My cat has gotten ridiculously cranky in his old age...what's up with that?

Question

My cat, Bob, is 12 years old.  I've never had a cat this old before, so I'm not sure if his behavior is normal.  Before you all go nutty on me, he was at the vet recently and is completely physically healthy.  

Bob used to obey me, the first time I said something.  Like, when I told him to get down from something, or to stop tearing up paper (his favorite thing to do when he wants attention)...anything like that.  Now, in the past year or so, he just doesn't give a rats butt.  Like I said, he's completely healthy, physically.  We've taken to calling him Cranky Old Man Bob.  Is this how older cats get?  They just don't care?  I find it slightly amusing, but at the same time annoying because we have two younger cats, Dexter and Zeus, that absolutely idolize him and I don't want them to pick up on his sudden ridiculous behavior.

? · Accepted Answer

LOL! Cranky Old Man Bob is a perfect name for an older cat. Since he checked out okay at the vet, it is safe to say that he is just a grumpy old man. Perfectly normal and not unlike some senior citizens I know, "I'm old, I can do whatever I want. Suck it, Trebec." 

Cats aren't as impressionable as dogs are and aren't likely to pick up on bad behaviors from each other. I wouldn't worry about it. :)

J C · Answer

First, a 12 year old cat is considered a senior, but he's not that terribly old.  There is a reason for his cranky behavior other than his age.  When you said he was completely healthy, does that mean you had a blood panel run on him to rule out any of the illnesses that can be associated with a senior cat?  And did the vet to an exam to rule out arthritis (by manipulating the joints)?  A cranky cat generally is one that doesn't feel 100%, or is in pain.  I'd do a bit more investigative work, rather than just attribute it to old age.

polite gardener · Answer

First thing: you are very lucky to have a cat obey anything. That's not standard cat behavior. My cranky old queen cat (15 yrs) has to be carried around. She can still walk and even run but would rather be carried in the picnic basket. At three in the morning she will bite my eyebrows or nose, make me carry her to the litterbox and back. It's my own fault for letting them get away with it. Yes, you can expect grumpy, mean behavior. That is standard cat behavior.

LLL · Answer

Did the behavior start when you adopted the younger cats ?

Kittens and younger cats can be rather mean to adults, they won't let up on older cats sometimes. As if the older one is a plaything to bite and jump on. I had n adult Siamese that went through Hell when I adopted a black and white kitten. The kitten was so relentless and was always chasing and biting my Siamese on the butt she was sometimes referred to as the "A**  Goblin".  At least the Siamese was able to climb up some things that the kitten couldn't and was able to get breaks from her. Maybe Bob is being harassed by the younger cats ?

Or is he jealous of them, maybe thinks they get more attention from you ?

eyjude · Answer

he may be experiencing health problems associated with older cats.
like arthritis 
you can do things for him such as feed him KNOX gelatin (sprinkle it on his food) - for connective tissue (arthritis) 
chicken liver cooked and cut up - for iron
sprinkle some B vitamines on his food
sprinkle some acidophilus on his food - for digestion 
I did this and even treated my 21 yr old to support her liver.  
she was 21 when I finally had to put her down.  

good luck 
hey Im grumpier than when i was in my 30's too!

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My cat has gotten ridiculously cranky in his old age...what's up with that?

5 Answers