Common Old-Age Cat Diseases

As cats age, they, like humans, are increasingly susceptible to common diseases and illnesses. Becoming familiar with these illnesses can help you spot the onset of symptoms in your cat and allow you to seek timely medical attention. If your cat displays any of the symptoms below, it is recommended that you take it to the veterinarian immediately.

  1. Kidney Failure

    • Feline kidney failure is a result of the kidneys being unable to filter waste material, causing your cat to slowly poison itself. Symptoms of kidney failure include increased urination and thirst, depression, listlessness, weight loss, vomiting and decreased appetite.

    Diabetes

    • Much like humans, our feline companions can become diabetic. Behavior such as increased drinking and urination, weight loss and weakness are common indicators of diabetes. A veterinarian can preform a glucose check to verify that this is the issue.

    Liver Disease

    • A cat's liver has multiple purposes, including the regulation of chemical levels in the blood. When liver disease is present, loss of appetite, yellowing of gums and eyes and pain in the abdomen can occur.

    Dental Illness

    • As cats age they will sometimes have difficulty with their teeth. Cats with dental illness will display signs such as drooling, bad breath and loss of appetite or reluctance to eat.

    Hyperthyroid

    • Hyperthyroid occurs in a cat when its thyroid gland produces excess thyroid hormones, which regulate the cat's metabolism. Symptoms include excessive weight loss, hyperactivity, increased eating and drinking and poor fur quality.