Question:
I have a female cat about 20 years old. She's has lost her hearing, a lot of weight, and some agility. However, she still eats well, drinks water, uses the litter box, goes up and down the stairs quite nimbly, can jump up on the couch and beds. My concern is that several times a day she cries like a baby for a minute or two. Is this a sign that she's in pain?

Answer:
Does she do it when any particular thing happens - like when she moves a certain way, or jumps up on something? If so that would indicate pain. However if there doesn't seem to be any thing physically related to the crying it could be a sign of dementia - a cat that age could be getting senile and may just feel lost or scared for no reason.

Either way I would at least discuss the issue with your vet, or take the cat in for a full check up, to ease your mind.

Answer:
When my last cat was around 19 or 20, he started crying at odd times too. I took him to the vet, but he found nothing at all wrong with him.

Cats get senile, and I think they may forget where they are for a moment, and cry. They often do it at night or when they find themselves alone.

If she were in pain, she would likely not eat or be active. As long as she seems happy, with good appetite and interest in what's going on around her, I wouldn't worry too much.

EDITED to say: Didnt' see your post MBRA - we said the same things!

Answer:
Originally Posted by LuckyRescue
When my last cat was around 19 or 20, he started crying at odd times too. I took him to the vet, but he found nothing at all wrong with him.

Cats get senile, and I think they may forget where they are for a moment, and cry. They often do it at night or when they find themselves alone.

If she were in pain, she would likely not eat or be active. As long as she seems happy, with good appetite and interest in what's going on around her, I wouldn't worry too much.

EDITED to say: Didnt' see your post MBRA - we said the same things!


I find it hard to believe you are not suggesting a vet check? This is a 20-yr old cat, losing weight (eating mind you) and crying. Just because yours was fine, doesn't mean this one is. Wouldn't it be awful if it WAS in pain and you said don't worry about it? I just don't get it sometimes.....

Heather

Answer:
Thanks everyone for your replies. I didn't know that cats could develop dementia but it seems to make sense. She usually cries when she's on her own upstairs. Then when she sees me, she'll stop. Anyway, I've just made an appointment for a check-up for her to be sure.

Answer:
good call I would take her to the vet better safe than sorry. I hope she is okay.

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I just don't get it sometimes.....

You're right GM. I did miss the "weight" part, and I apologize for missing a word.

Of course, a weight loss in any animal who is eating normally requires a vet visit.

Answer:
Just because yours was fine, doesn't mean this one is. Wouldn't it be awful if it WAS in pain and you said don't worry about it?
I echo this. Older animals (just as the human animal) as they age can develop all types of problems. Just because the cat is eating and participating in life, does not mean it is not in some sort of internal trouble. Not all symptons (for whatever individual problem)will be the exact same with all cats/dogs/etc.

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