My geriatric cat is fine as long as he has: steps to the bed, help w/grooming (long hair), warning before

[AnotherMother4Peace]

before approached (hearing impaired & maybe vision impaired), is picked up cautiously (he has his dignity), made to feel like the in-charge male cat that he used to be (he occasionally "chases" our geriatric female), a safe quiet place where he can really sleep, non-skid, grippy surfaces, etc. - to name a few. We have another geriatric that's a bit more spry, that he needs a bit of a break from. Like all geriatrics, anything moving nearby too fast or close is scary.

He has always been our warning system: Oven timer going off - he becomes vocal, starting up the heating at the beginning of winter - he's vocal, the potato chip bag fell into his water bowl, he's loud and vocal, something is on this bed stairs - he'll let you know about it.

16 years ago we found him in the wood pile being the vocal little kitten that's been his trademark. He was covered with fleas. We bathed him and were SUPPOSED to keep him the weekend until Monday when the animal shelter opened. Yeah, sure - that was a 16 year long weekend.

Anyway just thought I'd share about my funny long black hair, geriatric cat who is so far "fine" w/ a bit of help.

[SWBTATTReg]

1. So nice to hear you take care of your baby, protect him, and care for him in his golden years. My dog, passed

last year at the age of 17, was affected by hearing loss, and not 100% able to get around as much, I'd always picked her up to join me in bed (her favorite spot). It's hard to see them go. My best to you all.

[AnotherMother4Peace]

2. Oh, I'm so sorry for your great loss - "last year" is still recent & raw. Believe it or not, time & sweet memories do

help with the healing process. Our 17 year old dog died years ago. She's still in our heart, memories, and conversations.

[AnotherMother4Peace]

3. This is my "Ode to my Black Cat" as I watch him "play" & enjoy life, knowing that he is living life now & on his terms.

Thank you for reading.

[peacebuzzard]

4. I am the same way with this lovely stray kitty I found overseas and brought him to my home,

he was doomed where he was in the middle of the streets living off whatever and an occasional meal from the kind neighborhood.
I saw him several times fed him when I did and planned the trip for him.
He has lived here now for 6+ years and must be at least 11 or so. Has a multitude of health problems, sleeps quite a bit, has a diminishing appetite. I am so grateful I found him and could do what I did. So sweet just a little angel. I know how you feel.

[AnotherMother4Peace]

6. Lovely for both of you. Hugs to your little one.

[Mr.Bill]

5. We have a rescue mutt who is at least 16 years old

and probably older. She is mostly deaf and is blind in one eye and has limited sight in the other eye. We have a small house on one floor and she gets around pretty well. She doesn't appear to be in any pain, and eats well. the blind eye is somewhat swollen from pressure that we are controlling with eye drops. I just took her to the vet today to check the pressure and it was near normal. The eye drops are inexpensive and the vet said to continue them until she passes away. She has to be lifted on and off the couch, but can still navigate the steps up to the bed.

We love her very nuch and will surely miss her when she's gone.

[AnotherMother4Peace]

7. It sounds like she's aging comfortably. Reminds me of the Beatles song "I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends".

[3catwoman3]

8. He sounds very loved.

[AnotherMother4Peace]

9. Oh - thank you. We have 4 geriatric cats, but this one is such a funny guy. If he starts vocalizing

loudly it means something’s amiss. Maybe the water bowl needs freshening or our “bad boy” cat slipped out the front door or there’s a timer/alarm going off (which is great because my husband can’t hear high pitched sounds). He is so serious about it, and is so relieved when we fix whatever he’s meowing about. too cute.