As your cat gets older, it is, unfortunately, more likely to develop some diseases. Cats are living longer and as their guardians and caretakers, we need to make sure that the added years are quality time. It is important to try to decrease risk factors for disease and to recognize changes as soon as possible so that any disease process can be stopped or at least slowed down. Older cats have immune systems that are less able to defend them against diseases. Their skin becomes thinner, circulation poorer, and this increases their chances of infection too. Often they're not able to groom themselves as well as they did when they were younger, so they might have fur that looks "prickly" or matted, and may even develop an odor. Hearing loss and visual changes are common and may actually be quite advanced by the time you're aware of it because cats are experts at hiding these changes and adapting to them.
Dental disease is a frequent problem in older cats. If you've been diligent with dental care, your cat is less likely to have severe problems, but still can get infections and gum disease that can cause intense pain. If your older cat shows signs of decreased appetite, it is important to see your veterinarian because this could be the sign of dental disease, a loss of smell, or another serious disease.
Kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, bowel problems, and cancer are all diseases that are more common in old age. Your veterinarian can diagnose some of these diseases with simple blood tests, while others require more extensive testing.
Just as humans can become "senile" (I'm not talking just "senior moments" here!), so can your cat. My geezer meezer (elderly Siamese), Sheffield, often paces around the house, meowing, LOUDLY, and then looking around as though to say, "Ok, this place looks familiar, but where the heck am I?" He rarely cuddles up with the other cats anymore, and that's common with older cats who have become forgetful.
Arthritis and joint problems are also seen frequently now that cats are living longer. There are some medications that your veterinarian can order to decrease kitty's discomfort, but it's also important to make adjustments around your home. Make sure that the sides of the litter box aren't too high for kitty to crawl in with his creaky bones. You make also want to create steps so she can get up to her favorite places. Many pet stores carry heated beds and these can be a real comfort for kitty.
As kitty gets older, nutritional changes are also necessary. There are many quality diets for senior cats and even diets formulated for particular diseases. Ask your veterinarian's advise regarding the best food for your cat.
One of the most important things to remember is not to assume that ANY change in kitty's behavior is just due to "old age." Any change should be reported to your veterinarian and the possibility of disease should be ruled out. If a diagnosis is made, your veterinarian will work with you regarding the best treatment. If, however, kitty checks out as healthy, take a good look at your home from your older kitty's vantage point. Is there too much activity (or maybe not enough?)? Is the food bowl too high? Is the litter box in a convenient place for a "senior citizen"? Is kitty getting enough help from you to groom himself?
Because your close monitoring is the best protection your older kitty has, you may want to do periodic exams (at least once a week). You can do this during your brushing and cuddling time by just feeling kitty's body all over. When you're doing frequent checks, you'll notice new bumps and lumps quickly if they occur. You can check out the mouth and gums while doing dental care. While stroking kitty's ears, you can gently look into the part that's visible to see if there are any changes. Even older cats need exercise, although you'll have to adapt this as kitty gets older. During regular exercise times you can observe to see if there are any changes in the way kitty is moving. Your veterinarian can also teach you to do a mini-physical on kitty.
Nutrition, exercise, brushing, reducing stress, and regular veterinarian visits are all important to keep your cat healthy for as many years as possible. No matter how vigilant you are, though, there will come a day when kitty's life with you will end. Keep watching our site, we'll talk about kitty's final days and how to deal with the grief that accompanies it.
Kari Winters is a member of the Cat Writers' Association. (Valley Cats would like to express it's deepest sympathy at the passing of Sheffield.)
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