The usual life expectancy of a cat is climbing progressively. You may wonder whether or not your feline friend is considered elderly. Nevertheless, being an older person is specified by more than just chronological age in animals. Many things, including genetics, environment, diet, and vet treatment, influence how quickly or slowly the cat ages.
Common Health Issues When Taking Care of an Old Cat
Cats do not just get ill as they are old. Many concerns that affect elderly cats’ health can be traced back to their specific lifestyle and physiology. As avid hunters and meat eaters, they put their bodies through stresses that other creatures might not face. These breed-specific characteristics have been connected to numerous age-related feline health issues. Additionally, these are the most frequently occurring complications.
Kidney Disease
Kidney failure, usually induced by aging or an injury, means that your cat’s urine will have all the harmful toxins its body produces instead of being filtered out. Weight loss, increased urine results, foul breath, and severe thirst are all signs and symptoms. Your veterinarian may suggest a low-protein, low-salt, and low-phosphorus diet with a high intake of Omega-3 fatty acids for the early stages of this condition.
Even though they are seniors, providing them with vaccinations & preventive care is vital to prevent them from hazardous illnesses.
Obesity
Obesity is a common feature in elderly cats. Aging cats tend to be less active than younger ones, even if their diets are the same. Because they do not get much exercise, indoor cats often gain weight. Cats are most likely to get diabetes if they are obese.
Did you know there are many proven health advantages to spaying or sterilizing your pet? Spaying or neutering is available at any age if your pet is healthy and balanced. You must consult a skilled vet if you’re considering getting this treatment done on your pet.
Dental Disease
Has your cat started dropping their food or having trouble lifting it to chew? Painful gum disease is prevalent in elderly cats and could be the case here. Without constant brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can accumulate on teeth and trigger significant health issues. Get your cat’s teeth professionally cleaned and then maintain their cleanliness by brushing them daily.
Cats are well-known for ingesting foreign objects, so it’s best to call the vet if you discover something in your cat’s mouth. Ignoring the warning signals of a tooth problem can lead to unbearable discomfort and may require dental surgery.
Cancer
The majority of elderly cats die from cancer. Because cancer refers to uncontrolled cell proliferation, it covers many illnesses that might strike your pet. For cancer to develop, abnormal cells need to attack nearby tissues and cause chaos in the body’s normal functions.
Early detection is vital due to cancer’s awful and eventually fatal consequences. When a cat is considered senior, it is nearing the end of its life. So, for the finest care in their final days, it’s preferable to call veterinarians offering hospice and end-of-life care for cats.
Bottomline
Do not think that just because you are a cat owner, you will constantly know whether your cat is sick. Sick cats, specifically older ones, are masters at hiding their symptoms, and keeping optimal health for your cat calls for constant communication with a vet from an animal clinic for cats. This is especially true for elderly cats, who are at a higher threat of contracting the illness simply due to aging.
