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 Elderly cats make great companions. As they age, they are also more likely to develop certain health and dental problems.
The physical characteristics you are first likely to notice are diminished strength and stamina as well as a loss or increase in appetite and weight.
Your cat may also become stiff in the joints and sleep a lot more.
There are now medications which can relieve the stiffness caused by arthritis. He or she may also become house bound, so it would be wise to re-introduce a litter tray.
Sometimes the loss of bladder control is passed off as 'old age'. If this occurs it is suggested that the problem be seen to, as it may not be just incontinence, it may be a simple problem that can be easily treated.
Eyesight and hearing will also begin to fail. You need to protect your cat from dangers he or she may no longer see or hear. Try to feed your cat in the same place it has always been fed in and try not to re-arrange the furniture.
Parts of your cat that physically cannot be seen to be failing are the liver and kidneys. Slow changes in the amount of fluid taken in can indicate these problems. Regular check ups every few months help to keep these monitored for any further deterioration.
With age also comes a change in appetite. This may either increase or decrease. Your cat may also become thirstier. It may be trying to tell you something so listen to its needs. If your cat's appetite increases, feed him or her more meals daily, rather than increasing the meal size. High quality proteins are needed and many pre-package 'senior' foods can cater for this. Fresh fish, meat and poultry are also good forms of proteins. A blood test may be needed to rule out thyroid or kidney disease.
Elderly cats are also prone to constipation. Pet laxatives, which are available from your vet, can help with this, as too can fish oil, such as from tinned pilchards or tuna.
Ask your vet if you have any further queries about your elderly cat.
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Author: Dr Malcolm McKenzie, Sherwood Veterinary Clinic
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