Old Cat Health Problems

A senior cats may lose the spring in its step, but owners can save them from many health problems by learning about common diseases and taking special care of their older cats. Cat World in Australia states that cats are elderly after they turn 10 or 12, and whether or not they show immediate signs of aging, special care is necessary to keep them healthy and give them long lives.

  1. Normal Signs of Aging

    • Senior cats have less energy than they did as kittens. Keeping cats fit by enticing them with climbing activities and play will keep them agile, according to veterinarian Holly Nash at Pet Education. Older cats also have trouble regulating temperature and prefer warm environments. Nails become brittle and coats become dull, requiring extra grooming.

    Eating Habits

    • While middle-aged cats often gain weight, senior cats fail to digest and absorb fat from their food as well as they did in their youths, causing weight loss. If weight loss is excessive, it could signal a disease, but other times a high-calorie food for finicky eaters solves the problem.

    Health Problems

    • Old cats experience health problems that make their lives more challenging. Some older cats experience vision loss, which owners will notice if cats have trouble finding their food or following a toy as they wave it on the floor. Hearing loss is another concern, which some owners find difficult to detect; if cats snap when touched, it is possible that they did not hear the person approach and were startled. As cats age, bone cartilage thins and regrows unevenly, causing joint pain, also known as arthritis.

    Diseases

    • Dental disease is the most common disease in cats, according to veterinarian Daniel T. Carmichael at DVM NewsMagazine. This begins with inflammation and redness and progresses to loose teeth and pain. Older cats are also at risk for cancer, with symptoms including a lump or mass on the body, urination or defecation problems, bleeding or discharge, loss of appetite, or a bad odor, according to Pet Place. Liver disease, hyperthyroidism and inflammatory bowel disease also pose a threat. Kidney disease, or chronic renal failure, is a common cause of death in old cats, with symptoms including excessive thirst and urination, weight loss and vomiting.

    Keeping Senior Cats Healthy

    • Senior cats appreciate routine and comfort. Cat World in Australia recommends owners of older cats avoid changing routine to reduce stress. Daily grooming keeps the coat healthy and gives owners a chance to examine for growths and weight loss. Owners should keep a cat bed on the ground, and buy a flat litter box that is easy for arthritic cats to enter and exit. Because cats do not always show signs of disease, the American Association of Feline Practitioners recommends that senior cats have a check-up at the veterinarian every six months.