Update on Puddy; she's gone*9/29* see post #421

[Medusa]

You know I am still thinking something has really frightened her downstairs.. Do you have several people over at times?? Is there a dog close by that barks alot?? Is there a loud car or something outside at diff times of day or night?? I am for sure going to go home & read all my cat behavior books..

No on all counts. My house is extraordinarily quiet. I have the AC on most times so that cuts down on noise and even when I have the windows open, there really isn't anything happening outside that should frighten her. It's a quiet neighborhood. Puddy has always been the alpha female and she always loved hanging w/the humans. Her head would go back and forth from person to person while we were conversing as though she understood everything we said. I've always said that she's a human in a calico's body. LOL

[jazzcat]

I wonder what could be up with her. Becoming and introvert is definitely a sign of something. Poor girl.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Mary, I'm so sorry to hear that she hasn't shown any signs of improvement. Maybe she peed in the sink because she's just too tired to make it to the litter box. At least she did it there instead of on your carpet or bed. I sure hope that she'll get some energy back and start feeling better.

Her hiding reminds me so much of when my RB Pepper was so sick. He hid back in my room for so long that my cats Storm and Sunny just got used to not having him around. When I would try to force feed him and medicate him he would let out big sigh. I knew that he had enough and wasn't ever going to get better. I'm sure that Puddy will let you know when's she's had enough. I'll continue to keep her in my thoughts and prayers. Please take care of yourself too. (((HUGS)))

[Emeraldgreen]

Nothing has changed here either except the patio room has been remodeled but she hung out there even after the remodeling, so that's ruled out, too. I just do not know.

She used to love to go to the sun patio afterwards and hang out or sit w/me at the computer. Now she goes back upstairs immediately.

Well, this is probably far fetched but I suppose it doesn't hurt to consider all possibilities. Do you think that something (chemical, product etc..) could have been used in the remodeling of the patio room that could have affected Puddy? I know it's a stretch but there are toxic reactions by people and animals to certain laminate flooring. I think you mentioned tiles in a post about your renos a few months back? Maybe there is something to do with the tiles used or the grout or the finish on the tiles? The timing of the renos and then her continuing to hang out in there after the remodeling followed by her not wanting to go in there at all might indicate a connection.
Prayers going out to you and Miss Puddy.

[Medusa]

Y'know, I suppose anything is possible. That doesn't explain her insistence on planting herself on that tiny piece of real estate on the corner of my bathroom countertop. She won't even sleep in her carrier any more, only on the countertop. That bathroom was going to be my next renovation. What will she do then? She did come into bed w/me briefly last night and she actually let me give her a brief noggin noogie. I could tell that she really wanted it but as soon as I touch her, she pulls away. She doesn't cry out in pain but it's as though she can't stand to be touched but wants it so badly. I wish I could adequately explain how she behaves but it's so bizarre that I can't. If she was a cat that's a loner and who prefers being by herself upstairs, I wouldn't have a problem w/that but to hang out 24/7 on a patch of countertop that measures not even a square foot is ridiculous!

My pc guy will be here in a couple of hours to take my computer. Puddy's appt. w/Dr. Lee is tomorrow morning and I don't know if I'll have my computer back by then so if I don't update, that's why. Again, please know that your continued thoughts and prayers are so greatly appreciated and I always remember my PT friends in my daily devotions.

[pomtzu]

Wow! Puddy sure is difficult to figure at this point. You must be at your wit's end!

Year's ago when my 20 year old Siamese was telling me he was ready to go, he would hide in such obscure places that it would take me forever to find him. He wanted to be totally left alone. And when my son's cat was was failing, he would open a kitchen cabinet and hide in the pots and pans! Somehow I don't think Puddy is at this stage - she's very visable - even if it is on the bathroom counter! Could she maybe be going somewhat senile???

I hope Dr Lee can shed some light on what's going on. In the meantime, you and Puddy are still in my prayers.

[greendoor678]

Does Puddy have regular bowel movements? IS she peeing in the sink, but is going to the litter box for bowel movements? I am also thinking, as someone else stated, that at her age she may be senile and not really understanding what or why she is behaving this way. I know it is hard to see her not behaving as herself.

[lvpets2002]

You mentioned Puddy has always been the Alpha Female.. Has one of the other cats started showing to be more Alpha than normal.. Maybe Puddy has been noted she is not the Alpha anylonger.. Also check how loud your ring-tone is on your phone.. Puddy could be having sensitivty in her ears..

[Medusa]

Does Puddy have regular bowel movements? IS she peeing in the sink, but is going to the litter box for bowel movements? I am also thinking, as someone else stated, that at her age she may be senile and not really understanding what or why she is behaving this way. I know it is hard to see her not behaving as herself.

Her litterbox habits haven't changed; she's always been really good about that. The pee in the sink incident was done in front of me, as though she wanted me to see her do it. I've thought about her possibly becoming senile and I intend to ask Dr. Lee about it tomorrow.

[Emeraldgreen]

The way she is behaving does sound like it could be related to senility. But I can't stop thinking that there is a connection to the 'coolness' of the countertop. It's my guess that she is nausceous and hot, so much so that she won't leave that countertop, even to pee. When you're nausceous, you don't want to walk, you don't want to be touched and you tend to want to be cool. I know I've already said that but it's just my hunch but hopefully your vet will help you really get to the bottom of this mystery. I can only imagine how hard this has been having to watch her be this way day in and day out without any resolution. Hang in there!

[carole]

Oh Mary my heart goes out to you, so fustrating and upsetting trying to figure out your wee girl, i still think maybe some of the medication could be affecting her, you know yourself when you take medication it can do funny things to you,everyone is different and has different reactions, i know Ash certainly has been behaving a bit odd since we started his medication, he used to stay indoors all the time by the heater, not anymore,things like that, however i suspect he is scared we are going to pill him again,who really knows, i hope Dr Lee can shed some light on her behaviours, and you could well be right, she maybe becoming senile,let us know how you get on when you can,until then HUGS all around and the best of luck with Puddy.

[Moesha]

I don't like that Medusa isn't around to give us Puddy updates!

[Catty1]

{{{hugs}}}

We're here for you, Mary. You know that.

[kimlovescats]

I'm sorry that I am just now seeing this thread. Hugs to you and prayers for dear Puddy!

[pomtzu]

I don't like that Medusa isn't around to give us Puddy updates!

I'm right there with you! I keep checking for a "Puddy Post". I hope it's good news.