hopefully the last cat update for awhile

[jazzfish]

Turns out getting an enclosed litterbox didn't solve all the problem, because the problem comes from the cat not bothering to get all the way *in* the box. This is partly due to arthritis in his hips, and partly due to him having to go SO BADLY that he can't or doesn't want to hold it until he gets into the box and turns around. We've upped his antiinflammatory dose and moved the litterbox into the living room, closer to where he sleeps, and those seem to have fixed the problem.

I mean, ultimately the problem is the arthritis, which traces back to Chaos being an Elder Cat (he turns sixteen in October). To quote Beckett, "You're on Earth, there's no cure for that!" But he's still perfectly happy, if a bit wobbly in the back end. So we keep him comfortable and give him lots of cuddles.

I'm a bit worried about the winter. This is not an apartment that retains heat all that well, except in the summer. I suspect that we're going to have to get out the electric blanket for him at night, and then Kai will insist on stealing half of it.

I have viola thoughts but those haven't quite gelled yet. Not unlike my playing of the Kreutzer etude.

Comments

[cislyn]

When my Stranger kitty was getting older and creaky, we inherited a heated cat bed from one of my sweeties. It was basically his favorite thing EVER. It plugs into the wall and doesn't generate a lot of heat, but it was sufficient to warm up his butt and keep him going up and down the stairs easily. It might be something to look into for the winter. :)

[jazzfish]

Excellent. :) I think it's gonna be that plus some sort of joint supplement. Because what this cat needs is a LARGER drug regimen in the mornings.

[novel_machinist]

<3 maybe you could see about getting him some kitty treats for his joints? I do that for my senior dog

[queenoftheskies.livejournal.com]

Poor Chaos. I can understand how the climbing in and out would be difficult for him.

[jazzfish]

It's not even all that hard! I mean, it is a little bit (he has to actually lift his legs over the edge of the box, and twist around in an enclosed space) but he's willing to do it. Just... not until he's done going. O, cat.

[sartorias.livejournal.com]

Electric blanket for kitties, what a good idea!

[jazzfish]

Except for how the cats will never move from that spot again. :)

(An actual electric blanket won't work so well, because they have an auto-shutoff, but apparently there are companies that make cat heating pads that are designed to be on for longer periods of time.)

[sartorias.livejournal.com]

Cat heating pads! What a wonderful world, with cat heating pads in it.

[fritzkat.livejournal.com]

We just use regular human heating pads from the drug store to heat under the snake cages. Keep them on low and they do not have a shut off time. Maybe those would work just as well for the cat? Wrap it in a blanket?

If nothing else, it may be cheaper than a "cat heating pad".

[jazzfish]

Aha! The main problem with the electric blanket is the auto-shutoff, so maybe that would work! Will check local drugstores.

Thanks! (and, congratulations! :)