Cleo is getting older

[Stephan]

Nothing serious but those `tell tale` signs are starting.

More fussy about her food,drinking a bit more and just a wee bit thinner around her flanks.

Very soon we will celebrate 25 years of owning a cat(s) one more heartbreak and then the big question-do we get another???

[dandysmom]

How old is Cleo, Steph? Well loved and cared for cats like Cleo can reach a good age: some of our members cats were in their early 20s; my two oldest died at 19 1/2 and 20.

Only you and Jenny can decide about another cat, but IMO a house without a cat is not a home. There is always enough love to welcome a new friend ... not a replacement, no cat can be replaced ...... but someone new to love you and be loved.

[angieh]

Yes, how old is Cleo Steph? Is she crying, seeming disorientated or exhibiting any other signs that are worrying? IMO so long as she has a good quality of life and is not in pain, she will be a happy cat. Cats don't worry like we do about not being able to do things as we used to, or remembering what we did yesterday.

[Stephan]

She is young yet-say 11 or 12??-she was a `rescue` girl.

Not likely to pop off for a while but I know the signs that say "I`m no longer a kitten"

A bit like myself come to think on;)

[calismum]

As long as she's happy and contented then I'm sure she'll be around for a while. Always sad, I htink, when you see that step from young to older cat.

[dandysmom]

Only 11? She's just in early middle age! Leia will be 11 next month.

[angieh]

She's still only middle-aged like me!

[Moli]

My Leo is 14, and quite honestly does not look that old..

[yola]

It depends on the cat - my Balie is coming up to 13 and he really, really looks much older than his years. Fifi is only 6 months behind him yet looks almost as bright-eyed and bushy-tailed as when she was a youngster (apart from being a tad 'jowly').

But they're pedigrees so don't wear as well as mogs . . .

[dandysmom]

That's true, all of our longest lived cats were moggies.

[jan]

Max is looking very old - he s seventeen and ten months and has CRF - his pupils are still dilated differently at certain times and he has had black spots in his iris`s for quite a few years now. He is getting thinner is deaf as a post, drinks quite a lot of water but he still jumps up on the side okay, eats like a horse and sleeps well and comfortably. He s happy enough especially when he gets his food and I count every day with him as a bonus. Tess is almost 16 and chubby girl still, beautiful fur and eyes, getting more demanding tho, meows for England for her own way (ie I want to come in your room and sleep on your bed). She s determined. So really 11 is still young ish, just start spoiling them more while you have the chance! Jan x

[angieh]

Oh I so agree Jan ..... make the most of every day and spoil them as much as possible.

[Elaine]

Just thinking about what you have said about Maxs' eyes, has he had his blood pressure checked? It's quite common for CRF cats to have high blood pressure which might explain the black spots in his eyes.