As we get older, we are regularly reminded of the golden rules for living a longer and healthier life in our golden years. This includes regular health checks, moderate exercise and a balanced diet. This is exactly the same for our pets. Once our pets enter old age it is even more important to have regular routine health checks (every 6-12 months), so that age related diseases are identified as early as possible. These can be identified by a Senior Pet Screen (Blood Test) that is also recommended annually. We can tailor a Individual Personalised Senior Pet Program for your cat to make sure that they live their best life in their senior years, by monitoring the below age related conditions.
Most cats are considered seniors when they are between 12 and 14 years old. Some of the health problems that become a greater risk to the elderly cat includes:
Heart disease:
The most common heart disease seen in cats is cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle. Degenerative valvular disease and other types of heart disease can be seen as well. This can lead to congestive heart failure, or CHF, in which the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively and efficiently is compromised.
Chronic renal (kidney) disease:
The kidneys act as a filter system, removing many of the waste products produced by your cat’s body. Once filtered from your cat’s blood, these waste products are eliminated via the urine. When the kidneys are damaged the waste products are no longer filtered effectively, leading to a build-up of these products in your cat’s blood stream. Symptoms seen with chronic renal disease include increased thirst, an increase in urine volume, weight loss, a lack of appetite, and vomiting.
Hyperthyroidism:
Hyperthyroidism is a disease of the thyroid gland in which excessive amounts of thyroid hormone are produced. Many hyperthyroid cats have weight loss despite an increased, sometimes even ravenous, appetite. Other symptoms are varied but may include vomiting, diarrhea, increase in water consumption, and increase in urine volume.
Diabetes mellitus:
Diabetes results in an increased blood glucose, or blood sugar, level. Risk factors for feline diabetes include being overweight and leading a sedentary lifestyle. Most cats diagnosed with diabetes will require insulin injections.
Cancer:
There are many types of cancer that can affect cats. Symptoms will depend on the type of cancer involved.
Dental disease:
It is estimated that at least 2/3 of cats over three years of age suffer from dental disease. This can be a serious issue for senior cats. Dental disease is a painful disease that can affect your cat’s appetite and cause weight loss.
Arthritis:
The symptoms of arthritis are often mistaken as “normal” aging changes. Arthritic cats often become less active, sleep more, and may not be able to access elevated surfaces any longer. The pain associated with arthritis can significantly alter your cat’s quality of life if not addressed though.
Treatment in cats should focus on environmental modification in addition to Medication and supplementation. You can try adding steps and ramps to facilitate access to favourite elevated areas, additional litter boxes with at least one low side will make access easier
Exercise and limited use of non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) can be a great help in reducing discomfort. A number of agents other than NSAIDS may also improve the comfort and mobility of your cat, including oral, nutritional supplements.
Diet:
Our Seniors pets generally need lower-calorie diets to help prevent obesity (which can be a huge problem in seniors) and higher-fiber diets to improve gastrointestinal health. As they age and slow down, so too does their metabolism. Their diet needs to have reduced salt and phosphorous content and the correct level of proteins and other nutrients. Most companies out there have a “Senior pet” diet available. So choose a brand that you trust that provides a “complete balanced diet” and stick to the feeding guidelines. We can discuss with you what diet would be best suited to your individual pet.
Be reasonable in your expectations for intensity and duration of activity and pay attention to subtle changes in your cats behaviour and routine.
Senior cats may be affected by more than one of diseases at the same time. This can make diagnosis and management of these cats more challenging. Early diagnosis and treatment may extend your cat’s life and contribute significantly to your cat’s quality of life
How Can I Keep My Cat More Comfortable in Their Senior Years?
Regular checkups and communication with your vet will ensure that you are doing all that you can medically to help your pet enjoy the senior years. To help your cat at home, here are some pointers:
- Provide a comfortable clean bed (slightly raised off the ground and heated for the arthritic pet. There are many “orthopedic” beds available now at pet supply stores to ensure comfortable rest.
- Provide fresh water daily (note changes in water consumption) and a healthy, age-appropriate diet.
- Keep your cat indoors. Provide additional litter boxes with at least one low side to make access easier if they have trouble with mobility.