Understanding The Changing Health Needs Of Mature, Senior, And Geriatric Cats

If you have lived with your cat since he or she was young, then you have a good understanding of what is normal for your cat in the way of behavior and habits. Any changes in a cat's behavior or habits can be a sign of illness. Because the signs of illness in cats can be so subtle, even the most astute owner may miss some of these changes, especially when the onset is so gradual. For this reason, it is extremely important to bring your cat to your veterinarian annually until 8 years of age and then semi-annually after the age of 8.

During the visit with your veterinarian and their staff, you will review habits and behavior that may signal changes in health. This review will prompt you to think about what is going on with your cat and have a different perspective that may help in identifying signs of illness. In addition, your veterinarian will perform a physical exam, that will play a significant role in determining where your cat is in the aging process and what can be done to keep him or her as healthy as possible for as long as possible.

A focus of senior cat veterinary appointments is to identify illnesses that may be in an early stage and set up a plan for treatment and management of any symptoms that may be causing discomfort. There are many illnesses that can be managed with diet, and medications may significantly improve the well-being of your cat. It is through the partnership of the cat owner and veterinary team that we can best address and manage senior cat issues for the best outcome.

Specific Age-Related Issues For Senior Cats

The following changes are common as a cat age:

  • Altered sleep-wake cycle
  • Changes in thyroid function
  • Decrease in kidney function
  • Changes in vision
  • Decreased sense of smell
  • Brittle/ingrown nails
  • Heart or circulatory problems
  • Decreased digestion and ability to absorb nutrients
  • Reduced ability to handle stress
  • Changes in behavior
  • Changes in mobility/arthritis

Your Role As The Caretaker Of An Elderly Cat

The most important thing when caring for your elderly cat is being aware of their behavior and habits. Their needs may change subtly over the years but they still require the basics of cat care, including social interaction and an enriched environment. While older cats may sleep more, they still need interaction and a stimulating environment to keep their bodies active and their minds engaged. Cats of all ages need a stimulating environment to stay healthy. The need for engagement is especially important for indoor cats. All cats need to hunt and play and interact.

In addition to a stimulating environment, owners of elderly cats can expect to be responsible for things like:

  • Making sure sleeping and eating areas are easily accessible
  • Adjusting physically challenging areas for easy access
  • More frequent veterinary visits
  • Dispensing medication
  • Lifestyle accommodations

Understanding your expanded role in the life of your elderly cat is essential to helping him or her age gracefully. At your next appointment, one of our veterinarians would be happy to give you some insight and guidance on how to ensure your cat enjoys a smooth transition into his or her elderly years.

Wellness Visits For Senior Cats

The American Association of Feline Practitioners recommends that senior cats be seen by a veterinarian every six months. Because cats age faster than people, that means almost two (kitty) years will pass between visits. It is important to monitor elderly cats between visits because cats are very good at hiding the symptoms of disease or illness. As cats age, illnesses become increasingly common. Therefore, it is reasonable to expect that mature cats, senior cats, and geriatric cats will likely begin to develop one or more conditions that will significantly affect their quality of life.

A typical wellness visit for senior cats includes checking the following:

  • Thorough review of habits and behaviors
  • Weight and body condition
  • Skin and coat quality
  • Mouth, gums, and teeth
  • Ears and eyes
  • Thyroid gland
  • Heart and circulatory system
  • Lungs and nose
  • Abdomen
  • Joints and muscles
  • Any condition changes since the last visit

Additionally, wellness visits for senior cats can also include vaccinations, parasite prevention, and treatment for any specific conditions that your senior cat may be developing.

Senior Cat Food

Feline nutrition is extremely important throughout the entirety of a cat's life. However, it is an especially important facet of senior cat care. Feeding a mature, senior, or geriatric cat an age-specific diet can help:

  • Manage weight
  • Increase lifespan
  • Reduce or eliminate pain
  • Maintain healthy skin, coat, and bodily functions

Senior cat food is formulated specifically for the nutritional requirements of aging cats. It can be served in a dry or wet (usually canned) form. Because aging cats require increased daily water intake, serving canned food and/or leaving multiple water dishes around the house is always a good idea when possible. Providing small, frequent meals 3-4 times a day will help senior cats digest food easier than serving them fewer, larger meals.

Dental Care In Senior Cats

As cats enter their senior years, those who have experienced dental care with regular dental checkups throughout their lives, have a significant advantage over those whose dental issues have gone ignored. Regardless of whether dental care has been a mainstay of your cat's preventative program, it will be extremely important as he or she ages. Dental disease is a gradual but painful degenerative condition. Living with chronic pain is very stressful and will significantly impact your cat's well-being. Of course, your cat won't let you know that they are in pain. However, the fact is that all cats over 4 years of age have some level of oral health issues, and these conditions do cause significant pain. If your cat has not had a dental checkup in over a year, they are definitely due. Schedule an appointment today.

Managing Disease In Elderly Cats

As your cat ages, he or she becomes more susceptible to the myriad of diseases commonly found to plague elderly cats. Some of the more common ones include:

  • Kidney disease
  • Diabetes
  • Thyroid disease
  • Hypertension
  • Gastrointestinal issues
  • Arthritis
  • Cancer
  • Memory/comprehension challenges

Managing disease, whether this means preventing or treating one or more at a time, requires knowledge of the ailment, and spotting symptoms in elderly cats before they become full-blown emergencies. This is why it is essential to monitor your cat's behavior and routines and note any changes, including:

  • Weight loss
  • Increase in thirst and urination
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Appetite
  • Litter box habits
  • Lethargy

If you witness or suspect any changes in the behavior or routine for your mature, senior, or geriatric cat, we recommend making a veterinary appointment immediately.

Considering Quality Of Life For Senior And Geriatric Cats

Partnering with your veterinarian is the best way for your cat to enjoy his or her senior years and age comfortably. During your regular visits, quality-of-life issues will be addressed. Along the way, you will make health decisions for your cat with the help and guidance of your veterinarian. At some point, you may be confronted with serious health issues and may need to address the need for diagnostic testing and possibly procedures for your geriatric cat.

Some important health assessment questions you and your vet will review include:

  • Is your cat experiencing any pain, and if so, is the pain well managed?
  • Is your cat's appetite normal, and is he or she s able to eat normally?
  • Is your cat interacting with other pets and family members as usual?
  • Does your cat have more good days than bad days?
  • Does your cat follow predictable routines for sleeping, resting, grooming, eating, playing, and socializing?

If you are having trouble answering any of these questions, our veterinarians are here to help.

End-Of-Life Decisions For Your Cat

Partnering with your veterinarian through your cat's senior years will make the final decisions more gradual and gentle. End-of-life decisions are always difficult, but when you feel supported by our veterinary team, you will feel more comfortable and accepting of your choices.

At Muddy Branch Veterinary Center, our compassionate and supportive veterinary team is here to help you in any way that is in the best interests of you and your feline companion. We understand this is a very difficult time regardless of the situation. You have lived with your cat for a long time, you have a strong bond with your cat and the grief process is real and should be taken seriously. Please contact us for information about end-of-life services, including grief support.

Schedule an Appointment For Your Aging Cat Today

We are here to help our furry feline patients age gracefully, peacefully, and comfortably by offering comprehensive senior cat care services. Aging cats rely on the love and care of owners and good veterinary support staff as they grow into their later years. Contact us today to learn more about how we've helped improve the lives of thousands of aging cats while bringing peace and happiness to their human caretakers.