Caring for Your Senior Cat
It is good news is that humans are living longer, healthier lives. But the great news is that our cats are living longer, healthier lives too! Our feline companions used to be considered “getting up there” at around age 10 or 12 years of age.
Now, according to Cornell University Feline Health Center (CFHC), that figure needs to be adjusted downward to 6 to 7 years of age. According to CFHC, the idea that one human year equals seven cat years is incorrect: a 10-year-old cat is really closer to 53 in human years, and a 15-year-old cat is more akin to a person aged 73!
Your Senior Cat: How Old is Old?
Many cats are now living into their early twenties and beyond. Even the toughest, healthiest cats eventually start to show their age. When that happens, we need to adapt to their changing physical and mental needs. Caring for your senior cat isn’t difficult, it just requires a bit more attention and a proactive approach.
Issues to Keep an Eye Out For:
- Obesity: Overweight cats have a higher incidence of diabetes, liver disease, circulatory conditions, painful arthritis, and cancer. Pay close attention to their weight and appetite.
- Dental health: Infected teeth may cause internal system or organ infections, heart dysfunction and other serious problems. Regular inspection of the mouth and teeth can detect problems earlier and prevent permanent complications–we asses your cat’s dental health at every visit to prevent crisis and pain.
- Arthritis: Limping, licking, and an unwillingness to jump to or from favorite high spots may indicate age-related arthritis. However, don’t forget that these are signs of Pain. It is always best to have your baby evaluated by your veterinarian, rather that wait and see what is next.
- Hyperthyroidism: Your older cat’s thyroid may become overactive, causing a serious condition called hyperthyroidism. Cats that are eating more but losing weight, overly thirsty (seeking running water, toilet water, drinking the bowls dry or low), hyperactive, nervous or agitated, are common signs of hormone imbalances.
- Diabetes: Like humans, older cats may develop insulin deficiency (diabetes). Symptoms include increased thirst and urination, lethargy, and overeating with a voracious appetite. By the time some of these signs are seen, diabetes may have been well-established already.
- Kidney problems: Chronic dehydration, anemia, high kidney-associated toxin levels (BUN, creatinine, phosphorus) can cause outward signs of general depression, lack of appetite, increased water intake or urination, and low energy. These signs are often subtle, since many cats sleep many hours a day!
- High blood pressure: This condition most often silent and is life and sight-threatening. The most common sign we see when a cat presents to our hospital is sudden blindness, often irreversible; as well, they risk strokes, heart failure, kidney and other organ failure. The longer the elevated blood pressure goes untreated, the more likely the blindness and other complications are permanent. Any cat approaching the age of 7 should have blood pressure screening during their veterinary visits to ensure this very treatable disease does not go undetected.
This list is by no means complete… but the best way to monitor and combat these conditions is with regular biannual exams and blood pressure monitoring. The earlier we detect even subtle changes, such as mild weight, appetite or water intake fluctuations, the less likely you will find reason to seek critical care in an emergency room. Emergency care is a vital service for animals and incredibly skilled and knowledgeable veterinary staff perform miracles every day, but prevention with regular medical assessment is best.
Owners sometimes struggle to get their cat into the carrier and make the trip twice annually, but all agree that an emergency visit is far more stressful and costly with a much lower chance of a good outcome once the crisis is in play. Truly, biannual visits with your cat to the veterinarian prevent crisis and emergencies.
Consider scheduling a wellness exam for your little elderly one. And of course if you have any questions about caring for your senior cat, just give us a call. We are at your service and thank you in advance for trusting us with your precious little one’s care.
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The Vets have taken time to know and understand both my kitties. All clinic staff are caring, knowledgeable, and generally first rate.
At Cat Care of Vinings, every person…demonstrated care. Everything was well explained… I received phone calls updating me on his progress and asking how he was after I took him home. They are compassionate and knowledgeable about cats and that is what really matters.
Cat Care is exactly what it says. The whole office is geared toward all felines… There are cat trees, and cat friendly furniture throughout. But is what is more important is the feline expertise…
CCV is a warm, quiet environment that helps my nervous cat feel more comfortable… The vet techs and office staff are skilled, helpful and friendly. A+
…more information than the previous…places… Also,…we did not feel like they were pressuring us into paying for expensive procedures that may or may not work… [They] actually showed care and concern for our kitty…
Where do I begin? There are so many positives about Cat Care of Vinings…this entire practice is on a whole other level… The environment is relaxing and the staff are comforting and supportive.
I am extremely fortunate to have taken her to Cat Care of Vinings… They take time to listen…answer questions, offer guidance…compassion, and give frequent and welcome updates.
These people love your pet almost as much as you do… This seems less like a business and more like a labor of love. [They]…always keep you in the loop of what is happening…and put both you and your pet at ease…providing first rate care for you cat.
…We must say that Dr. Jennifer Palmer…is the BEST. Her medical experience, bedside manner, candor, and quest for knowledge…is immeasurable. She goes beyond the call of duty to ‘reach-out’ for answers and health options you may not be aware of.
The quality of treatment and unbelievable care with which my kitten was treated are priceless to me especially as kitten moves into her later years. I wouldn’t take her anywhere else.
The staff are always welcoming and hospitable. Doctors will go out of their way to make sure your cat is taken care of and comfortable. They always return your calls and even call to check up on your cat after an appointment.
This veterinary clinic changed my cat's entire life…[he had] severe dental problems… I was reluctant to…do the procedures… I cannot stress how happy I am… Everyone treats the cats with love and care, and they treat the people with respect and offer great advice.
I was shocked at how little we knew even after more than a decade of cat ownership and regular vet visits. I really can't say enough about how thrilled we are with Dr. Palmer and Cat Care of Vinings. We just feel so fortunate to have you in our lives and are most grateful. Thank you all for all that you do! :-)
Dr. Michael Friedlander is experienced, capable, kind, and caring with my cat and with me. Her staff is also excellent. Besides the excellent care for my cat, Michael also educated me on what I need to do to take care of my cat, such as vaccinations and heart worm prevention. This is a top notch feline veterinary hospital with a top notch staff!
I have had cats my whole life and have used many veterinarians over the years. Cat Care of Vinings provides the best care I have ever received for my 'kids' - cats
Knowledgeable, caring vets and a very supportive team. Highly recommended based on my personal experiences…
The veterinarians and staff here are very professional, caring and thorough (they check for things other vet clinics don’t). They genuinely love their clients (i.e. cats)…