Obesity is likely cause of aging cat’s ailments

QI had my testy old cat examined recently. At 18, she has gotten too heavy. She had started limping around the house and was having trouble jumping like she used to. It took the doctor and a skilled technician to hold her down to get some blood, but it turns out that her kidney and other values are all good. The vet found dry skin, matted fur and two ingrown nails. I suspect these might have contributed to her trouble jumping and being lame, but could there be more going on? How did the nails get that way? I want to keep her healthy and happy, but she doesn’t let me handle her much, so cutting her nails and brushing her out are out of the question.

What do you suggest?

AI’m glad to hear that your cat’s blood values are normal and that, physiologically, she is doing well. However, my sense is that what you are experiencing is an older cat who has been fed too much and, as a result, cannot groom herself, leading to matted fur, dry skin and ingrown nails. The ingrown nails probably resulted in her limping and trouble jumping. It is likely that she may also have some degree of arthritis that might have been exacerbated by carrying too much weight around. It has probably become too difficult for her to do the self-maintenance that should come naturally.

I suggest several things. Put her on a diet, even at this advanced age. Have her examined at least twice a year by your veterinarian to see that you are staying ahead of things. If you cannot groom her and cut her nails, find a groomer who can and do so regularly. The matted fur and ingrown nails can get painful, and ingrown nails can become infected. Last but not least, you might try giving her half of a baby aspirin twice a week for arthritis and pain, but consult with your veterinarian first. Good luck and happy new year!