Understanding The Changing Health Needs Of Mature, Senior And Geriatric Cats

Here at Perkins County Veterinary Hospital, we believe if you have lived with your cat since it was young then you have a good understanding of what is normal for your cat in the way of behavior and habits. Any changes in their behavior or habits can be a sign of illness. Because signs of illness in cats can be so subtle, even the most astute owner may miss some of these changes especially when the onset is so gradual. For this reason, it is extremely important to bring your cat to your veterinarian annually until 8 years of age and then semi-annually after 8.

During the visit with your veterinarian and their staff, you will review habits and behavior that may signal changes in health. This review will prompt you to think about what is going on with your cat and have a different perspective which may help in identifying signs of illness. In addition, your veterinarian will perform a physical exam which will play a significant role in determining where your cat is in the aging process and what can be done to keep it as healthy as possible for as long as possible.

A focus of senior cat veterinary appointments is to identify illnesses which may be in an early stage and set up a plan for treatment and management of any symptoms that may be causing discomfort. There are many illnesses which can be managed with diet and sometimes medications may significantly improve the wellbeing of your cat. It is through the partnership of cat owner and veterinary team that we can best address and manage senior cat issues for the best outcome.

Specific Age Related Issues For Senior Cats

Changes in the cat's body that are common as a cat ages include:

• Altered sleep-wake cycle

• Changes in thyroid function

• Decrease in kidney function

• Changes in vision

• Decreased sense of smell

• Brittle/ingrown nails

• Heart or circulatory problems

• Decreased digestion and ability to absorb nutrients

• Reduced ability to handle stress ¥ Changes in behavior

• Changes in mobility/arthritis

Your Role As The Caretaker Of An Elderly Cat

The most important role when caring for your elderly cat is being aware of their behavior and habits. Their needs may change subtly over the years but they still require the basics of cat care including social interaction and an enriched environment. While older cats may sleep more, they still need interaction and a stimulating environment to keep their bodies active and their minds engaged. Cats of all ages need a stimulating environment to keep healthy. Especially for indoor cats, the need for engagement is very important. All cats need to hunt and play and interact.

In addition to a stimulating environment, owners of elderly cats can expect to be responsible for things like:

• Make sure sleeping and eating areas are easily accessible

• Adjust physically challenging areas for easy access

• More Frequent Veterinary Visits

• Dispensing Medication

• Lifestyle Accommodations

• Understanding your expanded role in the life of your elderly cat is essential to helping them age gracefully. At your next appointment, one of our veterinarians would be happy to give you some insight and guidance on how to ensure your cat enjoys a smooth transition into its elderly years.

Wellness Visits For Senior Cats

The American Association of Feline Practitioners recommends that senior cats be seen by a veterinarian every six months. Because cats age faster than people, that means almost two (kitty) years will pass between visits. It is important to monitor elderly cats in between visits, because cats are very good at hiding symptoms of disease or illness. As cats age, illnesses become increasingly common. Therefore, it is reasonable to expect that mature cats, senior cats, and geriatric cats will likely begin to develop one or more conditions that will significantly affect their quality of life.

A typical wellness visit for senior cats includes checking:

• Thorough review of habits and behaviors

• Weight and Body Condition

• Skin and Coat Quality

• Mouth, Gums and Teeth

• Ears and Eyes

• Thyroid Gland

• Heart and Circulatory System

• Lungs and Nose

• Abdomen

• Joints and Muscles

• Any condition changes since the last visit

Additionally, wellness visits for senior cats can also include vaccinations, parasite prevention, and treatment for any specific conditions that your senior cat may be developing.

Senior Cat Food

Feline nutrition is extremely important throughout the entirety of a cat's life. However, it is an especially important facet of senior cat care. Feeding a mature, senior or geriatric cat an age specific diet can help:

• Manage Weight

• Increase Lifespan

• Reduce or eliminate pain

• Maintain healthy skin, coat and bodily functions

Senior cat food is formulated specifically for the nutritional requirements of aging cats. It can be served in dry or wet (usually canned) form. Because aging cats require increased daily water intake, serving canned food and/or leaving multiple water dishes around the house is always a good idea when possible. Feeding small, frequent meals 3-4 times a day will help senior cats digest food easier than serving fewer, larger meals.

Dental Care In Senior Cats

As cats enter their senior years, those who have addressed dental care with regular dental checkups throughout their life, have a significant advantage over cats who have ignored their dental issues. However, regardless of whether dental care has been a mainstay of your cat's preventative program, it will be extremely important as it ages. Dental disease is a gradual but painful degenerative condition. Living with chronic pain is very stressful and will significantly impact your cat's wellbeing. Of course your cat won't let you know that they are in pain, however the fact is that all cats over 4 years of age have some level of oral health issues, and these conditions do cause significant pain. If your cat has not had a dental checkup in over a year, they are definitely due. Schedule an appointment today.

Managing Disease In Elderly Cats

As your cat ages, he or she becomes more susceptible to the myriad of diseases commonly found to plague elderly cats. Some of the more common ones include:

• Kidney Disease

• Diabetes

• Thyroid Disease

• Hypertension

• Gastrointestinal Issues

• Arthritis

• Cancer

• Memory/Comprehension Challenges

Managing disease, whether this means preventing or treating one or more at a time, requires a knowledge of the ailment, and also spotting symptoms in elderly cats before they become full-blown emergencies. This is why it is essential to monitor your cat's behavior and routine, and note any changes, including:

• Weight Loss

• Increase in thirst and urination

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

• Appetite

• Litter Box Habits

• Lethargy

If you witness or suspect any changes in behavior or routine for your mature, senior or geriatric cat, we recommend making a veterinary appointment immediately

Considering Quality Of Life For Senior And Geriatric Cats

Partnering with your veterinarian is the best way to enjoy your cat's senior years and allow your cat to age gracefully and comfortably. During your regular visits, quality of life issues will be addressed. Along the way, you will make health decisions for your cat with the help and guidance of your veterinarian. At some point, you may be confronted with serious health issues and may need to address the need for diagnostic testing and possibly procedures for your geriatric cat.

Some important health assessment questions you and your vet will review include:

• Is your cat experiencing any pain and if so is the pain well managed?

• Is your cat's appetite normal and it is able to eat normally?

• Is your cat interacting with other pets and family members as usual?

• Does your cat have more good days than bad days?

• Does your cat follow predictable routines for sleeping, resting, grooming, eating, playing and socializing?

If you are having trouble discerning the answers to any of these questions, our veterinarians are here to help.

End Of Life Decisions For Your Cat

Partnering with your veterinarian through your cat's senior years will make the final decisions more gradual and gentle. End of life decisions are always difficult but when you feel supported by our veterinary team, you will feel more comfortable and accepting of your choices.

At Perkins County Veterinary Hospital our compassionate and supportive veterinary team is here to help you in any way that is in the best interests of you and of your feline companion. We understand this is a very difficult time regardless of the situation. You have lived with your cat for a long time, you have a strong bond with your cat and the grief process is real and should be taken seriously. Please contact us for information about end of life services including grief support.