My cat has disappeared
alfiewozere
Posts: 29,508 Forum Member
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My elderly cat Josh has been getting very rickety for a while now and has taken to snoozing in his basket in front of the fire nearly all day and night, with brief excursions to the litter tray and to eat. He's nearly 16. Last night he was breathing very shallowly in his sleep, although he purred when I stroked him, so didn't seem to be in any pain. This morning his basket is empty and I can't find him. He must be somewhere in the house because he can't get outside. Do you think he might have gone somewhere to die?:(
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Maybe he's just found somewhere really quiet and cosy for a sleep, like they do sometimes. My cats sometimes snooze behind the settee, or in a cupboard or wardrobe, and for hours at a time so I think they've gone missing but they turn up eventually.
Hope this is the case with your Josh.
I don't know if it's as cold where you are as it is here at the moment, but my cats have been sleeping in odd places over the past few days (I found Frodo behind the freezer last night!) and I think it's just that they're trying to keep warm.
After a few hours I saw her crawling out from a box under my bed and have a massive stretch and wander over to her bowl to chow down!
If your cat definitely can't leave your home, don't worry, they'll turn up when they get hungry.
Glad you found him Alfie but yes I would take him to the vet tomorrow if you have found a lump.
I would be inclined to take him to the vet as a precaution.
please tell us what happens when you take him to the vet
So sad for you Alfie- let us know how he gets on (((hugs)))
Cats commonly seek out private places to sleep when they are ill (bottom of wardrobes are common).
Cats conceal pain extremely well, and often 'purr inappropriately' to comfort themselves. You don't say if he is eating okay, but I would think that with a large mass in his stomach, he would be feeling quite unwell.
I would most definitely take him to the vet asap tomorrow. They will not recommend invasive procedures if you don't want them but should be able to assess and advise if it is 'time'. Best of luck.
Oh dear, it sounds Josh wants to be by himself.
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
and pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle can't be won.
You will be sad, I understand.
Don't let this grief then stay your hand.
For this day more than all the rest,
Your love and friendship stand the test.
We've had so many happy years
What is to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer, so
When the time comes let me go.
Take me to where my needs they'll tend
Only, stay with me till the end.
And hold me firm, and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you too will see
It is a kindness you do to me.
Though my tail its last has waved
From pain and suffering I've been saved.
Don't grieve that it should be you
Who has to decide this thing to do.
We've been so close we all these years
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
That is beautiful.
aww I'm crying at my desk!!!
Yes, what's the latest? Hope you're ok xx
Was hoping OP would have been on to let us know how Josh was!
Do hope you get a *good* result from the vet Alfie.:(
Meanwhile, he is back in his basket by the fire, asleep, being handfed scraps of ham and teaspoons of milk when he's awake, by my daughter.