Just like in people, a cat’s body changes as the cat ages. Normal aging involves gradual changes, but some senior cats develop age-related illness. Caring for senior cats involves identifying normal age-related changes, caring for the aging cats special needs, and consulting your veterinarian about any drastic changes or questions about the aging cat.
There are normal changes to a cat’s aging body. Cats become less sensitive to thirst as they age, so dehydration is a concern for owners of aging cats. Older cats may have less ability to regulate their body temperatures which makes them more sensitive to heat or cold.
Many older cats experience changes in the acuity of their senses. The senior cat’s sense of sight or hearing may decline gradually as the cat ages. Sudden or drastic changes should be reported to your veterinarian since sudden or extreme changes can be signs of cat diseases.
Older cats are prone to developing age-related cat diseases and infections. Arthritis is a condition that is more common in senior cats. Arthritis can cause inflammation of the joints which can be painful.
Many cat owners may not realize that aging cats often develop changes in their mouths. Dental disease, mouth ulcers, and tooth loss are problems that are common with senior cats. Aging cats may also have decreased saliva production which can cause difficulty in swallowing.
Cat cancer is a common concern for cat owners of senior cats. Signs of cat cancer include the growth of bumps or sores that will not heal. If a cat owner suspects that their senior cat has cancer, the cat owner should have their cat examined by a veterinarian.
Caring for senior cats is different than caring for the cat when it was younger. A diet that is lower in calories can benefit a senior cat because older cats are less active and therefore use less calories. Therefore, the cat may gain weight if fed the same food as that you did when it was younger and more active. Obesity is a serious concern for older cats since it can make the cat susceptible to diabetes, mellitus and arthritis.
Older cats need to be taken to the veterinarian more frequently for regular checkups. This is important because it allows the veterinarian to screen for age-related cat diseases.
Senior cats naturally become less active which can be detrimental to the cats health. Without active play, cats can lose muscle strength and not receive proper exercise. Therefore, cat owners of senior cats should initiate play often.
