Why is my elderly cat so jumpy?

Question

My 18 year old feline has become very jumpy within the past year or so. Common sounds scare her...shutting doors, creaking chairs etc.

She has never been abused, and I've made sure to give her plenty of affection.

However, we have another younger cat (a fairly recent addition) who tries to roughhouse with her. When I see the other cat being a bully I stop the behavior, but I'm obviously not around all the time to catch it.

Do you think it's P.T.S.D. (post traumatic stress disorder)?

Please help me!

Answer 1

She is old and on edge waiting for JR. to attack.  Her reflexes are not what they used to be.  

Answer 2

She may be loosing her hearing?

Kids get on MY NERVES too ... and I am not old!

She may need more vitamines.  something for the nerves.

Answer 3

When animals get older their hearing can start to go - they can sometimes hear sounds, but not be able to tell where they are coming from.  You can imagine how disconcerting that would be!  She may also have failing eyesight - add that to the hearing problem and you'd have one nervous nellie on your hands.

Be calm and reassuring.  Continue to watch for overly rough play from the younger cat too.

Thank you for honoring the pledge you took to love, care, and provide for your pet until death do you part.  You have been  her hero for 18 years and I applaud you for that.  :)

Answer 4

She is probably jumpy because she is old, and her reflexes aren't as good as they used to be, and the younger cat jumps her.  If you were repeatedly jumped on, you be a little jumpy, too.  You might try separating them when you are gone, so the older cat can get some rest.

Answer 5

it is obvious that the kitten has abused her and they are not a good match right now  the kitten has to be set boundaries with her and kept separate from her when you are not around to allow time out for the older cat   she is being traumatized by the kitten's behaviour

Answer 6

It's probably just because she's old.