In the last article we learned that dogs become senior citizens just like people. The same is true for our feline family members. As veterinary medicine advances, our cats are living longer, and certain changes are expected as our cats’ age. These don’t have to be negative changes. We can help them adapt with minimal effort by diagnosing problems early, modifying the cat's environment, diet and interaction with us.
Age itself is not a disease but the following are issues that are more common in our senior cats. Addressing these changes and diagnosing diseases early are essential to the health of your older cat. Preventative veterinary care can add years and quality to the life of your cat, which can include early detection bloodwork and complete veterinary exams every 6 months for our senior pets.
Arthritis is one of the most under diagnosed diseases in older cats. The changes are very subtle and older cats are more sedentary which makes it very difficult to observe if they’re having joint pain. What you may see is difficulty jumping onto counters, window sills or going up and down stairs. This may lead to other problems like not using the litterbox, especially if they have to travel up or down stairs to get to it or if the litterbox has high sides. Cats are sensitive to many anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin and acetaminophen. Do NOT give your cat an anti-inflammatory or pain relief medication unless prescribed by your veterinarian. A very safe and effective supplement to start them on is glucosamine and chondroitin (as prescribed your veterinarian). Also make sure their litterbox and bowls are on the same level of the house where they spend most of their time.
Obesity is one of the main health problems of middle age cats. This should be addressed early because, as a senior, it can predispose them to diseases like diabetes and heart disease or just make other issues worse like arthritis. It’s harder to get the weight off a senior cat, so do it now by measuring the food given, not just keeping the bowl full and by increasing their exercise. A veterinarian can help you monitor their weight and body condition and adjust the diet accordingly.
Dental disease is one of the most common changes we see in senior citizen cats. By the age of four, more than 70 percent of cats exhibit signs of dental disease. Preventative dental care including toothbrushing, dental treats, regular dental checkups, and professional cleaning as needed are aimed at keeping dental disease to a minimum. Without proper dental care, significant dental disease can develop which could lead to pain and life-threatening complications.
Older cats may need to be groomed more often. Grooming is a great way for you to spend enjoyable time with your older cat and is a means to check for any lumps, bumps, sores, etc. In an older cat, the fur may become thinner or duller, however, this can also be a sign of disease or nutritional deficiency. If your cat’s coat changes significantly, you should consult with a veterinarian.
Another change to closely monitor for is increased thirst or urination. This may be the earliest sign seen in older cats for many diseases, most commonly, kidney insufficiency, diabetes mellitus and hyperthyroidism. These diseases can be detected even earlier with early detection/wellness bloodwork which can be performed at your cat’s 6 or 12 month exams. Many diseases tested for with this type of panel are simply and effectively treatable without ‘putting the cat through a lot’. By finding disease processes early, oftentimes there is a better prognosis for a longer and happier life.
Our senior cats need to be monitored more closely. Knowing what changes to expect and what to look for can help you and your cat adjust when and if they do come. Don’t disregard any changes as 'just being old age.' These could be early signs of a more serious disease. Always consult your veterinarian if you are in doubt or notice changes. We owe it to our longtime companions to take care of them in their senior years as much as we did when they were kittens.
Dr. Matthew Krupnick is the owner of the PequannockAnimalHospital. He grew up in Kinnelon and is happy to be home, with his wife, three cats and two dogs, to provide quality and compassionate care for your pets in the community. The PequannockAnimalHospital is located at 591 Newark Pompton Turnpike in Pompton Plains. You may reach them by calling (973) 616-0400.
