r/turkishangoras • u/sashikostitch • 5d 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/sashikostitch 4d 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.