As we age, we all become more prone to illness and your cat is no exception. It is important to realise that cats are infamous for masking illness so the smallest changes can be significant, therefore optimal healthcare for older cats makes a big difference to them later in life.
Below is a list of common conditions that affect older cats:
Kidney disease
Kidneys should be considered ‘the temple of the cat’ because disease in them is so common in middle to older aged cats. Kidneys function to filter blood of waste products (excreted as urine) and retain water and protein (for hydration and body condition). When they are diseased this role is completely reversed. This results in increased thirst and urination, nausea leading to reduced appetite, dehydration and weight loss. Untreated kidney disease is fatal. Early detection is vital for the long term management of kidney disease.
Hyperthyroid disease
Hyperthyroid (overactive thyroid gland) is the most common hormonal disease in domestic cats. Early detection of this disease carries a good prognosis and treatment can be curative. The overproduction of thyroid hormone causes the body to function at a very active state 24 hours a day (very high heart rate, weight loss despite a very good appetite, increased thirst and urination and high blood pressure). This is dangerous and eventually can be fatal if left untreated. Often the first indications of this disease are an increase in appetite and/or thirst coupled with weight loss or an inability to gain weight.
Reduced mobility
Studies have shown that 90% of senior cats have osteoarthritis. Unfortunately, unlike their canine counterparts, it often goes unnoticed at home because cats are not taken for regular walks where lameness and slowing down are obvious. However joint pain, although well hidden by our felines, is very common. Older cats are often described as “sleeping more”, “being lazier” or “getting old” when in fact these are the subtle signs of joint pain. The most common indicator in our experience is a cat that reluctantly jumps up or down from a favourite spot. Early detection of osteoarthritis is best for long term pain management and reduced severity of disease progression.
Diabetes
Diabetes is unfortunately not just a disease in people, it is a relatively common disease of older, usually overweight cats too. With early detection diabetes can be reversible in cats. The most common signs of diabetes are increased urination and thirst with weight loss or weight gain.
Dental care
Just as people need regular dental check ups, so do our cats. Toothaches, gingivitis, tartar and cavities are very common in cats and just as painful as they are for us. (Remember that cats hide their illness and rarely stop eating with dental pain). If you think of dry biscuits/dental treats etc. as slowing the progression of tartar build up (like people brushing daily) then it makes sense that cats require professional cleaning to remove tartar that brushing alone cannot remove. Oral health significantly contributes to general body health as saliva is swallowed and any bacteria present reaches vital organs (healthy mouth = healthier body). By the time your cat has bad breath the mouth is already full of nasty bacteria and tartar buildup.
Heart disease
Heart disease in cats is relatively uncommon in comparison to dogs. However some breeds are predisposed to heart conditions. Your cat’s heart will be assessed at every senior health check for any audible abnormalities.
High blood pressure
High blood pressure can be dangerous in cats, just as it can be in people. High blood pressure can indicate certain diseases such as kidney and thyroid disease and will be checked at every senior health check up.
Pet Doctors offers our Senior’s Wellness Program designed specifically by our Vets for cats over 7 years of age. This program helps identify and maintain any diseases that become more prevalent in older cats. Please call us on 55 760 400 for more information.
