Cat Chat Feline Forum

Hi everyone, I'm new here My name is AussieJo, and my cat's name is Pepper. I'd like some advice please.
Pepper was a rescue and she has been with me for 3yrs and 2 months. I am not sure of her exact age, but on the opinion of the foster carer I got her off she was about 4 1/2 in 2013, so she would be between 7 1/2 - 8 now. We live on a main road and the grass drive to my flat is totally open to it. She has never gone close to the road in the past, interested in the passing traffic, but never approaching it. Content to lay on the soft grass. She also would be classed as a indoor cat that goes out sporadically. Even though she isn't an older cat, I am sure she is in the process of dying. She has lost a lot of weight in a very short amount of time. She is eating and drinking but not much. She is still urinating and using her bowels. She is also very unsteady on her feet but doesn't seem in pain.
My main worry is her behaviour toward the road. She has been drawn to the curb in a very dangerous manner the last twice she has been out. The first time she was out on her own, and luckily my neighbour saw her and told me. That was a close call. Today, as she had been inside for a week, I took her outside with me supervising. She went to the curb again and she so looked like she was going to attempt to cross the road, cars were slowing down for her! Thankfully I was able to pick her up and I brought her inside. I will not let her outside again, except in a cat enclosure. I'm sorry to be so longwinded. I will finally finish up with a question. Is it possible she is looking for a way to die? Has she got a deathwish? I would be so interested in your comments. I am on a very limited income, but will take her to the vet when the need arises. Thank you for reading.

Hi and welcome, your cat definitely needs to see a vet if she’s unsteady on her feet or seems to be acting differently. I also wouldn’t risk any cat near a main road so I agree you need to keep her away from that. Let us know how you get on.

Thanks Janey. Will let you know.

I think she needs a vet visit asap, losing weight should always be checked out

Awww I do hope she's ok. That's very strange her being drawn to the road. Ive heared they sometimes wander off to a quiet place to die. One of my neighbours cat crawled under a bush a few doors away and curled up in a ball and died. But I haven't heared of them going to a road.

Hi AussieJo agree vets asap. Keep us posted & definitely keep Pepper away from the road side. A friend's cat had a fettish for curbs & I told her it would end in disaster & it did. Vivian

Thanks very much for the advice everyone. And a Happy New Year to all on the forum! Pepper seems to be brighter and much more active this morning. I will continue to keep you all informed. Thank you all for being here for us.

I would still get her checked by a vet if possible, unexpected weight loss should always be checked out. I would also ask the vets to check her ears well, it's just an odd thought but if her ears were blocked it could be she isn't hearing the traffic fully.

Thanks Ruth B. I have been wondering about her sight and hearing.

An update. She is eating quite well and is drinking better than she has in a long time.I decided to try her with lactose-free cat milk. I give her half cat milk and half water, and as I said she is drinking it! A victory.

Another update.(Jan3) She actively asked for her breakfast this morning, and responded to me when I asked if she was hungry! Such an improvement on the last few days. Thanks for being here. I'm finding all the health and behavour queries very informative.

Update January 7 2017. Unfortunately her improvement did not last. Have just got back from the vet where she was euthanized. My Baby girl can rest in peace now. Thanks again to all who responded to my query.