What are the common health problems in senior cats?
Three major health issues commonly affect senior cats: kidney disease, thyroid disease (hyperthyroid), and dental disease. Heart conditions are also possible but less common. Additionally, arthritis and obesity often go underrecognized or occur together in older cats.
How can I tell if my senior cat is in pain or discomfort?
Detecting pain in cats can be challenging as they often hide it. Look for behavioral changes such as sleeping more, avoiding elevated surfaces, moving slower, or becoming reclusive. These subtle signs can indicate discomfort. Cats rarely vocalize when in pain, so observing deviations from their normal behavior is crucial.
What should I include in a senior cat's diet? Anything particular? Do they need a special diet?
If your cat has a medical condition, they may require special food for issues like kidney or thyroid health. For overweight cats, reduced-calorie food and joint supplements may be beneficial. Senior foods are available, but the diet should be tailored to your cat's specific needs.
How often should my senior kitty visit the vet?
Senior cats should visit the vet twice a year. If they have specific health conditions, they may need more frequent visits. Regular check-ups help monitor weight, heart health, and detect issues that might not be obvious daily.
What are the signs of arthritis in my senior cat?
Signs of arthritis include decreased jumping, limping, changes in litter box habits, or bowel movements outside the box. These behaviors can indicate joint problems.
How can I help my senior cat manage his weight?
Manage your cat's weight by controlling their food intake, avoiding overfeeding, and limiting treats. Use small bowls to spread out their daily food portion. Automated food dispensers can help prevent begging by disassociating feeding from you.
How do I monitor my senior cat's kidney health?
Monitor kidney health through regular vet visits, where urine and blood tests can be conducted. At home, observe changes in urine habits and appetite, and watch for changes in litter clump size if using clumping litter.
What are some common dental problems that cats have, especially seniors?
Dental disease, including periodontal disease, is common in senior cats. This can lead to pain, infection, tooth loss, and inflammation. Watch for signs like facial swelling, drooling, reluctance to eat, and bad breath.
How can I make my home more comfortable for a senior cat?
Consider lowering litter box entry points for easier access. Provide quiet spaces and comfortable napping areas for your senior cat. A window view with birds and sunlight can also be enjoyable for them.
What changes in behavior should I watch for in an aging cat?
Watch for changes in social behavior, appetite, and energy levels. Avoidance of usual activities, stiffness, difficulty moving, or litter box issues can indicate health problems.
What's the best way to address incontinence in senior cats?
Address incontinence by ruling out medical issues through testing. Conditions like diabetes or hygiene issues caused by obesity or long hair may contribute to incontinence. Improved litter box hygiene and grooming assistance can help.
How can I help a cat with vision or hearing loss, and how would I know?
Changes in response to calls or sounds may indicate sensory loss. Safe environments are crucial, especially for outdoor cats. Noticeable eye changes or lack of response to stimuli can signal vision or hearing issues.
What are the signs of cognitive decline in senior cats?
Cognitive decline can manifest as changes in social behavior, aggression, or disorientation. Cats may become confused, leading to altered interactions with other pets.
How do I manage medication for my senior cat?
Medication management depends on the type. Options include mixing medication with canned food, using pill pockets, or applying transdermal medication. Always follow instructions and consult your vet if difficulties arise.
What should I know about hospice care for senior cats?
Hospice care focuses on comfort, minimizing testing, and managing pain. Discussing options with your vet can help prepare your home and support your cat's quality of life during this stage.
How can I provide enrichment and mental stimulation for a senior cat?
Continue activities suitable for all ages, like purposeful play and food puzzles. Ensure your cat has opportunities for exercise and mental engagement to maintain natural instincts and overall well-being.
When should I consider end-of-life care for my senior cat?
Determining when to consider end-of-life care is challenging and personal. Consult with your vet for guidance. Observe changes in weight, appetite, and social interaction as indicators of quality of life.
What should I do if my senior cat needs to gain weight?
Identify the underlying cause of weight loss and address it with your vet. If no specific cause is found, consider higher-calorie foods or appetite stimulants tailored to your cat's needs.
What are the best ways to monitor my senior cat's overall health at home?
Monitor litter box habits, sleeping patterns, and eating behaviors. Observe for signs of discomfort or grumpiness, which may indicate health issues. Regularly check for changes in behavior that could signal health concerns.
Cat Senior Care - FAQs
Dr. Nichola Gaither
Animal Hospital of Statesville
How do I know if my cat is in pain?
That's a great question. Pets exhibit pain different than you or I would, as they're not as vocal. We think about if we're in pain, we say that something hurts. If you think about pets, they're going to hide that pain to survive, and so that's more of what they do. For instance, if your cat is ordinarily social and comes out and greets you, they may stay more hidden under the bed, or perhaps they don't jump up on things anymore.
What is the difference between hospice and palliative care?
We often use those two terms together. What I tend to think of as hospice is talking directly about the end of life. And palliative care is more trying to keep the pet comfortable. We discuss both of those things with our clients often.
What is involved in euthanasia for a senior cat?
Euthanasia is a humane way to end a cat's life. And that's a hard thing to talk about, but it is something that we deal with regularly because cats age, dogs age, and owners want to take care of their pets. They want their pets not to be painful, and sometimes it's hard to know that. And so we can help them determine if there's more palliative care that can occur or if it's time for their pet.
Would it be better to let my senior cat just pass away on their own?
That's a tough question. I feel that, again, euthanasia is a humane way to let them go to end their life. That is a bit of a personal choice, so I don't claim to say if that's right or wrong to do that. Some pets can pass peacefully on their own, but we also know that, with certain diseases, pets can suffer. As part of veterinary medicine, we're able to provide that end of life service.
What I often talk to clients about is that you guys know your pet the best. While we are happy to give advice and do an exam to determine what might be going on or if there is pain for your pet, I often tell owners that they know their cat's quality of life as far as their day-to-day. So when they come here, their adrenaline is up, so a cat or dog may be acting differently. They may be racing the room whereas at home, they were barely able to walk. We don't always get to see that real-life day-to-day assessment of their quality of life, so I always support an owner's decision if they feel like their pet is not well at home. It's often a little more soothing to have that conversation, to be reassured that they're making that right decision. It's a very tough decision—I always tell clients that you never want to make that decision too soon. Sometimes, there are options of pain management or things that can make your pet feel better and have a good quality of life, not just prolonging their life.
Other times, however, it is the right decision, so they don't want to make the decision too soon, but they don't want to also make it too late. And so that's a really fine line, but we're here to help guide you with that and help support you in that decision and to ultimately take the best care of your cat that we're able to.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (704) 872-3625, you can email us, or you can reach out on Facebook. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.