Common Health Problems of Aging Cats

Kidney Failure

• One of the most common problems older cats face is kidney failure. Though the kidneys are one of the first of a cat's organs to start showing age, sometimes kidney failure is a result of problems with heart function--the heart is not pumping well enough to keep the kidneys supplied with blood. Unfortunately, by the time a cat's owner notices the symptoms of kidney failure--increased thirst and increased urination--kidney function has usually decreased by 70%. Kidney failure can be diagnosed by your veterinarian through blood tests; after the diagnosis your vet usually will prescribe a diet lower in protein. He or she may also advise giving your cat intravenous fluids periodically to prevent dehydration. Kidney transplants are available at major veterinary colleges, but they are expensive.

Peridontal Disease

• Though cats are vulnerable to tooth and gum disease throughout their lives, they become even more so as they age. The best strategy is prevention, with regular teeth cleaning by your veterinarian for your older cat. If your cat is experiencing swollen gums or abscessed teeth, however, your vet can do things to alleviate the problem. If your cat has serious periodontal infection, the vet may have to pull all of her teeth. Often the veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics as well. If periodontal infection goes untreated, it can spread through your cat's bloodstream and cause a dangerous systemic infection, or an infection of the heart.

Diabetes

• Aging cats are increasingly prone to diabetes. As with several other ailments, the first symptoms of feline diabetes include increased thirst and increased urination. Your cat may experience changes in weight--either gaining or losing it--and changes in activity level. Your vet can diagnose diabetes with a blood test; once it is diagnosed, special cat food is necessary. The vet will often keep your cat in the office for a few days until the proper amount and feeding schedule can be determined. Often insulin injections are necessary as well. Diabetes is more common in obese cats, and male cats are more likely to develop diabetes than females.

Hyperthyroidism

• Hyperthyroidism, or an over-active thyroid gland, is another problem common to aging cats. If experiencing hyperthyroidism, your cat may lose weight and demonstrate an increased appetite. His heart rate probably will increase, and he may lose fur or seem more nervous than usual. Your vet can make a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism with blood tests, and the treatment options are very similar to those for humans with this problem. The condition can be controlled with the medication methimazole, or your veterinarian may advise surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland. Treatment with radioactive iodine is also effective, although both this and surgery will usually require that your cat be on thyroid replacement medications for the rest of his life.