The standard life expectancy of a cat is increasing steadily. You may be curious as to whether or not your feline buddy is considered elderly. Nevertheless, being older is defined by more than just chronological age in animals. Several things, including genetics, environment, diet, and veterinary treatment, affect how quickly or slowly the cat ages.
Common Health Issues When Taking Care of an Old Cat
Cats do not just get sick as they are old. Many problems impacting elderly cats’ health can be traced back to their particular lifestyle and physiology. As devoted hunters and meat eaters, they place their bodies through stresses that other animals may not face. These breed-specific characteristics have been linked to several age-related feline health issues. Moreover, these are the most frequently occurring problems.
Kidney Disease
Kidney failure, typically caused by aging or an injury, means that your cat’s urine will contain all the unsafe toxins its body makes instead of being filtered out. Weight loss, increased urine output, foul breath, and extreme thirst are all signs. Your vet may suggest a low-protein, low-salt, and low-phosphorus diet with high consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids for the early stages of this condition.
Although they are elderly, it is vital to vaccinate your cat, such as cat parasite prevention shots, to avoid hazardous illnesses.
Obesity
Obesity is a typical feature of senior cats. Aging cats tend to be less energetic than younger ones, even if their diets are the same. Because they don’t get much exercise, indoor cats often gain weight. Cats are more likely to get diabetes if they are obese.
Did you know there are many proven health advantages to spaying or neutering your pet? Spaying or neutering is available at any age if your pet is healthy and balanced. You should consult a skilled veterinarian if you consider getting this procedure done on your pet.
Dental Disease
Has your cat begun dropping their food or having trouble lifting it to eat? Painful periodontal illness is prevalent in senior cats and could be the case here. Without frequent cleaning and flossing, plaque and tartar can accumulate on teeth and cause severe health issues. Get your cat’s teeth professionally cleaned and then maintain their cleanliness by cleaning them daily.
Cats are notorious for swallowing foreign objects, so it’s best to call the vet if you find something in your cat’s mouth. Disregarding the warning signals of a tooth problem can cause excruciating discomfort and may need dental surgery. If you want more info about pet surgery, you can learn more on this page.
Cancer
Many elderly cats died from cancer. Since cancer refers to uncontrolled cell proliferation, it covers many illnesses that might strike your pet. For cancer to develop, uncommon cells must attack neighboring tissues and cause havoc in the body’s regular functions.
Early discovery is crucial due to cancer’s awful and ultimately fatal consequences. When a cat is considered elderly, it is nearing the end of its life. So, for the finest care in their last days, it’s preferable to call vets that offer palliative care for cats.
Bottomline
Do not assume that just because you are a cat owner, you will constantly know whether your cat is sick. Unwell cats, specifically older ones, are masters at concealing their symptoms. Keeping optimal health for your cat requires consistent communication with your vet. This is especially true for senior cats, who are more likely to contract the illness simply due to aging.
