I love old cats and dogs (all animals really). I currently have four senior pets, one is 19 years old. She has had health problems since I rescued her in 2012, but she is so worth it. Senior pets are wise, calm, quiet, have training under their belt, and keep the younger pets in line. I have a deep bond with Linda. Pets are family members, or should be looked at as such. I get shocked and dismayed when I read about someone abandoning their senior pet at a kill shelter. That is the thanks they get for all their loyalty, love and companionship? The poor animal is not only traumatized at finding himself/herself in a scary shelter environment suddenly, but is in danger of being euthanized, because many people overlook older pets when looking to adopt. Many city shelters euthanize for lack of space.
When senior pets become ill or arthritic, there are many options to keep them feeling better, or even be cured of whatever ailment they have. I personally recommend homemade food and natural medicine, such as homeopathy. Homeopathy strengthens the immune system, to fight against many diseases. My elderly cat is doing quite well after more than a year being diagnosed with lymphoma. Her holistic veterinarian and I are doing a regimen which seems to have cured or put into remission her condition.
It is advised by experts to take your senior pet to the veterinarian twice a year. The reason is because at their age, they can develop tumors, kidney disease, thyroid disease, arthritis or other problems, which should be treated quickly. Even if you think your pet looks fine, there could be something deadly lurking in her body - pets are good at hiding their symptoms until you find her under the bed or vomiting. It may be too late then.
There is no excuse not to treat your pet for injury or sickness. There are low-cost veterinarians, vet mobiles, community clinics. And there are charities who help people out when they can’t afford an expensive treatment or surgery their pet needs. Just do some research online or ask your veterinarian or SPCA to direct you. My other cat Petunia had a blockage in 2022 - the vet said it had to be removed surgically. I was in a panic; it was urgent or she could die. My beautiful 9 year old Petunia was in danger. He said it would cost $7000 at other vets (he could not do the surgery); he was checking for other options for me. That is a lot of money, but I was prepared to do anything for her. I have CareCredit card which helps. I remembered in my worry about Low-Cost Vet Mobile- Petunia was there as a kitten, so I mentioned this to the doctor. He checked out their web page, contacted them and set up an appointment for the next day. It cost much less than other vets, and her life was saved!
