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My old cat isn't grooming. Is it selfish to worry about her quality of life?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 11 lbs

Maggie is going downhill. Can no longer groom herself properly. I can’t get matted hair off her back. It was hidden by her top hair and I did’t notice until it was pretty bad. Vet says, tests to find cause would be expensive and there could be medical reasons. “Given her age, as she isnot suffering, let’s just keep an eye onher”. I don’t want to wait until she is suffering. I am 78 myself and don’t want to linger uselessly in old age. I love Maggie. Am I being selfish?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 12th, 2018

I'm sorry Maggie is having troubles grooming herself! I understand you don't want to wait until she is suffering, but as long as she is eating and drinking normally, going to the bathroom normally, I don't think you are being selfish at all. You did the right thing by taking her into the vet, and you can take her into a groomer. The groomer can shave off the matted hair, and then you can brush her back daily. This will help keep the mats from forming, and it will be a bonding time between the two of you. Cats typically do like being brushed, and you can give her treats for allowing you to do it. If she does stop eating, drinking, or develops other signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy, then I would take her back into the vet immediately for a discussion about her quality of life. I work for a home euthanasia service, so I face these type of issues with clients all the time. If you'd like to discuss things further with me, you can request a consult with me. Just click the "consult online" button under my answer. I hope this helps!

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