Joan Said:

Can black mold spores hurt my cat?

We Answered:

Yeah...it's not just the cat you should worry about. Go ahead and get this cleaned up.

Mold types and images...
http://www.mold-help.org/content/categor…

Some scary mold-related videos to get you properly motivated...
http://www.survivingyellowrain.blogspot.…

Here’s a list of symptoms, including death...
https://moldrx4u.com/Symptoms.asp

EPA says DO NOT use bleach against mold...
https://moldrx4u.com/Poisons.asp

With the above “disclaimers” out of the way, check out the remarkable research on toxic mold removal done by environmental expert Dr Ed Close. Simply diffusing Thieves essential oil regularly will likely result in an environment very hostile to mold.
http://www.secretofthieves.com/mold.cfm

Donna Said:

Health problems that cause cats to stop using litter box?

We Answered:

I am posting a link to non-health related problems which may give you some clues. Litter box issues usually result in total avoidance of the litter box.

For urination avoidance, a urinary tract infection is the most common reason. For defecation avoidance, impacted anal glands or constipation. When they get pain using the litter box, they avoid the litter box for doing that particular 'number'. But it is not common for them to have both problems at the same time.

So I would suspect it is a litter box issue.

Linda Said:

CAT HEALTH: Cat has thickened bladder wall, vomiting & anxiety?

We Answered:

It sounds like a urinalysis is important here to check for inflammation, which she probably has. A urine culture can be sent out if a urine sample is obtained (and if it has been a few weeks since she finished antibiotics) to rule out an infection. Infections are less common and require at least a week of antibiotics to treat. We usually have clients drop their kitty off in the morning and pick them up in the afternoon or evening so they have all day to allow the bladder to fill up to get a sample. You may not perceive any anxiety-inducing changes in your household, but a lot happens when you aren't at home and your kitty may have experienced a stressful event while you were away. Stress is the most common cause of urinary inflammation, but it can also be a result of diet. It looks like she is on dry food? She should be switched to canned food only. Canned food helps kitties stay hydrated and keeps urine moving through the bladder. Urine stasis (or urine which sits in the bladder for a long time) causes irritation of the bladder wall and, subsequently, inflammation. In her case, she may be placed on a prescription urinary tract diet (Royal Canin Urinary SO and Hill's c/d are the two most common). Cats placed on these diets do very well and we see very few recurrences with simply a change in diet. The change to canned food may help with the vomiting as well. I can't advise a hairball diet unless she is having frequent hairballs, not just vomit with some hair in it. And you should distinguish between regurgitation (throwing up food during or shortly after a meal) and vomiting (throwing up food long after a meal is over). If there is a cat-only vet clinic in your area, I would advise you to take her there. Feline medicine differs greatly from canine medicine and many small animal vets simply haven't stayed up to date on cat care. The treatment for urinary tract inflammation has changed a lot just in the past 5 years. Lastly, wherever she is urinating must be cleaned extremely well or she will continue to urinate there. It looks like she is choosing many different places. This is probably the most difficult part of the problem, especially when it involves carpeting. If an area of carpet has been soaked repeatedly, the foam underneath and even the subfloor may need to be replaced to eliminate the smell. I have included a link to a handout about inappropriate elimination for some extra information. Good luck! There is a solution to this problem!

Also, we usually consider Prozac as the last option as long as every other possible treatment option has been exhausted.

Leslie Said:

cat health should i be worried?

We Answered:

The black material in her ears does NOT mean she has ear mites.
It could, but not always. Since this is a new symptom, take her to the vet. She may have ear mites, but ear mites will usually infest both ears. If she is a strictly indoor cat, ear mites are probably NOT the answer.
It is probably an infection of some sort. Since you have caught it relatively early, it should be easily remedied. But your vet needs to figure out what kind of infection it is.
Please do not try to treat this yourself. If the cat has a ruptured eardrum, anything you put in there could go to her brain. I had this happen to my cat. Fortunately I caught it really fast and got her to the ER.

Sarah Said:

What are tell-tale signs that your cat's mental health is deteriorating and when is it time to put her down?

We Answered:

You consult your vet!
Anytime your cat's behavior changes it should be examined by your vet. Many, many times it's something very simple.

It is not fair to simply write off different behavior to "old age". Several of my senior cats have had behavior changes attributable to medical conditions.
One had developed a heart murmur & does really well on a once a day med that's very inexpensive- she's 16 now. My 18 year old developed vomiting problems due to an irritable bowel- she's doing fabulous with some diet changes & an inexpensive med given every other day.
One of my old men was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Talk about some strange behavior changes- he started pacing & caterwauling like he was in pain! He only had about 6 more good months after that- didn't tolerate the meds very well.

At that age they start to develop aches & pains due to arthritis. Very often some simple accommodations are very helpful. Maybe it's time for a litterbox with lower sides or one on each floor because the stairs are more difficult.
Often a supplement for joints is very helpful.

My list could go on & on.
Anyways, by the way your question is worded I suspect your cat has some good time left. I honestly believe you'll know when the time has come. Meantime, make a vet appointment, Dear.

Cathy Said:

What are the symptoms of cat anti-freeze poisoning?

We Answered:

If you cannot afford a vet, you need to take your cat to a no-kill shelter or humane society NOW or it will die poisoned. I know you love your cat but what is best- Saving her life or watch her die? Please surrender your cat and let her live!