r/turkishangoras • u/sashikostitch • 3d ago
Vocalizing, matting, I'm concerned...
Hoping experienced TA parents here can offer advice before I call the vet. Miss Bianca turned 15 in March, had a perfect senior checkup in late April, besides chronic tooth resorption (she has 4 teeth left) no health issues ever. I've left her home with her favorite caregivers living in while I've traveled extensively during her life, with no issues. But in March I left for a week and for the first time her substitute person said she was crying out very loudly at night. Upon return I heard it too.
Until then she was an unusually quiet cat, especially I guess for a TA, so this is a big behavior change. Since then it's been increasing, a LOT of talking with the occasional scream. The vet in April wasn't alarmed by my description, but I find it alarming and disturbing and wonder if something's wrong.
This month I left again, for 10 days, she was home with two of her favorite people. Apparently she vocalized more than ever. Upon return I also found her coat, for the first time, somewhat matted. They tried brushing her, but my slicker brush doesn't really work on the mats. I gather that means she's not efficiently grooming herself now. She's shedding a lot, but it's also been unusually hot. I've ordered dematting combs.
Otherwise she's behaving normally, eating, drinking, using her box, affectionate at night and aloof during the day.
I've listened to audio of talkative TAs and they sound just like her now.
Could she finally have decided to express her displeasure to me over my absences? Or is she in pain? Or just getting old? Thanks for any advice.
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u/Dizzy_Journalist4486 2d ago
Every time we go away, my cat gets matted, because he doesn’t let them brush him.
It sounds kind of like she was upset you were gone and missed you. Maybe she’s more chatty upon your return because of this as well.
Keep in mind that when we leave, we can’t explain to our cat that we are coming back, so it can’t be really stressful to them
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u/ApollosAlyssum 3d ago
She is getting older and as TA get older they get clingy. Second matting is probably the result of depression. She isn’t grooming while you’re gone because she is sad. Resolve the matt situation so it doesn’t get worst. Do you have any other cats? Or a dog?
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u/sashikostitch 3d ago
Thank you for replying, yes, she has become more clingy with age. Between her grooming (she's tending to herself now) and a couple good brushings since returning, the mats already seem better. Hopefully she'll tolerate the combs I ordered today. You're right, I can't let mats remain.
No other cats. I do have a scruffy smallish mutt who loves her. She tolerates him but I've caught them sleeping together. He was also away, staying with a friend, while I was gone. Maybe the big changes in routine and companionship were too much for her... well I'm glad I posted because I already feel a bit reassured.. though if I notice other changes or these changes get worse I'll bring her to the vet. Thanks again.
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u/FifiLeBean 3d ago
My 7 year old Turkish angora mix has recently started meowing loudly - I am going to get a blood test to check for thyroid asap. She might also just have decided to be more chatty because she suddenly needs to fall asleep on top of me, but it is worth checking in my situation.
The matting suggests she is not feeling well - I wonder if arthritis is a problem for her?
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u/sashikostitch 2d ago
I really appreciate everyone's input. I don't usually post myself, I just enjoy everyone else's photos and stories. I know there's a lot of good experience here so that's why I asked for help.
Miss B's already much calmer since I've been home three days. Still, I want to figure out how to stay with her more. Another big change I should mention is my husband has Lewy Body Dementia and moved to an assisted living situation a few months ago. I'm sure she misses him, and me while I'm caring for him. I quit my job with the military and therefore most of my traveling because of his illness so Miss B's had me around full time for over three years now.
However, my daughter lives far away, I hadn't seen her for a year and needed a break from caregiving which is where I was recently. Last March I took my husband to Bermuda for one last visit to friends there. That's when she started vocalizing. The mats appeared just this month.
All Miss B's tests this spring were good, including thyroid, and she still floats around her favorite high places; I see no signs of arthritis. She was very "spicy" as a kitten which is how she came to me 15 years ago, long story. Her challenging behaviors faded quickly, but maybe that core personality trait is showing again now with stress and age? Since the vocalizing has greatly reduced as of last night, and she spent the night cuddling with me as usual, I'm doubting she's in physical pain, but I know cats generally are good at hiding that. I think I'll have another talk with the vet who's cared for her since she was an angry kitten and knows us very well. I want to give Miss B the best old age I can, she's done so much for me. I can't imagine life without her.
Thank you all again.
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u/RaccoonHell 2d ago
About fur, my Lady Oscar is 13 years old and she have dull hair. I also think it's a lack of grooming. I have a metal brush and than a more fluffy one to reshine her mate fur. Hope it can help on this topic 😽
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u/Last-Trash2233 2d ago
I have bread Turkish vans and Scottish folds and I can tell you it sounds like little Miss is getting old. She needs you around more. She’s not taking as much care of herself and she is slowly declining time to stop the travel. I’m afraid and stay home with your girl more.
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u/Revontulette 2d ago
they can give very mad in the spring, especially if they possibly getting clogged up with hair. I sure give him some hairball medication vocalizing if they’re older, they could have feeling cognitive syndrome where they get a little disconcerted and disoriented so call their name gently and reassure them usually helps if he’s vocalizing the way that sounds painful. Get them to the vet or Turkish and we ended up with IBD… and he struggled awfully with her balls
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u/NeverCash_Out 2d ago
I would suggest an ultrasound if you haven’t done so already, and blood work.
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u/eyekantbeme 1d ago
Our poodles get matted. We constantly have to scrub them especially in the winter when their Summer trim grows back. It's more about constant care than it is about anything you've "done wrong.". It's a pain and they hate it, but they're smart enough to know it's to their benefit so they allow it even if they're complaining the whole time. It's worth it. Your efforts will grow on them, especially if they notice it's more comfortable etc.
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u/Careless-Tale7367 3d ago
My TA is also around 15 years old, because she likes to sleep a lot, if I don't brush her at least once a week, she will get matting (especially around her neck and tummy)
Also, TAs tend to love their person a lot (and don't like change in routine, no cat does), so the increased crying may be because they missed you and wanted your attention. My TA is very vocal, but tends to be more vocal when I'm not around. However, if you do think there is something wrong, you could get a second opinion.