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Barb we also have an elderly Merlin! He just magically showed up one day as a kitten,, hubs opened the garage door and he strolled right in,, and has never left. I am so sorry for you,, this is hard
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Just so you all know, I have two other cats; Sherlock and Dumbledore. I will try to post pictures at some point. They both seem very subdued today; Dumbledore, who was never very fond of Merlin, had been grooming him almost constantly for the last week or two. Really amazing. Again, thanks to you all. My grandson, who will be 9 in a few weeks had a good cry this afternoon and then watched "funny cat videos" according to my daughter. Not sure how the 4 year old is going to react, will find out when she comes next week. Sorry for the ramble.
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Barb, thanks for sharing. It's a pleasure to read your accounts of cats and kids. Very cute and touching.
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Barb, so sad for you and your Merlin. I've had to make that hard decision with pets I've had. It's a tough decision but the right thing to do. The alternative would be to let your little friend suffer. So, you did good.
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Thanks, Gershun. It is interesting, I have mostly had to make quick decisions in the past about euthenizing animals due to accidents, severe injuries and the like. I've never had a pet with this kind of slow decline.

Our vet (I've been taking animals to him for 20+ years) hypothesized from a scan that this was a tumor, not in a place where it could be needle biopsied. He would have had to have major abdominal surgery and that just seemed...cruel.

When I was a kid, our Collie got hit by a car on Christmas Eve. We were pretty poor and my dad hauled Lucky into the vet and said "Doc, do what you can...for $25.00".

The dog survived with conservative treatment.

I try hard to tread the path between not causing unnecessary suffering and not doing stuff on the cheap.
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Barb, we've spent so much money with my two boys. Daniel and Henrick both have had mast cell tumors that if not removed can become cancerous. Daniel has had at least four removed. Henrick had one on his toe last year that required his whole toe being amputated. He adjusted almost immediately to that. But thousands of dollars later. I can't ever pat them without feeling around for more lumps. Thankfully they have both been lump free for a year now. Thank you God!

But, if I ever felt that their quality of life was being compromised I would do the right thing, however hard that would be. I've seen people taking animals in to the vet where the animal looked like it was on it's last legs. I know it's difficult but in the end doing what is best for your pet is important.
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Barb.

I would say that I have the same outlook on caring for an animal as you.

It does help to have a good vet. Our vet is a long time friend. His children and our children attended the same school, in the same classes, etc. They were always at our home or we were at their home. We live in the same neighborhood and attend the same church.

Even when our youngest daughter went off to college in another city, she drove back home to see our vet with her little poodle that she rescued. Her dog had Cushing’s disease in his older years. She was so torn as to what to do. He took meds but did not respond well to them.

I absolutely loved what our vet said to our daughter when she was questioning treatment. He told her that he had a patient come in and scream, “I hate my dog! Just euthanize him now! I can’t keep cleaning up accidents all day long!”

He told my daughter that her dog was very old. She loved him so much and he knew without a doubt that this woman didn’t ‘hate her dog.’ She had been a great with her dog. She was merely exasperated with the situation and was upset about having to put her dog down.

Anyway, he told my daughter, “Your dog is very old. He has an incurable disease. You have been wonderful with him. Don’t wait until you are so frustrated that you feel as if you hate him.” That advice really helped my daughter to make the decision to put him down. Poor little guy was starting to have accidents all day long too.

I get sad when I think about all the greyhounds that were euthanized before the adoption groups found homes. We had a wonderful grey that we adopted from, Greyhound Pets of America. That dog stole my heart! He lived until 13 years of age. He LOVED my mom. She loved him. She used to say that they understood each other because they were growing old together. They did have a very strong bond.

He was so smart! Mom said that he could tell time, hahaha. because he would stand in our foyer everyday, just before my daughter would arrive home from school, just waiting for her to play with him. It was the sweetest thing.
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So sorry barb it is so hard to lose a pet. I still get teary at times thinking of Macy that died three years ago. She was so sweet.
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Pam,

Merlin is a cute name for a cat who magically appears. I know someone who named a kitty, ‘Extra’ when he showed up one day. She already had a couple of cats, so this one was the extra one! LOL
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Barb, so sorry to hear about your lovely old cat. The loss of a beloved family pet can be every bit as devastating as losing a human. Some years ago, I sat and stroked my 17 year old cat, Henry, while the vet euthanised him. My husband said he couldn’t have been in the same room, but I wanted to be with him and comfort him until the very end. I made the right decision and I would do it again. It was very peaceful and I felt he had the death he deserved: to bow out quietly and without fuss after a lifetime of being a lovely pet.
I too have a cat called Merlin, a lovely intelligent black cat who is now 14 so getting on a bit. He’s just been diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease so is now on a special diet. I also have a tubby tabby called Arthur. He is very clingy so frequently drapes himself around my neck whenever I sit down. Watching TV is like wearing a big thick scarf indoors and I have to peer over the top of him to see the TV screen. It’s quite obvious who is in control in our house!
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Sorry to butt in. I had a big concern today.

I bathed Divo, my 22yo. I found several things of concern. One infected spot hiding under his fur really sent me into a tizzy earlier. I called my vet but they are closed today, so I sent them an email with pics and I'm sure they'll respond asap. I was so concerned that he may need emergency treatment that I subscribed to an online vet consultation service and asked for input. That wasn't so helpful because all they said was, "Looks bad, could be bacterial; go to your vet." No kidding. :-/

I suspect it's fungal in origin after comparing pics online. I need pro input on how to prevent this going forward. My other cat doesn't have any of these issues. During a vet trip a few months ago, the vet didn't say anything about how Divo's fur is very oily and gets matted, how his skin flakes, nothing about skin concerns... so I thought it could be normal for an older cat.

Welp. I was/am upset. I will be much more proactive in the future about cleaning poor Old Man Cat. He hated the bath, it was traumatic for both of us lol, but he seemed fine afterwards and the spots aren't painful for him. I've been cleaning his spots and putting anti-fungal cream on several times today and I'll be taking him to vet asap. I will ask how to care for him better and prevent this.

My "elder cat care" is starting to resemble elder human care more -- with new issues to consider -- all the time. :-) I don't mind, I just need to know what to do.
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Ali, witch hazel is great for any skin conditions, from fungal to bacterial. Put it on with a cotton ball or a spray bottle several times a day.

You will see results within the first day, seriously this stuff is amazing.

I had a vet tell me about it because I was getting fed up with the 150.00 for a 1oz tube for treating a skin condition that wouldn't clear up. Within a week it was better, within a month it was gone, never to return. After a year and a couple grand on western medicine i spent less than 5.00 to clear the problem up.

Best of luck getting this dealt with.
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Divo's spots are looking better after anti-fungal cream, especially the one that really concerned me. Vet emailed but didn't set an appointment. I'll monitor things for now. He seems fine, like always. He's such a cheerful cat despite any physical problems or indignant treatment (like baths). lol

Thanks for the tip about witch hazel, ITRR.

My friend thought his name was Old Man Cat because that's what I call him when I talk about him. lol Didn't realize the nickname came off as his name. He reminds me of a bossy, opinionated, demanding old guy... in a very cute cat way. :-)
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ali - glad his skin is healing. He must have been uncomfortable.
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That's the thing, golden. He never seemed uncomfortable. I brush him all the time and he has never winced, even with the big infected spot on his skin. He didn't scratch at anything. The infection was buried under hair and brushing him only gets at the top layers, I didn't see the matted hair underneath.

I will do more baths and brushing in the future and maybe even have him shaved short again, if vet recommends, and start over with a proactive skin care plan. He's always had this very oily, flaky skin and I haven't known how to care for it.
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I think cats are stoics. Sounds like you have a plan. :)
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Ali, glad he's healing. Does he groom himself? My recently deceased Maine Coon (Merlin) NEVER groomed himself. We got him a "lion cut" once or twice a year and called it a day. Hope Divo is feeling better!
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Merlin and Divo sound similar, Barb. :-) Divo never grooms himself while my other one, Delilah, is always grooming. Divo's been shaved short before and I think after a few days, he was much more comfortable due to the shorter hair. He's a short hair tabby so a lion cut doesn't have the same aesthetics on him but whatever works! It's sort of funny looking on Divo because he's so long and skinny. :-)

I think Divo's problem isn't just because he never grooms himself. I think he has skin issues. His fur gets extremely oily and full of skin flakes. Brushing only gets the top layers of fur while the matting and clumps are happening underneath. He's been to the vet multiple times though, and there's never been any recommendation to adjust anything related to skin and fur care. I'm going to take him in and discuss those things and see what input I can get. I need a cat dermatologist for this one!
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If the bad oily skin is near his tail he may a condition called "stud Tail" I have no idea why but one of my male cats had it.
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Thank you, Pamz. D's oily skin is all over, with bad dandruff. I think he has a skin condition but no vet or groomer has ever said anything about it. The dry food I feed him is for sensitive skin/stomach but it's not enough to prevent problems. He doesn't eat much dry food anyway. I can increase the number of baths and brushing and think this will be enough to prevent other infections. I was shocked when I saw how bad his skin was underneath his fur, with several infected spots and one several inches in diameter. It was really scary. I think it's all fungal related, and happens because of the oil + skin flakes.
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Ali, not sure if anyone has mentioned omega oil supplements for your cat. My cats have dandruff too. I brush them quite regularly, (every other day) but recently started them on a hairball remedy which is a salmon based gel. I've noticed a small improvement already with the dandruff. I only give it to them every three days or so though cause I don't want them shi**ing a storm. If you get my drift. LOL
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My heart hurts. I'm just feeling so weary... could be partly due to covid vax reactions. It's still relatively recent I had my 2nd shot. I'm extra emotional lately, up and down.

Divo needs to go to vet. He's had diarrhea the past few days... and that could be related to the infected spot I found on Saturday but maybe not. Either way, I need pro input. I called my vet again; they are too busy, no appointments. I understand that but now I need a new vet. I called a couple 24 hour places... I'm not sure emergency vet trip is needed after hours of more research and speaking to staff on the phone, and it would be pricey.

Researched several other local regular vets. Everyone's closed now and only open during my working hours. I'll call a couple tomorrow and see if I can get appt. If not, Divo will have to go to ER vet.

This is just one of several concerns I need to address ASAP. But of course, Divo's health is very important, so this one is a priority.

I'm just tired. And feeling defeated. And feeling sorry for myself and my cat.

I know it will be ok. I'm just tired and whiny and worried. Seems like ever since I started school I'm tapped. I work less so less income, and calling off a day when I'm only working a couple days a week plus vet expenses isn't helpful...

Lately Life has been rough, problems keep coming up at work and home, and poor kitty... it's been difficult to figure out his care needs at times.

I'm trying to count my blessings. Divo's issues are most likely due to an infection and hopefully easy to treat.

Ok, whine over. Tomorrow, one way or another, Divo goes to a vet. And I'll be ok because I'm a tough cookie. I shed some tears from tiredness/frustration but I won't stay down for long.

*Thanks* *Just venting/sharing*
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Hang in there Ali. I have days/mths./years like that. LOL Where stress on top of stress on top of stress just bogs me down. But it will work out. I know when my kitties are unwell I stress big time.

I've got jealousies happening right now with my two boys. I have one (Daniel) who is a big, chunky, sucky tabby. He is an attention hog so lately I've been trying to show more love to Henrick cause he isn't as demanding so sometimes gets overshadowed. So now Daniel is feeling jealous. LOL

But getting back to you Ali. I hope you can get Divo in somewhere tomorrow.
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Aw, Ali, sorry that you are feeling so down and defeated right now. (((((Hugs)))) for you and Divo!
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Welp. Divo's ER vet bill was crazy. They were supposed to call me before any additional procedures/charges but they didn't. It is what it is. 🤷 Vet said she thinks the wound is mainly a pressure sore, caused by his spine putting pressure on his skin and exacerbated by him being so skinny (he always has been but I'm going to check exact weight in his records to see if he is losing weight recently) and sedentary. Without a biopsy she couldn't be sure, and at his age that might mean more discomfort than it's worth.

Vet said Divo, at 22, is the oldest cat she's ever seen. I was really surprised by that. People online have reported cats who reach 25+.

Fully in Elder Cat Care territory at this point. Just have to go forward and see how Divo does in next few weeks and months. His mood is good and that makes me happy. He protested tons at the vet, they remarked on it. He's always like that when he doesn't appreciate humans' b.s. lol

As for me, I cried out of frustration/fatigue several times today. There was a long period in the past where I thought something could be off with me because I hadn't cried in years, couldn't cry even if I wanted to and the situation warranted it. I'm making up for lost time lately. lol I really appreciate the support. x
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Ali, you are in your late forties right? Is there a chance you could be entering menopause? That could explain your up and down mood swings and the crying jags.

I had no idea your kitty was that old. Average age for most indoor cats is 15 so your little guy is doing well to be that old. I hope he perks up for you Ali.
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ali - divo is a very old cat. Not many live to that age. Sounds like he is overall doing very well and it is great that he is happy. I am sorry the vet didn't contact you about extra expenses. I know the bills can mount up.

Pumpkin was in a foul mood the other day - really having badly. They were out and I hadn't slept well so I went upstairs to rest and came down a couple of hours later. Pumpkin wanted in and then gave me looks that could kill, raced upstairs, then downstairs so I followed her to see how she was and tried to pet her and got hissed at. Talk about role reversals with the two cats. Rocky was the hisser. Now she is mild and cuddly as can be and Pumpkin is the touchy one. I think she was mad at me as I wasn't there to let her in and out exactly when she wanted it. Also, she gets jealous of Rocky. The next morning she didn't go out but slept in Rocky's spot near to me. I have been giving her lots of attention and things have settled down. Sibling rivalry!
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Divo has some new needs, I've noticed. He's been going potty outside the litter box. Not anywhere else in the house, just right outside the box. I watched him today as he would get his first two paws in the box and he just sat there... like he's waiting on something. I watched him do this several times. I put him in the litter box and he would climb out. I'm not sure exactly what's going on but he's having trouble getting in and out. I ordered an oversized senior cat box with a low front entry. I hope it helps! It's been a lot to clean up every day the past week. I think his sore spot may be what's bothering him and he can't turn himself around in the box without pain.

I just have to say again... this feels like elder care in some ways. I have to adapt his environment to his changing needs. I don't mind. I hope the new box helps, though.
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Ali, my elderly cats have started going outside of but near to the box sometimes. I got extra long boxes and they have been better. My two cats surpassed themselves this morning though. We had visitors for lunch so were hoping to spruce the house up before they arrived. We woke up to find both cats had pooped outside their boxes, then while we were cleaning that up, one was sick in the kitchen. Then when he went out and the other one returned, he pooped outside the box again. We gave up on trying to have breakfast. Eventually when we’d restored some kind of order, my husband went to get a mop and bucket and only when he’d filled the bucket up did he realise there was a hole in it. While that was leaking all over the floor, I was getting some meds out for the cats (a gloopy syrup liquid), but the top flew off and the stuff went all over me, a cat and the floor. At this point I could have just gone back to bed, or had a stiff drink, but thankfully we were able to have a good laugh about it whilst the cats, who were both feeling much better, settled down for a nice sleep. Thankfully the rest of the day passed without any more cat trouble and we had a nice lunch with our friends. Dreading what I might wake up to tomorrow morning though....
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Oh boy, Chriscat. I admit I was laughing by time you got to the meds. What a mess! lol I think I would have had the drink, then the laugh, then cleaned it all up. 😸

Divo peeing outside the box has been a bigger mess than the poop. That's a new habit for him. It runs everywhere and I clean and disinfect every time. He's drinks a lot of water and pees a ton. I'm anxious to see how a new bigger box works for him but it seems like it can only help.

Thankfully he's the only one of my two who does anything like this. The other one rarely has issues, only when she's been eating my plants. lol
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