My senior cat is acting crazy and destructive, is this normal?

Aging related issues in senior pets can sometimes cause the symptoms you are seeing, as well as underlying illness or even pain from issues such as arthritis. A good first step would be to bring Pete to your vet for a senior checkup, which may include additional tests such as bloodwork or X-rays, to rule out any health issues that could be causing the behavior changes. Senior pets can also get dementia and other issues much like people can. If he checks out healthy, speaking with a trainer or veterinary behaviorist in your area may also be beneficial as they may be better able to assess and address the issue in person.

Older cats can sometimes start to show signs of dementia, but usually these cats tend to wander, get 'lost' in the house or vocalize for no obvious reason. There are some other medical conditions that could cause a change in behavior including hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland) or possibly pain from arthritis or another condition. I'd recommend making an appointment with your veterinarian for an exam and potentially testing like blood work to make sure there isn't a medical reason for the biting.

Sorry you are having some troubles with Monster! I recommend that you take him to your vet for a senior blood panel. They can check his thyroid as well. Hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland) is not uncommon in older cats and can lead to behavioral changes, more vocalization, eating more, acting odd. Get him in for bloodwork when you can! Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

I'm sorry to hear about Buttercup! If you are also noticing weight loss, increased appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea, he could have hyperthyroidism- his thyroid gland is secreting too much thyroid hormone. There is a simple blood test for this but it is not always included in the routine bloodwork. If you are seeing these signs, definitely see your vet to have him tested. Otherwise, I always keep in mind for tom cats - if there is a female in heat anywhere near your home, your Buttercup may be hot and bothered because of that - and it is unlikely to stop until she is out of heat or out of smelling distance. You may be more suspicious of this if he is vocalizing or urine spraying more than usual. Finally, we do recognize that some older kitties do get a form of dementia - wandering is part of that syndrome. See your vet to discuss this further, especially if he doesn't seem to recognize you, seems to get "lost" or has other abnormal behavior. Best of luck to you and Buttercup!

Certainly personalities can change as cats get older, but i would recommend making sure there isn't a medical explanation for her behavior. We see conditions like hyperthyroidism (a high thyroid level) which can cause increased activity as one of its first signs. If her exam and bloodwork is all normal, it might just be a behavioral change as Princess gets older and is nothing to worry about. I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I would have Nurmal (love her name!) checked out by a vet. Sudden changes in behavior in a senior cat can point to medical problems such as hyperthyroidism and arthritis (pain may make her cranky). I recommend getting a physical exam, geriatric blood panel, and urinalysis. These tests will help the vet identify if she is suffering from a medical illness. Should one be found, the vet can discuss treatment options with you. I would take her into the vet on Monday if possible. Good luck, I hope this helps!

It may not be his time yet but he does need to be examined by the veterinarian today. The disorientation and potential blindness is concerning for low blood sugar, hypertension, a brain tumor and a few other conditions. Some of these conditions respond very well to treatment and some don't but first, you must know what is happening so you know the treatment options. Just like humans, diseases are best diagnosed and treated early so have him examined today. I hope he gets this figured out quickly! Please feel free to post any additional questions.