our housecat has become old age grouchy.

[svandamme]

Shrapnel von Pondfarm, after the Farm where he was born, and they find a lot of shrapnel and WW1 relics when plowing.. son of the farm has a museum and a replica WW1 tank, Shrap was born next to the tracks under a tarp.

He's living the life. spoiled.

[svandamme]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

you don't put a pet to sleep because it's annoying.

+100

[rusnak]

Put one of those loud ass delivery vehicle backup beepers on the wife's car. Now everyone can be old age grouchy!

[gordner]

Originally Posted by HardDrive

If the cat is no longer a positive part of you family, I don't think it is wrong to consider having her put down. She may be healthy, but losing it mentally.

Keep in mind, this sets a precedent your wife may follow when you are one day a little too grumpy for her liking.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

You don't put a pet to sleep because it's annoying.

Agreed, pets, no.

Now, neighbors, family, door to door salesmen, those are another story.

[fanaudical]

Well-maintained cats can readily reach 18-20 years without trouble. They do get grouchy in their old age and I've had a few of those. Some things that worked for us:

- Has anything changed in your cat's routine or environment? They don't always like change.

- Are you socializing with them enough? They are "pride" animals and consider you part of the pride. They may just want you to play more.

- Meow back loudly (seriously - they don't like it either and take the hint after a while). Alternative is to make another annoying (to your cat) noise every time the cat is vocalizing past your tolerance. This should only take a few weeks of consistent application to retrain the cat (and possibly have your wife eject you from the house - get her on-board first).

- Add a routine of catnip in the evening a few times a week; it does mellow them out. Roll-around catnip toys seem to keep them occupied.

- Look up "Feliway" - This stuff does seem to work to soothe grouchy cats.