddles normally). He had suddenly lost a lot of weight but was eating well and seemed happy. After a few more days he went into a steep decline, blood in urine etc. Vet offered to 'explore' but we decided he had had a long and content life and it was kinder to let him be put to sleep. I was very upset but have never regretted that decision. I am quite pragmatic about animals, they are our responsibility to give them a good healthy life, but we should not see them as children etc. Unless a vet can do something quick and simple I firmly believe a very old animal should be allowed to 'go'. It might sound harsh but I think its my upbringing (stoic 'country' women with good hearts but sound heads). All the best.

He is likely to be feeling quite unwell. Cats mask pain exceptionally well, so can be really very sick before owners notice there is a problem.

He needs to be properly vet assessed, before you can make a decision as it may be something as inexpensive as changing to a new diet.
That assessment WILL need some tests, both blood and urine, and if you are unhappy to pay for these in case the answer is that he has a potentially expensive condition, then the only other choice would be to take him in and request that he is PTS.
At 15, that is not unreasonable if you know you don't want to pay for expensive treatments over a long period BUT........

..... with something like blood in the urine, it is simply not sensible to attempt diagnosis with online resources or attempt to second guess what may be the course of action.

You really do need to make an appointment and at least hear a qualified view.

I agree with all that's already been said, sunflower. My lovely Lucky developed kidney problems at the age of 12, after having had a tooth extraction. The vet said that the trauma of the operation could have affected his kidneys. However, after always having had pet insurance, I'd cancelled it just after the op, (which I could kick myself for, actually), in a bid to save a bit of money. The eventual outcome was that wee Lucky had to stay at the vet's for a week and the treatment he received wasn't successful. He had to be put to sleep and I was presented with a bill for £900. I took out insurance again as soon as I got my next cat from the rescue place.
I had no qualms about letting Lucky go, sunflower. I knew he was in so much discomfort, if not pain. I had to make that choice for him, though it broke my heart.

Yes thanks everyone. I've made an appointment with the preferred vet, and will have the blood tests. Will try for a urine sample !!! but if not, they have special pellets to put in litter tray, so it can be collected.

If he has to have a low protein diet he'll hate that - he loves titbits of chicken and cheese when I'm making sandwiches.

We have paid a lot of money in past for operation on young cat, who is still going strong, so are willing to pay, if it gets him a good quality of life for a few more years. But there comes a time when you can see they are suffering, and then, with our last cat Rosie, it was kindest for her to let her go. we were with her to the last and I know it was best for her.

I think we just aren't ready to lose them yet, it comes as a shock - some cats go on to their 20s and I was hoping ours would too.

sunflowersuffolk Some time ago, our delightful cat, Hamish, developed the symptoms Flash is experiencing. For Hamish's sake, not ours, he was put to sleep. He died in my arms. We loved him so much and we still miss him. However, to have allowed him to continue to suffer was out of the question. And, having said that we'd never go through the pain again...we have recently adopted an aged feral cat...as a lover of cats, you will reach the right decision. I'm sending you comforting vibes from Kintyre.

Thanks Soop, much appreciated. Not everyone understands how very attached you can become to animals. They are part of the family.

sunflowersuffolk I remember saying to Mr soop that, if I could have given Hamish one year of my life, I would have done so gladly. x

I'm with you there, soop.

Oh lots of sad stories. He has never been away from home, apart from day trips to vet. He and his sisters was born at the farm just up the road, we first handled them when they were a day old and blind. They are the most loving and gentle cats, and when we go away our lovely neighbour comes in to look after them. So he would hate a stay at the vets, so unless they can treat him without that, I won't put him through such a trauma. to all of you who've lost much loved pets.

I fear you have some upsetting decisions to make, I have been there and know how awful this time will be for you. Our pets bring so much happiness, but unfortunately sometimes heartbreak as well. Sunflower, I shall be thinking of you.

Thinking of you Sunflower. Many years ago, we lost a cat to kidney disease, the vet prescribed some tablets, but 2 days later she died, aged nearly 12. R.I.P Patch

My cat is coming up to 17 years old this summer. I have read about kidney failure and it is a death sentence. It is only when. Some cats live on for some years but actually you shouldn't let him suffer. If he is not so bad then the main thing is that he drinks. I make good old chicken bone broth, from bits and pieces in the pressure cooker. I give him this several times a week.
He has a very tacky fur but the urine is still Ok. I have decided that when the vet diagnoses really bad kidney failure then he will be allowed to die. Just writing it brings tears to my eyes and I do feel for you but I have made my decision.

Hugs Margaret x ....I'm sure you're enjoying every minute with him.The funny thing is he doesn't drink a lot abnormally, he just seems extra hungry. I thought kidney disease meant they drink a lot?

He seems quite happy in himself but not as he used to be, and as inthefields said earlier, they hide their pain quite well. Just wish they could talk and tell you how they feel.

I am going to segregate him from the others with a clean dirt box to try and get a urine sample.

The vet said it COULD by cystitis and also thyroid, but of course must see him to decide. Taking him next week.

My daughter's cat had thyroid problems and was successfully treated with medication. He was always hungry and used to eat next door as well, unknown to her until later. Let us hope it is not kidney failure. Fingers crossed for you Sunflower .

We've had 2 elderly cats with thyroid problems, both did very well with treatment. We also had one with kidney trouble who managed an extra 18 months with the right treatment. The blood tests are expensive but they do give you a better idea of what's going on. I do hope you have good news Sunflower and it is something easily treatable.

Poor old pussy! My elderly cat had kidney trouble, and drank a great deal. She was put on a low protein diet and did very well on that until old age took its toll. I'll be thinking of you and hoping that you get good news.

Thanks for all the kind comments, you're all lovely x will give an update next week.i

Sunflower, I hope you find some answers this week,and that the outcome is reassuring. You say Flash hates the journey, if he is anything like my Saffron you will have a noisy car ride to the vet's, she literally shouts with anger the whole time! (((((hugs))))) for you all.

If you can lay your hands on some Feliway spray, sunflower, this will settle him in his carrier. Just a spray in each corner and roof of the carrier a few minutes before you put him in, will calm him a bit. Hope you hear positive news this week.

I am so sorry about poor cat, and I know how difficult it is to see them suffer. But personally, I think we ought to love our animals enough to be able to see when the time comes to let go and not let them suffer. If your cat has kidney disease, it will cost a fortune to treat, and at that age, won't cure just prolong.

Sorry if my words shock - but what we always do with ours at that great age is to love them to bits, lots of cuddles, and look for the signs of suffering and then quickly put them to sleep. Both our dog and cat are 15+ (rescues so no accurate age) and still fit and enjoying life - but the moment they will show suffering and that 'look in their eyes' we will do the decent thing - irrespective of how much it will make us suffer. The kindest way (but the hardest for us/you I know, believe me).

Oh yes! That look in their eyes is heartbreaking.

Thanks Marelli - never heard of Feliway before - but can I ask, does it really work for you? Mixed reviews on Pets at Home and it is £27 ! Worth it if it settles him though.

It isn't until Friday, so we are loving him lots of course. First we do need to find out what is wrong. Cannot just give up on him until I know that. Although he isn't as he once was, he is still quite lively at times. Two weeks ago, stalking baby moorhens, he jumped at one,thinking it was grass, but the baby was walking on top of pond weed, and Flash was in the water up to his tummy. He swam ashore and didn't get much sympathy

Granjura, and Shysal - I do agree with you. It is our responsibility as their owner to make sure they don't suffer unnecessarily at the end. It's the price we pay for having their loving companionship all those years.

I bought a small bottle of Feliway from Vet Uk, sunflower (sorry for advertising). Probably available on Amazon as well - but you may not get it in time. Mine definitely didn't cost very much and a small spray bottle lasts for ages.