| Caring For The Senior Cat |
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OverviewCaring for your Senior Cat- OverviewYour senior cat requires special attention. As cats age, all of their body systems are affected. A more sedentary lifestyle leads to reduced muscle tone, which in turn can lead to a stiffening of the joints or arthritis. The resulting lack of exercise can result in a fall in energy requirements of up to 40%. This can lead to obesity. Conversely, a loss of appetite can occur. As your cat ages, their sense of smell and taste dull. Food can lose it's pleasure. Thirst can be decreased. Together these conditions can aggravate the underlying kidney disease that is prevalent in older cats. Senior cats should have regular health checks with their veterinarian every six months. Common DiseasesThe more common health risks seen in senior cats are:
Whereas younger cats tend to get only one disorder at a time, senior cats often suffer from multiple diseases at once, all interacting with each other. With regular exams we can recognize and treat disease as early as possible, maintaining your cats quality of life for as long as possible. Special CareWhat can I do for my senior cat?Most cats age gracefully and need very few changes to their routine. If change is necessary, it is important that they are introduced slowly. Older cats are very set in their ways and can be upset easily. Your senior cat should have easy access to a warm bed, situated where the cat can sleep safely without fear of disturbance. It is strongly recommended that you feed your older cat a premium brand senior diet. They should always have easy access to fresh drinking water. As cats age, some will experience a reduced ability to control urination and defecation. To reduce the risk of "accidents", it may be necessary to allow access to multiple litter boxes. |
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