Why is my senior cat with kidney disease walking sideways and falling?

Poor Bob! He could be walking wobbly and sideways due to pain. It could be he's suffering from arthritis, and it hurts for him to walk. While it's good that he's drinking and eating, it is concerning you haven't seen him urinate. That's could be another cause of him suddenly walking funny, there could be a potential he has a blocked bladder. That would explain why you haven't seen him urinate. I would watch him very closely. If the wobbliness continues or gets worse, you see him try to urinate but nothing comes out, he strains to urinate, he cries in pain when trying to urinate, he starts vomiting, or he becomes very lethargic, you will need to take him into a vet immediately. I hope this helps!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Pepper! 20 years old is amazing! It's hard to say why Peppers back legs are having so much trouble. It could be from weakness from progressive kidney disease or a new problem like high blood pressure, diabetes, anemia. She likely has arthritis at her age. Sometimes older pets can have strokes or even brain tumors as well that can cause behavioral and gait changes. It sounds like she is extremely thirsty (trying to get in to the tub). If Pepper hasn't had her blood work checked in a while I would call your vet monday and have her seen. If you think she is suffering take her to an Emergency hospital today for evaluation, they can run the blood work today in house. I hope this helps and I wish you and Pepper the best!

Hi, it sounds like he is going to pass away, I would personally request a home visit so that he can be put to sleep without suffering . He could be going for days and it’s not fair on him in this condition. I understand why you don t want him to take to the vets, however at home it will be less traumatic and there is the option of giving him a sedation so that he does not realise so much what’s happening. Thinking of you at this difficult time,

This does not sound normal and I recommend to have her examined today. A blind cat generally does not have trouble walking. Instead they tend to walk slowly and cautiously but they are not unbalanced. A sudden onset of neurological signs is always concerning and could indicate poisoning, a stroke from a blood clot or even potentially infectious diseases which can infect humans like Toxoplasmosis. I recommend to play it safe and have Kiki examined today. Especially with a concern for infectious disease for humans. I hope this helps.

If Teddy Bear Eddy is normal in the front end and is eating and drinking normally then he may have arthritis or a back injury causing his rear legs not to work right due to discomfort. If he's wobbly walking in the front, has a head tilt or having trouble eating then it could be an equilibrium problem from an ear infection. A small amount of blood in the stool probably is not related, cats can get that when the stool is hard or during bouts of diarrhea. If he doesn't improve after a week or so of rest I would bring Teddy in for an exam. They will check his ears and may recommend X-rays of his back and pelvis to determine the cause. If needed they can give him a safe pain medication. Please never give cats human pain medication as none is safe for cats. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Teddy Bear Eddy.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The signs you describe can be caused by an irregularity in the spine - this may cause the bones to compress the actual spinal cord, damaging the nerves that are responsible for controlling the back legs and tail. A veterinary neurologist would be able to further diagnose the condition and propose a treatment plan, your original vet may be able to recommend one. I would be happy to take a look at x-rays or bloodwork and answer any questions you may have about them!

It's possible. Pets can develop hepatic encephalopathy with progression of liver disease. It's also possible there are electrolye imbalances or neurological diseases. I recommend to have Lila examined by her veterinarian. It may be time for a liver specific diet and medications. Have this done quickly to avoid further complications. I hope this helps.