4 Possible Health Issues to Face When Caring for an Old Cat

The average lifespan of a cat is rising steadily. You may be curious as to whether or not your feline friend is considered a senior. However, being an older adult is defined by more than just chronological age in animals. Many 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 don’t just get sick as they are old. Many of the issues that affect senior cats’ health can be traced back to their particular lifestyle and physiology. As avid hunters and meat eaters, they put their bodies through stresses that other species may not face. These breed-specific traits have been linked to several age-related feline health issues. Furthermore, these are the most frequently occurring problems.

Kidney Disease

Kidney failure, usually brought on by old age or an injury, means that your cat’s urine will contain all of the harmful toxins its body produces instead of being filtered out. Weight loss, increased urine output, bad breath, and extreme thirst are all symptoms. Your veterinarian may recommend a low-protein, low-salt, and low-phosphorus diet with a high intake of Omega-3 fatty acids for the early stages of this condition.

Even though they are elderly, it is essential to vaccinate your cat to prevent them from harmful diseases. Click here if you want your pet to be vaccinated.

Obesity

Obesity is a common feature in senior cats. Aging cats tend to be less active 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 overweight.

Did you know there are several proven health benefits to spaying or neutering your pet? If your pet is healthy, spaying or neutering is available at any age. If you’re considering getting this procedure done on your pet, you should talk to an experienced vet first.

Dental Disease

Has your cat started dropping their food or having problems lifting it to chew? Painful periodontal disease is prevalent in senior cats and could be the case here. Without frequent brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can build up on teeth and cause serious health problems. Get your cat’s teeth professionally cleaned and then maintain their cleanliness by brushing them daily.

Cats are notorious for swallowing foreign objects, so if you find something in your cat’s mouth, it’s best to call the vet. Ignoring the warning signals of a tooth problem can lead to excruciating pain and may need dental surgery from a cat surgeon in Seattle.

Cancer

Most elderly cats pass away from cancer. Since cancer refers to uncontrolled cell proliferation, it covers many diseases that might strike your pet. For cancer to develop, abnormal cells must invade neighboring tissues and cause havoc in the body’s regular functions.

Early detection is crucial because of cancer’s terrible and ultimately fatal effects. When a cat is considered senior, it is nearing the end of its life. So, for the finest care in their final days, it’s preferable to contact vets offering hospice care for cats services.

Bottomline

Do not assume that just because you are a cat owner, you will always know whether your cat is sick. Sick cats, especially older ones, are masters at hiding their symptoms. Maintaining optimal health for your cat requires constant communication with your veterinarian. This is especially true for elderly cats, who are at a greater risk of contracting the disease simply due to aging.