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Pet Medication Home -> Caring for an Older Cat
"Caring for an Older
Cat - Cat Health and Cat Care"
Cats are living longer lives thanks to dedicated care
from their humans, and advances in veterinary medicine. Most experts
consider a cat's "senior years" to begin on her 10th birthday.
After this point, the aging process begins to slow in even the most
playful feline. Yet, with a little extra attention from her owner,
Miss Kitty might enjoy another 5-10 years of life and love.
Just as with humans, cats often lose the ability to
hear as they age. This often goes unnoticed by owners, who might
chalk their cat's lack of response to typical feline aloofness.
Without keen hearing and vision, however, an older cat is more vulnerable
to threats from cars and dogs on the street. It is best to keep
an older cat indoors. If she loves the fresh air, make sure you
supervise her in a protected area.
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Helping You Find
the Best Reources to Ensure Your Elderly Cat is Comfortable
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Even the most easygoing cat can become a finicky eater
in her later years. As an older cat's senses of smell and taste
begin to diminish, she becomes less interested in her food. Adding
moist food and warming her meals will amplify the scent and make
it more tantalizing. Moist food will increase the amount of water
in your cat's diet.
It is important to keep fresh water available for
your older cat, and to monitor her drinking habits. Her natural
thirst drive can fade with age, causing her to become dangerously
dehydrated rather quickly. Take note of about how much water your
cat drinks each day. If the amount suddenly drops, and you know
she is not getting water from any other source, contact your veterinarian.
Remember that there have been huge advances in medical
care for cats in recent years. Online shopping for cat medication
has become popular, but remember that there is no substitute for
regular check-ups with your veterinarian.
Common problems owners see their geriatric cats develop
include difficulties swallowing due to decreased saliva production,
less tolerance to extreme heat and/or cold, gum disease and tooth
loss, a change in litter habits, and not sleeping well.
Recent studies have uncovered a problem with potassium
balance in many older cats. Poor coat condition, loss of appetite
and lethargy have been linked to a mild form of hypokalemia, or
low blood potassium. Low blood potassium damages the cat's kidneys,
which, in an older cat, are already weakening. This leads to a vicious
cycle because declining kidney function increases the loss of potassium
in the blood, which in turn causes further deterioration of the
kidneys.
Arthritis and stiffness is fairly common in older
cats. Because it becomes more difficult to move, a geriatric cat
spends more time sleeping. If her diet stays the same, she'll begin
to pack on the pounds. The extra weight adds to her discomfort,
making her more inclined not to move. Without exercise her muscles
will weaken. It is important to encourage an older cat into some
activity every day. Physical movement will help with digestion and
bowel function, as well as keep her sharp mentally.
An older cat spends less time grooming herself than
in her youth. As a result, her hair becomes dry and painfully matted.
Regular grooming from her owner is required to keep her coat healthy
and beautiful. Daily brushing removes loose hair that can form uncomfortable
hairballs in her stomach.
As your cat gets older its important that she is comfortable.
You should ensure that your cat has a comfortable, warm bed that
she can stretch out on. Cushions and hammock bed on radiators are
popular.
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