Senior Feline Care:

SIGNS OF FELINE AGE RELATED DISEASES

A cat is considered to be a senior around 7 years of age and geriatric around 13. Outward signs of aging are not always apparent, by some visible signs of aging may include difficulty jumping or walking, weight loss or weight gain, unkempt hair coat, increased sleeping, increased water consumption, increased urination, vomiting and constipation.

Your older cat should have a physical examination at least two times a year. This allows us to identify problems that can often occur very quickly (remember 6 months for your cat is 3-4 years in human time). Your cat's internal organs may show signs of aging before your animal shows outward signs. For this reason, annual bloodwork and urine test evaluations are very important. If a disease process can be identified before the animal becomes ill, the disease may be warded off, or at least treated to reduce the severity and possibly extend the quality of life for your cat.

SYMPTOMS OF
AGE RELATED DISEASES TO WATCH FOR:

Changes In Water Consumption/Urine Production

An increase of decrease in water consumption may indicate disease. Conditions that may result in increased water consumption include diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease or hyperthyroidism. Decreases in water consumption can also be associated with advanced kidney or liver disease resulting in loss of appetite, which can cause dehydration. You may notice that you have to fill the water bowl more frequently or clean the litter pan more often, or that your cat has begun to urinate outside the litter box.

Difficulty Jumping or Walking

Arthritis is a common problem for senior cats and you may notice that your cat has difficulty jumping into his favorite chair or walking up and down the stairs (other disease may also cause muscle weakness). He may even have difficulty posturing to defecate or urinate. Medications are available to make your cat more comfortable.

Changes in Appetite/Weight Gain or Loss

An increase or decrease in appetite can be sign of disease. Increases in appetite can occur with hyperthyroidism, diabetes and some cancers. It is important to note that although a diabetic or hyperthyroid cat may be eating more, they usually lose weight. A decrease in appetite is more common and can be seen with kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, dental disease and cancer. A cat will starve itself to death! If your cat does not eat for two (2) days it needs to be seen by a veterinarian. Secondary liver failure can occur in cats when they do not eat regularly.

Vomiting or Diarrhea

Many disease processes can cause vomiting and/or diarrhea. Some can be life threatening. These include by are not limited to kidney disease, liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, hyperthyroidism and cancer.

Lethargy and Depression

Older cats do tend to be less active but a sudden change in activity may indicate a problem. Many cats that are ill will hide, sleep more or sleep in unusual places as well as seek less attention.

Keep your older cat purring with lots of TLC, proper nutrition and regular veterinary care at Leesburg Veterinary Hospital.

~ The Doctors and Staff of Leesburg Veterinary Hospital