Senior Cat Care
As your cat moves through different life stages, it is important that they receive the special care that they need. Senior cats often require a special diet, supplements for their joints or skin, as well as a plan for how to ensure that they are feeling no pain. At Seneca Animal Clinic, want to make sure your cats golden years are the best years yet!
What are the stages of a senior cat’s life? How to spot signs of aging?
At Seneca Animal Clinic, we feel that a cat enters the senior life stage at 8 years of age and becomes a geriatric at 10 years of age.
Important Signs of Aging:
• Changes in appetite
• Changes in drinking behaviour
• Changes in activity level and ability to jump/run
• Changes in appearance (weight loss? Coat looks different?)
• Changes in litterbox habits
My senior cat is losing weight, what can I do?
If you feel that your cat is losing weight, the best thing to do would be to bring it to the clinic so that your veterinarian can perform a complete physical examination and senior blood work. Weight loss can be a sign of a variety of different diseases commonly seen in aging cats.
What are some tips for how to care for my senior cat?
Always ensure a warm and cozy place for your cat to sleep, beds should be soft and well padded. If your cat is having trouble going into the litter box, a new litterbox with lower walls may be more comfortable. The veterinarians at Seneca Animal Clinic are happy to discuss with you the many ways to make your senior cats years comfortable and happy.
What are some common health issues experienced by senior cats?
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Dental disease
- Diabetes
- Hyperthyroidism
- Osteoarthritis
Why is my senior cat having behavioural issues?
Senior cats may become confused about their normal routine and may exhibit new behaviours because of this. They also can have poor vision and hearing which can attribute to changes. If you feel that your cat’s behaviour is different, schedule an appointment to discuss with your veterinarian.
