My nearly 16-year-old cat, Shadow, has arthritis and is on a treatment plan. He can still walk, run when needed, and climb onto low surfaces, plus he’s affectionate with humans. Recently, my sister watched him while I was out and said, ‘Shadow is really unwell, isn’t he? He was sleeping all the time and grooming excessively. He’s purring a lot, so he must be in pain. I think you need to start preparing yourself.’ What do you all think about this?
To add some context, there are new cats in the neighborhood that he hates, and he’s had hairball issues over the years.
It’s tough to see our pets age. It sounds like he’s still doing well overall, but maybe you can talk to your vet about his current behavior to ease your sister’s concerns.
Cats can be pretty dramatic, especially with new cats around. Excessive grooming can sometimes be a stress response. Keep an eye on him, but it sounds like he’s still enjoying life!
At that age, it’s normal for them to sleep more. As long as he’s eating, drinking, and interacting with you, he may just be slowing down. It’s great that he has a treatment plan!
Purring can be a sign of contentment, but it can also indicate discomfort. It might be worth a vet check to see if his arthritis treatment needs adjusting.
Just because he’s sleeping a lot doesn’t mean he’s unwell. Cats sleep a lot, especially older ones. Monitor his behavior and consult your vet if you’re concerned.