Cat Chat Feline Forum

Hi, My rescued cat Tigger is approx 15/16 yrs old and has been diagnosed with cancer, we thought we were going to lose him in September but steroid injections have helped him gain weight and he is ok at the moment. It is a very stressful time as I know I will be in bits when he goes.

I was just wondering if anyone else had experienced odd behaviour or whether it is anything to do with the steroid injections, as my husband and I have always had Tigger on our lap and on our bed for lots of cuddles but for the past 4 weeks he is very reluctant to go anywhere other then the basket in the kitchen, he only comes near us for about 5 or 10 mins at a time and seems to come out of his basket to constantly eat and sometimes go outside. It is almost like he is uncomfortable or paranoid of getting on the sofa or bed. I miss his normal company and am trying to make the most of the time I have with him but he seems so distant up to how he used to be. I have no idea how long the injections will work for or how much longer he will carry on. Any advice or info would be really appreciated.

I can relate to that behaviour, as I recently lost my boy to cancer - he was only treated with Metacam, however

but for the last 4 weeks of his life he spent all day and all night in a cat bed at the top of the cat tree, only getting down to eat - and he was more interested in food than he had been when well - and to use the tray - it was as if he had shrunk his world right down so he could manage it, if that makes sense

it was easier for me than for you, though, as that cat bed is around my waist height, so I was able to fuss him very easily - I let him go when I could see he was not really sleeping much, which must have been because the painkillers were no longer working - he died in the cat bed which had been his last home

I'm so sorry to hear about your poor boy's diagnosis. I would usually expect them to start feeling better fairly quickly if the steroids are actually helping. It does sound to me like he's very uncomfortable, or generally feeling unwell. might be worth asking the vet for some pain relief (eg metacam) to see if that helps him. I lost two cats to cancer, and I wish I'd picked up on their signs of discomfort and done something about it sooner.

Thanks so much for the replies. I am new to this site and there are some really lovely people on here. Tigger does seem very well since the steroid injections and if I ever thought he had discomfort or pain he would be straight back to the vet, who luckily has been a really understanding vet and really very good. I just wish he would spend more time with us on our laps and on our bed, but I suppose as long as he is well in himself then I should be thankful. It's good to know that I am not the only one who has experienced this odd behaviour.

I am glad I found this site and will continue to visit the forum.

Just spoil him rotten and enjoy the time you have together. Let him do what he's most comfortable doing, and feed him whatever he will eat. I hope you have many more happy weeks and months together. Do keep us updated on his progress.

Thanks, I will keep you updated and we're definately making the most of the time we've got with him. He's always been spoilt rotten anyway but now he's spoilt even more. He has got so much spirit and fight in him and it must be great being a cat as you aren't aware that you've got this thing called cancer. He is currently eating for england so we're letting him have what he wants.