FRIENDS FOR LIFE – CARING FOR YOUR OLDER CAT

By Tiki Cole, CVT

What is a Senior Cat?  There is no one specific age that classifies a cat as a senior.  Like people, some cats age faster than others.  However, older cats can be placed into one of three groups.  Mature or middle-aged: 7-10 years (44-56 years for humans), Senior:  11-14 years (60-72 years in humans) and Geriatric:  15+ years (76+ for humans).  With good home and veterinary care, many cats can live into their late teens and early twenties.  It’s important to understand that your cat is likely to undergo certain physical changes, such as reduced kidney function, which may be associated with diseases that affect how long your pet will live and their quality of life.  Decreased ability to see, hear and taste, may require certain changes in how you care for your pet.  Some common changes associated with aging include:

Altered sleep – wake cycles, vision changes, brown spots in the eye, decreased sense of smell, brittle nails, decreased lung reserve, heart or circulatory problems, digestive ability, less elastic skin, reduced ability to handle stress, behavior changes. 

Understanding what constitutes “normal” aging and signs of treatable conditions, can be challenging.  You might think that, unlike dogs, cats do not need to visit the veterinarian on an ongoing basis, outside of scheduled vaccinations.  This couldn’t be further from the truth.  In fact, by regularly taking your cat to a veterinarian, illness can be diagnosed early and age related health conditions can be managed.  Cats  may appear well, despite underlying problems.  Examining cats more often, along with diagnostic testing, will help your veterinarian detect problems early and enable him to closely monitor your senior cats health.  Understanding the range of complex health issues that may impact your cat’s life, and yours, is vital.  It is imperative to regularly consult your veterinarian about what is best for your cat.  In March, at Murphy Road Animal Hospital, we will focus on our senior pet patients and their healthcare.  Together, we can help keep your cat happier and healthier for years to come.