Hi Robyn-

My cat Juni is 18 now. She's doing well in regards to eating, behavior and all around in general. She is having some difficulty with matted hair where she can't seem to reach any moreto clean herself. I can't brush her too much because it bothers her. What I can't quite understand is why, at various times during the day or night, she meow's like she is in heat (she's fixed).

My vet said she may be going deaf and possibly a bit senile. I can't bring her in to see the vet because she is too old and I don't want to medicate her due to her age to make the trip. The vet seems to think that since she is not listless, still generally happy and eating well , to let her be.

I was wondering what you think about her meowing. It sounds so forlorn and sad. :unsure:

My old cat Samantha is probably about 15-18 years old herself. She will stand and face the couch during various times of the day and just wail. It sounds horrid. I suspect your cat is doing something similar. This is dimentia from old age, plan and simple. Cats can also get kitty Altheimerz's (I can't spell it right; I'm so dumb!). Old cats with degrading minds may become confused (me too!). They may not know where exactly they are, often go to the bathroom outside of their litter pans, and can meow incessantly for no particular reason. You should still have the vet check her out. Old cats are prone to kidney failure which Samantha has as well as a million other things. I have to give Saman subcutaneous fluids three times a week but it will extend her life quite a bit. At the least, you should have your cat's blood tested for a general geriatric profile to see if there are any treateable problems. You never have to medicate an animal if you don't want to so the vet can't make you. Usually the medications do help but not always. It depends on what is wrong.

Thanks so much Robyn for your quick response. Yes, Juni also has litter box Alzheimers (sp?). Luckily, for now, our basement is just a concrete floor which I constantly wash due to her "Senior moments" :(

When I said medicate her, I meant medicate her in order to get her to the vet. She H A T E S to be driven in the car. She pukes, poops and does other undesirable things when I take her there. That is why I hesitate. The vet hasn't suggested any meds for her conditions. He said just as long as she doesn't seem in pain to not interfere until she is.

Funny you mentioned the couch. That is exactly where Juni does her howling too!!

Having gone through Altzheimers recently with my father-in-law (now deceased) I know I can tollerate kitty Alzheimers with understanding and compassion as well.

But for the grace of God, so go I.....

Thanks again :)

Oh, luckily I usually manage to get my cats to the vet without too much fight. You might see if there's a local mobile vet in your area. We have one here who pays house visits for cats that hate car trips (and not the vet part so much). My dog used to be another story. He would bite, pee, etc. I bought him some all natural stuff that calms him before trips or grooming. You might try giving it to your cat before a trip to the vet. Here's a link to one place that sells it.

http://www.petfooddirect.com/store/product...3&brand%5Fid=29