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16 Nov 10 - 04:50 AM (#3033267) Subject: BS: Cat question From: Shanghaiceltic We have a 10 year old cat which we brought to Perth from Shanghai. Over the last year we have noticed that she seems not to be able to withdraw her claws fully, is this normal in a cat of her age? |
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16 Nov 10 - 05:15 AM (#3033283) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: Arthur_itus When was the last time you had the claws clipped at the vets? |
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16 Nov 10 - 05:25 AM (#3033288) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: JohnInKansas Cats claws grow continually and the normal thing is for them to break off excess growth by scratching. When a claw "comes off" it's normally just an outer sheath, and leaves a perfectly satisfactory smaller claw inside. At that age your cat may not be energetic enough to do sufficient clawing, or you may not have provided a "scratching place" that meets the cat's expectations. It can be quite difficult to determine what your cat's expectations are, and it's quite obvious that "cat equipment" suppliers stock stuff that appeals to cat owners and not necessarily to cats. With some cats a small piece of carpet sprinkled with some catnip will work until the 'nip wears off, but some are absolutely unimpressed by anthing you think might be good for them. Most small animal vets will be quite happy to trim your cat's claws, usually for a nominal fee - or sometimes for free if it's part of a regular visit for something else. There's no particular reason you should not be able to trim them yourself, other than the small problem of holding on to the cat; but you probably should have your vet - or an experienced cat servant - show you proper procedure before attempting it for the first time. (It's less a matter of your possibly harming the cat, but more of avoiding your own pain from the agonizing guilt of thinking you might have have done it wrong.) John |
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16 Nov 10 - 05:33 AM (#3033293) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: Arthur_itus As cats age, their nails tend to start overgrowing. They grow long and thickened and don't shed the outer sheath off. This can cause the nails to extend out from the ends of the toes and look like they're not retracting. When the nails get that long, they are no good for defense anymore. If the cat is limping, that is also a sign that the cat is in pain. The claws can get so long that they curl around and pierce the pad of the foot. Most vets are pretty good at clipping them. |
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16 Nov 10 - 06:06 AM (#3033316) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: Dave MacKenzie My cat has been on "senior" food for more than half her life. We've been taking her to the vet for a manicure the past couple of years, and now she's stopped grooming herself properly, so she needs very regular brushing. When she was younger it was an occasional luxury, but now it's a necessity. |
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16 Nov 10 - 07:36 AM (#3033382) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: Richie Black (misused acct, bad email) My cat turned 16 last June. |
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16 Nov 10 - 08:32 AM (#3033420) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: Becca72 10 is really not all that old for a cat... As suggested above, it may be best to take a trip to the vet to have her claws clipped. |
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16 Nov 10 - 05:16 PM (#3033864) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: Mrrzy Mine doesn't retract all of hers either but since it doesn't bother her or keep her from climbing trees, I just let it be... Is that a bad thing? She's not that old... |
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16 Nov 10 - 05:49 PM (#3033877) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: katlaughing Our cats love the flat kind of THIS SCRATCHER and the cardboard inner part is replaceable for just a few dollars. They are both over ten, let's see, they must be about 14 or 15 and still act like kittens, at times. One of them keeps his claws very well, the other keeps his sharpened a tad too much, so I take the nail clippers to him, usually after he's "loved up" a bit too much and drawn a teensy bit of blood. (I take a blood thinner so it's not all his fault.:-) He doesn't like it, but if I catch him in the right mood, he will tolerate me holding his front paws, one at a time, and clipping. I only ever do the very tips. If you cut to close to the quick where it looks kind of pinkish, it can hurt them. There's some very good advice HERE which echoes what has been said here.:-) I remember what you posted about the quarantine and all when you moved your cat. Good to know you still have her. |
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16 Nov 10 - 09:01 PM (#3033996) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: GUEST Please note: "Shanghaiceltic" sans cookie. el joe clone
Thanks everyone. |
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17 Nov 10 - 01:38 PM (#3034502) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: GUEST,Eliza I have always had Siamese cats (for over forty years) and as a breed they can't retract their claws. They get tangled up in knitted blankets and clothes, so I have to be careful. When they age (at about 12 for a Siamese) their unretracted claws get thick and tough, and don't come away when they scratch on a post. I always trim all my cats' claws myself, but only take just the tip off, otherwise you can nick the part with the blood vessels and cause pain and bleeding. Also, they go out, and need a bit of a sharp claw to defend themselves with! Because of their claws, they can easily shin up curtains right to the top. |
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17 Nov 10 - 01:41 PM (#3034506) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity Ask Alice. She's the cat expert! GfS |
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17 Nov 10 - 01:50 PM (#3034524) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: gnu Funny Cat. |
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17 Nov 10 - 05:29 PM (#3034655) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: lefthanded guitar Maybe she has arthritis, or a cyst or something stuck in one claw, but it pains her, so she doesn't withdraw all her claws. Only way to know is take her to a GOOD vet. Good luck. |
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17 Nov 10 - 08:47 PM (#3034783) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: frogprince gnu's link takes me back to the day on the family farm when my sister's cat jumped off an old refrigerator for cooling cream in the barn, landed on a traveling salesman's shoulder, and tore a strip out of the back of his shirt from the shoulder down to his waist. I generally hated that cat, but I would have fed him a big fish about then. |
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18 Nov 10 - 01:21 AM (#3034876) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: Gurney Most older cats seem to 'tapdance' on hard floors, particularly Siamese, as Eliza says. Vets clip the claw tips off. 'Vets clip the claw tips off.' That's almost a tongue-twister. |
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18 Nov 10 - 01:46 AM (#3034883) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: open mike I can just hear the tap dance effect.. hope you can figure out what your kittie needs, Shanghai..or perthceltic... |
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18 Nov 10 - 08:52 AM (#3035086) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: bobad Cat vs. Alligator |
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18 Nov 10 - 04:01 PM (#3035417) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: Liz the Squeak Some older cats have difficulty with their hips and this makes them walk in a strange manner, making the claws tippy tap on the ground so it looks like they can't retract - no problem and often a course of anti-inflammatories or arthritis medicine will help. Never be tempted to de-claw the cat completely unless it is entirely house-bound... and if you can find a vet that will still do it. LTS |
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18 Nov 10 - 06:50 PM (#3035520) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: gnu Soooo, alligators ain't THAT stupid. Not just a dumb reptile that will munch down whatever is close, knowing that if if they do they will be in a world of hurt. Or, just not hungry? |
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18 Nov 10 - 07:53 PM (#3035556) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: GUEST,Jon Dont's think we have had a cat with claw problems in that way but they have all been indoor/outdoor and many farm cats strays or ferals. They have plenty of opportunity to sharpen and do what else they need. There is an elderberry tree here that seems popular... There is another claw business that is slightly different. Some learn to be gentle with you and their weapons. Of current ones big Worthy the Snot cat is one of them. Oedipuss would scratch you, I think without thought. |
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18 Nov 10 - 08:05 PM (#3035558) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: GUEST,Jon Another thing with cats btw is they seem to me to get more cranky/cantankerous as they get older. |
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18 Nov 10 - 08:08 PM (#3035559) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: gnu So do I. |
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18 Nov 10 - 08:19 PM (#3035565) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: GUEST,Jon As an OT example, Starboard who lived till 18 could "sulk" and sit under an old car in the garden. He also had to be outside to greet parents car coming home. He could be happily sitting on your knee even and with a warm fire but when the time came, he had to go outside. He had a horrible trait with claws when he got older and his back legs were not so good. He could pull himself up, with front legs . claws out, to get to your knee. That could be uncomfortable! |
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29 Jan 12 - 04:23 AM (#3298322) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: GUEST,Bluesman I have an 18 year old cat. She has been in reasonably good health up until recently. She was formerly a quiet cat, recently she has begun crying and howling plaintively. She used to sleep half the day, now she walks from room to room howling. The howling behaviour came on suddenly,I am taking her to the vet tomorrow to see if there are any medical problems attributing the behaviour to other causes. Recently she also begun having accidents outside the litter box. I know the years are against she, just wondering if anyone else ever came across this. Keith. |
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29 Jan 12 - 04:48 AM (#3298327) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: GUEST Your cat definitely needs the vet for a diagnosis, but the combination of yowling, litter box problem and restlessness sounds like kidney disease and parahyperthyroidism, which often occur together (the second a consequence of the first). Kidney disease can't be reversed and by the time of diagnosis, a cat will have lost an alarming percentage of kidney function, but they can get by on just 5-8% and the condition can be alleviated by a range of treatments depending on the stage and symptoms, so don't give up right away--. Excellent information here: Here |
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29 Jan 12 - 04:49 AM (#3298328) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: peregrina that was me |
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29 Jan 12 - 06:14 AM (#3298348) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: GUEST,Bluesman Big thanks Peregrina for taking the time to reply. Vet first thing in morning, to be honest, I know she is failing, she was such a happy cat. Her age is a factor. |
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29 Jan 12 - 06:25 AM (#3298351) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: peregrina If you can, get the vet to do a blood test and test blood pressure. Ask for the results and join the forum connected to the link I sent, a really excellent source of info and support. The cat could need fluids rightaway. Your cat sounds ill, but also as if it hasn't "crashed"? Keeping a sick cat fed and hydrated is really crucial. Most cats can't resist the water that comes with tuna in spring water and you can dilute it farther to get them to take in a bit of liquid. (no tuna in brine though.) Because cats evolved as desert animals, they don't easily drink enough, especially if they have CKD. |
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29 Jan 12 - 01:07 PM (#3298534) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: GUEST,Becca72 lost my cookie Cats can also get dementia and these are signs of that, too. Kidney problems are really common, though... |
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29 Jan 12 - 02:12 PM (#3298571) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: GUEST,josepp Cats use their claws for balance not just scratching. That's why whenever a cat jumps onto a surface his nails are out--even if that surface is you. Not retracting the claws all the way may offer a but of stability as the cat walks about. that may indicate a joint or hip problem. My cat is 11 but has no trouble retracting his claws fully but since he's clawed up half the house it's no wonder they don't over-grow. |
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29 Jan 12 - 03:34 PM (#3298602) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: peregrina Bluesman, don't give up on your kitty too soon; although this sounds kidney related, it could also have been brought on by an infection; treating that would alleviate the symptoms to some degree--so really worth investigating. I can't tell what country you are in, but if you read the CRF info pages or join the support forum (link I sent earlier), you'll see that a lot of very old cats have been brought back for a bit more good time by careful treatment, but that in the UK the cat's person may have to really press for a copy of results and treatment. You are welcome to PM me after you've seen the vet--I've just had to get informed about old kitty medical stuff at short notice. |
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29 Jan 12 - 04:40 PM (#3298638) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: GUEST,Bluesman Thank you peregrina. She has missed the litter tray several times today, odourless water, that seems like kidneys aren't working. I am in the UK. Vet at 9am in the morning, dreading it. Will keep you updated. Again thanks Keith. |
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29 Jan 12 - 04:55 PM (#3298646) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: gnu Good luck, Keith and kitty. |
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30 Jan 12 - 05:37 AM (#3298880) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: GUEST,Bluesman Just back from vet. He said her kidneys had failed, Deedee wet all over house during night, that just wasn't her. She couldn't open her eyes this morning. He said she was blind in one eye and sight failing in other. She was staggering about and unable to stand for more than a few minutes. 18 years of happiness has just come to an end. I have accepted it was kinder to release her and she has just been put to sleep. I don't think I could ever have another pet, the parting is just too painful. As we get older, we prefer pets to some people. A really big thanks for the support and understanding given here. Keith. |
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30 Jan 12 - 05:46 AM (#3298881) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: peregrina So sorry to hear this--for her to have been so well at 18 until just before the end is something, though I know it doesn't make the loss any easier. |
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30 Jan 12 - 05:53 AM (#3298883) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: GUEST,Bluesman Your time, thoughts and understanding has been a big help peregrina. Keith. |
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30 Jan 12 - 06:46 AM (#3298899) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: GUEST,Eliza So sorry to hear this, Bluesman. I've loved and lost so many beautiful cats over the years, but it never gets any easier. She surely had a very happy life with you, and 18 is a very good age. Thinking of you at this sad time. Kindest regards. Eliza. |
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30 Jan 12 - 08:20 AM (#3298954) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: GUEST,Patsy Sorry to hear about the loss of your cat Bluesman. It sounds the same thing as my cat right down to the howling and crying, she was 18 too. It is hard to let go no matter how old they are. Take care. Patsy |
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30 Jan 12 - 08:32 AM (#3298970) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: Becca72 So very sorry for your loss, Bluesman |
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30 Jan 12 - 11:23 AM (#3299101) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: Stilly River Sage My last cat died at about age 14 after developing kidney failure. He was a big lean strong cat who had dementia from the build-up of waste that needed to be treated with a form of dialysis. 200ml of saline had to be introduced under the skin with an IV. It took two of us to hold him down and he was so strong and hated it so much and after a couple of times of that we realized we'd all be living with dread and fear of the bi-weekly treatment. I had him euthanized before we tortured him any more with this unhappy procedure. We lost the first cat a year earlier when she got to a staggering incontinent stage and I had her put to sleep. I'd been feeding her a special diet with a syringe, squirting it into her mouth. My once-robust little round calico disliked that. Sometimes the "special care" that vets propose is just too torturous to subject a beloved pet to. Pulling the plug gives that pet some dignity and relief. I still occasionally (probably dream) that I feel a light "thump" on the end of the bed at night, knowing that it is one of the cats arriving to curl up. :-) SRS |
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30 Jan 12 - 02:22 PM (#3299202) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: gnu Condolences (and a few tears) from me. |
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30 Jan 12 - 05:05 PM (#3299269) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: GUEST,Bluesman It is comforting to see so many animal lovers here. At 2am this morning she got into bed beside me, head on pillow and back to me. I pulled the blankets up around her. I had a good idea what the day ahead would bring.At least I got that cuddle and tonight I know she isn't in pain. |
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30 Jan 12 - 07:56 PM (#3299373) Subject: RE: BS: Cat question From: gnu Rest easy. She is. And she had so many years of your care and friendship and vice versa. You both did well. Now... rest easy. Only time can heal and time will heal. |