The average cat lives between 13 and 17 years, but most can live to be over 20 years old. With such a long life span, proper care is essential for each cat’s life stage. Especially when they enter their senior year.
But when are cats considered seniors and what does it mean to be a senior cat? This is what you need to know about your aging cat and how to keep them healthy.
What are the signs of aging in cats?
Common signs that your cat is getting older are:
Physical signs
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Jump issues, slow mobility
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I have a hard time eating
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Dental disease
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My eyesight has declined especially at night.
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Decreased hearing
Signs of action
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More sleep and less active
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Decrease in self-room
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Signs of confusion, such as wandering around the house
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Accidents and problems reaching the trash can
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Increased hiddenness
Senior cat health issues
Some of the general health conditions developed by advanced cats are:
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Dental Disease: Dental disease affects more than 80% of cats who have been in five years or longer. every day A home toothbrush with a small toothbrush and enzyme cat toothpaste prevents cats from growing teeth. Annual dental cleanings also help to keep your kitten healthy teeth
- Osteoarthritis: Cat arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects more than 90% of cats over the age of 10.
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Kidney disease: Cat kidney disease is found in over 20% of all cats. Symptoms of kidney disease in cats can be as subtle as increased alcohol consumption or larger urine mass, inadvertent or slight weight loss in cat bins.
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Hyperthyroidism: Weight loss, increased appetite, and vocalization are characteristic of hyperthyroidism in cats.
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Inflammatory bowel disease: Vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss are the most typical symptoms of IBD in cats. It is a very common problem for middle-aged and advanced cats.
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Diabetes: This is a common illness in older cats, especially those who are overweight. Weight management is important to prevent diabetes.
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cancer: Intestinal, mammals, and oral cancers are all more common in older adults.
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Cognitive dysfunction syndrome: 80% of cats are over 15 years old and have cognitive dysfunction. Signs of dementia in cats include disorientation, vocalization (especially at night), accidents at home, hiding, grooming, and sleep more than usual.
Care for senior cats
Keeping your senior cat healthy requires a veterinarian, proper home care and regular examinations.
Meet your cat’s needs
Senior cats often benefit from a little extra TLC. Sometimes they forget to eat or drink, find difficulties going down stairs or down stairs, and find a bowl. Make sure your aged fur baby has easy access to fresh food and water every day.
Cats also love warm places, and senior cats look for warm places in particular. Consider getting your cat Heated cat bed. Plus, your senior may get the extra benefits of supporting weekly grooming Brushing.
Finally, keeping a trash can on all floors can be useful for older cats who may forget where the bin is or who may have maneuverability issues and may prevent them from getting up and down stairs and easily getting it. a Low, big garbage pot It can also help with their joints.
Follow regular veterinary visits
A full physical examination is recommended every six months for all cats over 7 years. If that seems like a lot, consider that a six-month veterinary visit will be on par with those who meet a doctor every 3-4 years. Cats are well-known for hiding illnesses, so exams and wellness testing are the basis for keeping older cats healthy.
During basic wellness tests for older cats, veterinarians may recommend blood tests. This often includes checking thyroid levels, complete blood count, chemistry panels, urine tests and heartworms, FELV, and FIV screening.
Usually, for all cats over the age of 10, or for cats with diseases related to hypertension (hypertension), such as kidney disease, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism, a regular blood pressure check is advised. Additionally, abdominal ultrasound or chest or abdominal radiographs can be recommended.
Watch your elderly cat carefully
Physical or behavioral changes in your cat can mean something is happening in their health. It is important to be aware of any changes and contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Regular measurements at home can help you monitor the health of your elderly cat. Buy high quality scales like Brecknell MS15 Digital Pet Scale Catch sudden weight loss early and easily. A scale that weighs accurately below ounces is best.
Pet video camera It also helps keep an eye on cats and feel at ease when you’re away.
Best food for elderly cats
Your cat’s annual blood test is a great way for your vet to determine if your elderly cat needs nutritional changes. Protein and phosphorus levels are two of the most important analyses that need to be considered.
Senior cats should be given an advanced-specific diet to meet their needs. Most vets recommend it We will be transitioning to dieting for the elderly, around 7 years old.
The choice of commercially available and formulated foods and dried kibble and canned foods is based on a number of factors, including the health and weight of a particular cat. Check with your vet about the best foods for your elderly cat.
In short, all of these things can help you create a cat-friendly care plan, diet and home environment for your elderly cat. With this guide, your kitten will truly enjoy the golden age as they have problems early!
Featured Images: Adobe/Debraanderson
