Also 17

Question
Hi,
like Nicole, i also have a 17 year old cat. Cocoa has always been an outdoors cat. she grew up being allowed inside but mainly spending her nights outside.

she used to be very playful and friendly and now she ducks under every pat and struggles out of every cuddle.

she drinks a lot of water and howls when she's alone.
shes best friends with our dog Owen and we feel that if Owen wasnt there, she would not still be alive. she will howl more often when Owen is in his Kennel rather than on his bed with Cocoa.

she still seems quite mobile and she looks and moves just like a young cat.

what do you suggest? do you think she is in pain? or just lonely when she cries?

Answer
Sim,

Cocoa, at age 17, is geriatric (and congratulations for her having such a long life).  Most geriatric cats eventually succumb to kidney and/or liver problems.  I am not a vet, but experience has taught me two things.  (1) A possible precursor to kidney problems is drinking lots of water.  (2) The kidneys have to be 70% gone before the kidney numbers in blood work begin to show up.

I would take Cocoa to your vet to see what may be going on.  I suspect she is in some pain.  Cats are very stoical and tend not to show pain much at all until it gets severe.

Please let me know how she fares.

Best regards... Norm.