Understanding The Changing Health Needs of Mature, Senior and Geriatric Cats
If you have lived with your cat since it was young, then you have a good understanding of what is normal for your cat in the way of behavior and habits. Any changes in their behavior or habits can be a sign of illness. Because signs of illness in cats can be so subtle, even the most astute owner may miss some of these changes especially when the onset is so gradual. For this reason, it is extremely important to bring your cat to your veterinarian annually until 8 years of age and then semi-annually after 8.
A focus of senior cat veterinary appointments is to identify illnesses which may be in an early stage and set up a plan for treatment and management of any symptoms that may be causing discomfort. There are many illnesses which can be managed with diet and sometimes medications may significantly improve the wellbeing of your cat. It is through the partnership of cat owner and veterinary team that we can best address and manage senior cat issues for the best outcome.
Specific Age-Related Issues for Senior Cats
Changes in the cat's body that are common as a cat ages include:
- Altered sleep-wake cycle
- Changes in thyroid function
- Decrease in kidney function
- Changes in vision
- Decreased sense of smell
- Brittle/ingrown nails
- Heart or circulatory problems
- Decreased digestion and ability to absorb nutrients
- Reduced ability to handle stress ¥ Changes in behavior
- Changes in mobility/arthritis
Your Role as the Caretaker of an Elderly Cat
The most important role when caring for your elderly cat is being aware of their behavior and habits. Their needs may change subtly over the years, but they still require the basics of cat care including social interaction and an enriched environment. While older cats may sleep more, they still need interaction and a stimulating environment to keep their bodies active and their minds engaged. Especially for indoor cats, the need for engagement is very important. All cats need to hunt and play and interact.
In addition to a stimulating environment, owners of elderly cats can expect to be responsible for things like:
- Make sure sleeping and eating areas are easily accessible
- Adjust physically challenging areas for easy access
- More Frequent Veterinary Visits
- Dispensing Medication
- Lifestyle Accommodations
Wellness Visits for Senior Cats
A typical wellness visit for senior cats includes checking:
- Thorough review of habits and behaviors
- Weight and Body Condition
- Skin and Coat Quality
- Mouth, Gums and Teeth
- Ears and Eyes
- Thyroid Gland
- Heart and Circulatory System
- Lungs and Nose
- Abdomen
- Joints and Muscles
- Any condition changes since the last visit
Senior Cat Food
Feline nutrition is extremely important throughout the entirety of a cat's life. However, it is an especially important facet of senior cat care. Feeding a mature, senior or geriatric cat an age specific diet can help:
- Manage Weight
- Increase Lifespan
- Reduce or eliminate pain
- Maintain healthy skin, coat and bodily functions
Senior cat food is formulated specifically for the nutritional requirements of aging cats. It can be served in dry or wet (usually canned) form. Feeding small, frequent meals 3-4 times a day will help senior cats digest food easier than serving fewer, larger meals.
Dental Care in Senior Cats
As cats enter their senior years, those who have addressed dental care with regular dental checkups throughout their life, have a significant advantage over cats who have ignored their dental issues. However, regardless of whether dental care has been a mainstay of your cat's preventative program, it will be extremely important as it ages. Dental disease is a gradual but painful degenerative condition. Living with chronic pain is very stressful and will significantly impact your cat's wellbeing. Of course, your cat won't let you know that they are in pain, however the fact is that all cats over 4 years of age have some level of oral health issues, and these conditions do cause significant pain. If your cat has not had a dental checkup in over a year, they are definitely due.
Managing Disease in Elderly Cats
As your cat ages, he or she becomes more susceptible to the myriads of diseases commonly found to plague elderly cats. Some of the more common ones include:
- Kidney Disease
- Diabetes
- Thyroid Disease
- Hypertension
- Gastrointestinal Issues
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Memory/Comprehension Challenges
Managing disease, whether this means preventing or treating one or more at a time, requires a knowledge of the ailment, and also spotting symptoms in elderly cats before they become full-blown emergencies. This is why it is essential to monitor your cat's behavior and routine, and note any changes, including:
- Weight Loss
- Increase in thirst and urination
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Appetite
- Litter Box Habits
- Lethargy
Considering Quality of Life for Senior and Geriatric Cats
Some important health assessment questions you and your vet will review include:
- Is your cat experiencing any pain and if so, is the pain well managed?
- Is your cat's appetite normal and it is able to eat normally?
- Is your cat interacting with other pets and family members as usual?
- Does your cat have more good days than bad days?
- Does your cat follow predictable routines for sleeping, resting, grooming, eating, playing and socializing?
End Of Life Decisions for Your Cat
Partnering with your veterinarian through your cat's senior years will make the final decisions more gradual and gentler. End of life decisions are always difficult but when you feel supported by our veterinary team, you will feel more comfortable and accepting of your choices.
At Ingleside Animal Hospital, our compassionate and supportive veterinary team is here to help you in any way that is in the best interests of you and of your feline companion. We understand this is a very difficult time regardless of the situation. You have lived with your cat for a long time, you have a strong bond with your cat and the grief process is real and should be taken seriously. Please contact us for information about end-of-life services including grief support.
At Ingleside Animal Hospital We Are Here for Your Aging Cat
We are here to help our furry feline patients age gracefully, peacefully and comfortably by offering comprehensive senior cat care services. Aging cats rely on the love and care of owners and a good veterinary support staff as they grow into their later years. We have helped better the lives of thousands of aging cats, while bringing peace and happiness to their human caretakers. Schedule a veterinary appointment for your senior cat today!