Did you know that most veterinarians consider cats to be "seniors" at seven- or eight-years-old?
According to the American Animal Hospital Association, each year for a cat is equivalent to approximately five to seven human years! An eight-year-old cat is the relative equivalent to a 48-year-old person, a 12-year-old cat is similar to a 64-year-old, and a 16-year-old cat is similar to an 80-year-old.
Preventive Care
Due to this accelerated aging that our pets go through, it makes sense that senior felines should visit the veterinarian more frequently. The American Veterinary Medical Association now recommends biannual wellness examinations for all pets, regardless of age. For elderly cats, twice yearly exams should be the bare minimum. Some cats require check-ups every three to four months depending on their physical condition.
During the physical exam the veterinarian will pay close attention to any weight loss, oral disease and signs of arthritis. Your vet may also recommend a blood pressure measurement. Laboratory tests that should be performed annually on older cats include a complete blood count, chemistry panel, thyroid measurement and a urinalysis. The goal is to try to catch senior cat diseases early, such as kidney insufficiency, hyperthyroidism, and hypertension. The lab results will also help your vet make a diet recommendation appropriate for your feline companion.
Tell your veterinarian if you notice any of the following signs: weight loss, increased water drinking, larger urine clumps in the litter box, increased appetite, yowling (especially at night), bad breath, heat-seeking, or difficulty jumping up on things.
Arthritis...a normal, but painful, age-related change
Cats have evolved to hide any pain or discomfort so that predators won't eat them! As a result, the signs of arthritis are so subtle that an owner may miss them. These signs include pausing for a long time before jumping on things, moving stiffly after a long nap, urinating or defecating near the litter box but not in it, constipation, limping, etc.
The safest course is to assume all senior cats have some level of arthritis and discuss with your veterinarian nutritional supplements to slow the progression.
Glucosamine supplementation is safe and easy. Many people take this supplement for their own achy joints. Cosequin and Dasuquin are popular glucosamine products because they are sold as "sprinkle capsules," meaning you open the capsule and sprinkle the flavored powder on your pet's food.
For moderate to severe arthritis there is an injectible supplement called Adequan. This supplement is not labeled for use in cats so you will need to discuss the pros and cons with your veterinarian.
As with all supplements, there is no guarantee that they will work and you may not see results for four to six weeks. NEVER give your cat (or dog) human arthritis medications or pain-relievers; they can be toxic.
Arthritis pain tends to be worse when it is cold outside. There are now heated pet beds and microwaveable warming discs on the market to keep your cat toasty during the icy winter months.
Providing good preventive care and alleviating pain and discomfort are the cornerstones of senior feline health. Your goal should be to provide your geriatric feline companions with the quality of life that you will want someday in your own golden years.
Find this article interesting? Get more information on your pet's health by using our Pet Vet and Disease Condition Finder.
Health & Home
Comments (9)
My cat is about nine. She likes to hide a lot and hates getting into the cat kennel. Any suggestions?
These are animals that give you love and you can go out to eat or whatever but not find or borrow $100 to take your cat to the vet for simple tests. Just an excuse unless you "really" live the poor life. You owe it to your cat to do a simple thyroid or diabetes blood test which is the cause of most older cats problems. After that, it's up to you. But at least you owe them that.Flour Mill Unit
my female cat is about 10 years old. She was always fed Whiskas dry food. But about three months ago, she didn;t seem to eat much of it. I began to change brands. She liked them for a while then again lack of interest. I bought her some friskies canned wed food. She thrived on it for about a month. Then about three times a while after eating she started whining loud and looked like she would through up but didnt. Sometimes she did. Then a few days ago, she simply wouldnt touch it anymore. So now we don´t know what to do because she doesn´t eat much of anything. Sometimes a little chicken but today hardly nothing. She does drink water and the liquid of those cat dinners. I am afraid and don`t know whether I should take her to a vet. Please tell me what I should do. Will vitamins help? Is something really wrong?
Iam shocked to know that a large number of cats are losing weight
and have not seen a vet. These cats need to see a vet. Remember cats
are good at hiding their pain, so get them to a vet fast.
I can't believe people are letting their cats suffer but saying they can't afford a vet. A simple blood test for thyroid and diabetes is around $55, we just had it done and we go to a vet dedicated moreso to pets rather than profit in Plymouth, IN. But people, do you have a large screen T.V, do you drive a nice car, do you buy your children extra clothes? A haircut and manicure costs more that $50. The cell phone costs more than that. A grocery bill alone costs at least a $100 a week. Going out to eat for a family of four can cost $50. Unless you are on welfare and DON'T have that large screen t.v., cable bill, internet bill or nice car, you can find money somewhere. Eat spaghetti 3x that week. These are animals that give you love and you can go out to eat or whatever but not find or borrow $100 to take your cat to the vet for simple tests. Just an excuse unless you "really" live the poor life. You owe it to your cat to do a simple thyroid or diabetes blood test which is the cause of most older cats problems. After that, it's up to you. But at least you owe them that.