Cat getting louder

Question
QUESTION: Hello: I have a DSH 16 year old cat who is deaf,and has cataracts,and is on a low protein diet.He also has extensive plaque build-up on his teeth,and the vet suggested the low protein dry food (Feline t/d made by Hills) as it is supposed to help clean his teeth,and reduce his protein intake at the same time.He seems to have no mobility problems,and occasionally runs madly through the house as cats normally do.
He has always been quite vocal,but it seems to be getting worse.If he isn't sleeping on my bed,he is wandering through the house,crying.He loves it when I hold him,and purrs loudly,until I put him down again.I have noted that when I open the door for him to go out,he sometimes walks in circles before proceeding  out the door,which is a new behavior.He rarely leaves the front porch.
I am considering using one of those baby slings that mothers use to carry infants.Perhaps this would comfort the cat,or do you consider this "over the top"? Years ago,he loved to be carried around in a shopping bag,and would get into the bag himself.
Is there anything you can suggest to make him more comfortable?
Thanks!

ANSWER: Micheal,

I would suggest that your vet evaluates your kitty with a complete physical exam and blood and urine tests just to be sure that there is no medical reason for his behavior. As for the low protein diet as far as I know the main reason that it is prescribed for cats is because of liver or kidney conditions, so I am a bit confused as to why your little guy is on it. If your little one wants to be held constantly you could go ahead with the baby sling, you may also want to invest in a heated pet bed just in case he is cold and needs the extra help keeping warm. Older cats can be like older people that way. I would be interested to hear what the blood work says about this little guy. Please do not hesitate to contact me with further questions or concerns.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your prompt reply.He has had blood and urine tests,and the vet thought a lower protein diet would be useful at his age,mainly because he drinks a fair amount of water.I take him to a clinic where there are several vets on duty,and rarely see the same one twice.The last one I saw was the one who suggested the low protein diet.I had mentioned to him that Fritzie likes to drink from the bathroom sink.Perhaps he misunderstood,as he has always liked to drink from the tap when it is dripping-cats,as you know,seem to prefer running water.I like your suggestion of a heated bed,it is worth a try.
Happy Holidays,
Michael

Answer
Micheal,

My 3 cats are also tap drinkers. This year we splurged and bought them a Drinkwell fountain. It actually looks like a running tap, so if you would prefer being able to shut off taps and not worry about flooding due to a cat hair clogged drain it is worth a shot. As far as running water is concerned cats are smart enough to realize that running water is fresh water.

I am still kind of confused by the fact that Fritzie was prescribed the low protein diet unless there were abnormalities in his blood work. I am sure that even going to a multiple vet practice that they would have shared abnormal blood test results with you. I guess the reason that I ask is that my almost 9 year old cat has been battling a kidney issue over the last several weeks and we were told that the other two cats really shouldn't eat the low protein food.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or concerns. Happy and safe Holidays to you!