Why is my senior cat suddenly restless and agitated, constantly moving?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! A few main concerns are coming to mind for Bubbles. 1) Hyperthyroid disease- the vocalizing fits with this but usually an increase in appetite is noted. We also usually see weight loss. This can be diagnosed with a blood test that may or may not be a part of the "regular" bloodwork done. 2) Pain - a severe arthritis flare up can cause vocalizing and reluctance to move. If bloodwork comes back normal, x-rays and or a pain medication trial would be my next steps. 3) Cognitive dysfunction (senility) or other neurological problem - Though it is not as well documented in cats as in dogs, we do definitely see cats that have dementia. This usually manifests as: wakefulness/vocalizing at night, loss of litterbox training, seeming to be lost, sudden anxiety, and other signs. I have seen cats act like this with sudden blindness (a few underlying causes) because they are anxious to leave the places they know best (bed, food, litter box). Finally, brain tumors, clots in the brain (underlying heart disease) and other neurological problems may manifest similarly to this. Long story short, get a good eye exam and some bloodwork done. Then consider x-rays and/or a pain medication trial. If none of these help, discuss possible next steps with your vet. Best wishes to you and Bubbles!

With that kind of vocalization and restless behavior, I suspect he may have a urinary tract infection. I recommend getting him to see your vet as soon as possible, Male cats are especially prone to becoming blocked and unable to urinate. If it isn't urinary, he still may have some underlying medical condition that is making him uncomfortable and restless. Your vet will do an exam and labwork to determine what is causing this behavioral change and how best to treat it.

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.

That’s a tough one! I don’t think the vet would think you are wasting their time as it’s always beneficial to have a physical exam and I think in Stinky Pete’s case, it would be beneficial. Hyperthyroidism can cause increased activity and increased vocalizing and is common in older cats. Older cats can also get dementia which presents the same way. Lastly, older pets can be more prone to anxiety, just like older humans. The vet may test the thyroid and go from there based upon the results. Many of these cats will get sedatives at night if anxiety is suspected. You could also try a pheromone diffuser called Feliway. There is also a prescription diet called Calm which some cats respond well to. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Older cats can experience an over active thyroid that can make then walk around vocalizing and change their water intake. They can also experience high blood pressure and a form of dementia that can cause wandering with vocalization. With these symptoms and her age, I would take her for blood work and exam. They can evaluate her health and check her kidneys, thyroid and blood pressure and prescribe what medicine is needed.

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.

These sudden changes in temperament and the weight loss are commonly due to an endocrine problem called hyperthyroidism. The thyroid starts working more than normal increasing the metabolism (that is the cause of the weight loss) and causing behavioural changes similar to what you described. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm this clinical suspicion and treat appropriately. A blood test and urine analysis are needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!