Gill - cats can lose 75% of both liver and kidney function before you would notice any symptoms, which is why all my oldies are blood tested yearly, I want to be able to pick up on things early enough to be able to have a decent length of time with them. I disagree completely that it is extra stress they dont need, I strongly believe in twice yearly checkups and yearly blood tests for oldies, it is important to be on top of things to give them as long a life as possible. I do have the advantage of being able to walk to my vets in just under 10 mins (although at this time of year we do use the car!!)
Susanne - Molly is 14 now, and the reason she came to me was cos she was barely eating and just sleeping all the time, so we didn't think she had long left. She has been here nearly 14 months now and still appears healthy, but I do actually worry about her health more than Tiger (although she is 13, hers are being done in a fortnight)