Elderly Cat

[Missy24]

I have an elderly cat (around 13-4 years old) that I got as a kitten a while back. Normally he tends to stay downstairs in my moms room, but over the last few days he's begun coming into my room at night and sleeping on my floor. It's not an issue or anything, I just think it's kind of an odd behavior considering he's rarely came up here since we moved here 4 years ago. Is there anything that would cause him to feel the need to come sleep in my room randomly?

He's also been going to the bathroom in random places in the house rather than the litter box, but I've noticed he choses spots that are square/rectangular in shape (such as bath mats and puppy pads that we've laid down for him). I've googled reasons for that and the only thing I've seen that could be the cause is kitty dementia. Any other ideas as to what could be causing that?

He's been in my family since I was around 4 or 5, so I've grown up with him by my side and I'm genuinely worried something serious could be wrong with him (he hasn't been to the vet in around a year, we're taking him soon but the last time he went the vet said he was surprisingly healthy for an elderly 22 pound cat). Any kind of input as to what could be the cause of his irregular behavior is so appreciated. Thank you all in advance!

[Lilith]

Hi Missy and welcome

Being owned by two elderly cats myself, I know what you mean, and often in these cases there is nothing sinister; they just do change their habits for no apparent reason. But having said that, a vet check doesn't come amiss, if only to put your mind at rest, and if he's going to see the vet soon I'd definitely mention your worries. The vet won't mind; it gives them a clearer picture of the cat and if there is an underlying health problem, it will get nipped in the bud.

Hoping you and he have many more happy healthy years together yet

[booktigger]

I'd get him checked sooner rather than later, just to be on the safe side.

[Missy24]

Just a little update: he was coming up to my room for some extra food! My family has 4 cats total so my mom feeds 3 of them downstairs in the morning and around dinner time, but one of our cats is specifically mine and stays in my room whenever I'm home and rarely goes downstairs to eat unless I'm down there or not home (even then she'll hide in my room or somewhere around the house until I get home) so I keep some extra food up here for her to eat when she's hungry. Our elderly cat (Salem) has learned whenever there's no food downstairs I always have some up here. He weighs around 22 lbs so he's always looking for extra food!

That gives me a little extra hope that he's not declining in health due to the fact that he still has a huge appetite considering he's willing to come all the way upstairs just for some food. I will still be taking him to the vet for a routine check-up, but it's definitely a weight off my shoulder knowing that he wasn't coming up here to hide or spend some time with me in his last moments.

Here's a pic of him happily in my room waiting for food last night, and a size comparison to my cat Missy who is attached to my hip.. Thank you guys for your input

[bobbys girl]

My cat Willow is 14 (don't know where the time has gone). She has always been quite a 'princess' - everything on her terms and showing little affection to her rescuer, me!

Just lately she wants to share everything and sits next to me when I have my tea, hoping for a bit of something - last night it was lamb chops. !

She still makes her way up onto the wardrobe for a snooze, but these days she struggles and OH's chest of drawers has gouges out of it where she has used her grappling hooks to climb up.

I don't consider any of her behaviour as worrying or that she has health issues. She does have more of an appetite than she used to and I do have to make sure she still gets small meals. Willow has a small or 'nervous ' stomach, too much food in one go and back it all comes, yuk! She has always been the same.

I don't think you cat's behaviour is anything thing to worry about. But a health check with the vet might be the thing to do. Otherwise I can't see anything reason you should not have many more years with your lovely boy (I don't think 14 is 'elderly' just mature ) Mind you, 60 in a human no longer seems old when you yourself are closing in on it!