Hello all,

I have a 4 pound 17 year old indoor cat who, until two days ago, was in
great health for her age.

Then quite suddenly she started loosing her balance and falling over.  The
tipping action starts with her hind legs collapsing and then the rest of her
little body follows.  This seems to occur when she leans in for a rub/cuddle
or when she shakes her head for example.

Her appitite has diminished somewhat, but her willingness to play with the
dogs, get cuddles, and be with us is intact.  So in other words, her spirits
appear to be in good order.  I've also noticed that her eyes seem "off", but
I'm unable to describe it any further.

I've created her own "cat room" complete with a litter box, food, bed etc so
that she won't have to navigate the stairs and perhaps injure herself.  She
can come and go into this room at her lesuire and seems to understand that
after 17 years this is where her food and box is now.

She's our first cat and we've never dealt this the aging and dying process
before.  As you can imagine we are unsure of what's to come.  Aside from
keeping her safe from injury...what else can I do?  How much longer before
she passes away?  Is this the beginning of the end?

Does anyone have experience dealing with this?  If so, I'd be most
appreciative to hear.  Perhaps there are some good links to share as well?

With thanks.
~Echo