Barn Cat too old to move?

[ArkRescue]

Here's a question I'm sure will receive a variety of responses, but I think it's a good thing to ask about so I can figure out what to do.

One of the barn cats is approx. 20 years old (looks it the way she walks with difficulty - arthritis?). Anyway with the predators that come there nightly (raccoons, skunks, & opossums), it's just a matter of time before she becomes a meal right? The barn cats are fed very well, so there is always extra for the predators that show up to eat, hence why I think they don't bother this old gal.

She's NOT feral, she loves to be petted, and I just started her on a joint supplement to help her. I think she'd love to have her own family to love the rest of her life away from the barn. Do you think she's been there so long she would be traumatized by being removed? If she is indeed around 20 years old as the feeders say, then she can't possibly have much time left (considering her frail state). Just seems like she could benefit from having a warm, loving home.

 

[Mr.Steed]

Here's a question I'm sure will receive a variety of responses, but I think it's a good thing to ask about so I can figure out what to do.

One of the barn cats is approx. 20 years old (looks it the way she walks with difficulty - arthritis?). Anyway with the predators that come there nightly (raccoons, skunks, & opossums), it's just a matter of time before she becomes a meal right? The barn cats are fed very well, so there is always extra for the predators that show up to eat, hence why I think they don't bother this old gal.

She's NOT feral, she loves to be petted, and I just started her on a joint supplement to help her. I think she'd love to have her own family to love the rest of her life away from the barn. Do you think she's been there so long she would be traumatized by being removed? If she is indeed around 20 years old as the feeders say, then she can't possibly have much time left (considering her frail state). Just seems like she could benefit from having a warm, loving home.

The "predators" you refer to are not really predators to cats, unless the raccoons and skunks are rabid (hope that the barn cats have been inoculated, it's a law in MD). Cats will keep their distance from skunks and most often cats just ignore the raccoons and opossums. By the way, FYI, a rabid opossum is a rare, rare occurrence as their metabolism is too slow to effectively support the rabies virus. The predators you would have to worry about would be dogs, fox, and coyotes (or a horse/cow stepping on the no longer nimble girl). It certainly is possible for cats to adjust to new environments, even old ones. Glad that you are giving her something for possible arthritis. Cosequin Sprinkles for cats do wonders for arthritis, just mix in with canned food, can buy at PETCO (or order from HealthyPets.com, much cheaper). Of course she may have problems other than arthritis. Good luck!

 

[Two-er]

I think cats adapt quickly to changes in environment since they supposedly aren't attached to humans to the degree that dogs are. As long as she has food, I think she'll be fine.

And so much for the theory that outdoor cats don't live as long as indoor cats.

 

[smilin]

We have an 18 yo who doesn't ask for much except a can of wet food and a warm lap to curl up in. I think your cat may have to become used to a new home but will eventually
reward you with lots of companionship.
Good for you taking care of an old animal. Too many of them are treated as disposable toys.

 

[ArkRescue]

I assumed that since those type of predators will kill chickens that they would also kill a cat. She has managed to survive so far, but seriously I have doubt in her ability now to get away in her frail aged state.

Good to know on Opossums being rabid - saw one the other night. last night I saw a raccoon and it was pretty fat! I fear the raccoons being rabid as I found what appeared to be a young and healthy looking raccoon dead in my barn a couple years ago and I had animal control come get it for testing and it was rabid.

Being stepped on is my other fear as she doesn't move fast enough and doesn't get out of the way fast enough unless you are driving/walking slowly and keep an eye on her. So she'd probably do better in an indoor environment if she can adapt to using a litter box. She seems to use the same dirt pile for litter so I think it could be done.

Most of the barn cats have not yet been trapped/fixed/vaccinated. I just took on this barn as a project a month or so ago, and so far I've had a few of them done. I even found a home for Jerry the tame one. I am trying to gain the confidence of the cats and get them used to me showing up with treats so I can trap them easier.

The "predators" you refer to are not really predators to cats, unless the raccoons and skunks are rabid (hope that the barn cats have been inoculated, it's a law in MD). Cats will keep their distance from skunks and most often cats just ignore the raccoons and opossums. By the way, FYI, a rabid opossum is a rare, rare occurrence as their metabolism is too slow to effectively support the rabies virus. The predators you would have to worry about would be dogs, fox, and coyotes (or a horse/cow stepping on the no longer nimble girl). It certainly is possible for cats to adjust to new environments, even old ones. Glad that you are giving her something for possible arthritis. Cosequin Sprinkles for cats do wonders for arthritis, just mix in with canned food, can buy at PETCO (or order from HealthyPets.com, much cheaper). Of course she may have problems other than arthritis. Good luck!

 

[ArkRescue]

I think if someone were willing to give her some attention she would be fine with the change. I just hope I can find someone willing to take her in. It's painful to even watch her walk - it's as if her feet are crooked - poor thing.

Yeah how about that with how old she is!

I think cats adapt quickly to changes in environment since they supposedly aren't attached to humans to the degree that dogs are. As long as she has food, I think she'll be fine.

And so much for the theory that outdoor cats don't live as long as indoor cats.

 

[ArkRescue]

I am partial to the old ones. I hope that I can figure out a way to make her life easier for her in her old age.

We have an 18 yo who doesn't ask for much except a can of wet food and a warm lap to curl up in. I think your cat may have to become used to a new home but will eventually
reward you with lots of companionship.
Good for you taking care of an old animal. Too many of them are treated as disposable toys.

 

[ArkRescue]

Update on age and sheesh!

I was just informed that the cat we are discussing is only 14-15 years old not 20 (I had been told 20 y o barn cat !). I also just found out that the part time caretaker of this cat took several of her kittens home and left her (mother) to live at the barn and has no plans to care for her in the future when the caretaker retires to another state soon. Gee how nice to just move and "forget about it?" . In her caretakers defense I must say this former mother is now fixed.

Hmm so that makes me wonder WHY is this 15 y o cat walking like a 20 + y o cat (maybe hard outdoor life)? Regardless, I have her on joint meds due to how difficult it appears to be for her to move.

Maybe this cat just needs an indoor environment for the end of her life, along with the joint meds, although she may be ok w/o the meds indoors?

I am going to de-worm this cat again and hope we can find her a home so she doesn't end up prey to a fox just because she can't run :shrug:

QUOTE=ArkRescue;4188960]I am partial to the old ones. I hope that I can figure out a way to make her life easier for her in her old age.[/QUOTE]