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Is it normal for cats to lose their sense of smell?

Is it normal for cats to lose their sense of smell?

In senior cats above the age of 11, loss of smell and appetite are considered a normal aspect of age-related decline. Although most cats will not let themselves starve, it is critical that you avoid any level of nutritional deficiencies or malnutrition during their senior years.

What causes loss of appetite in older cats?

Dental disease is extremely common in older cats and can hinder eating and cause significant pain. Although many different diseases can cause a loss of appetite, in healthy senior cats, a decreased sense of smell may be partially responsible for a loss of interest in eating.

How to tell if your cat is dying of old age?

Telltale Signs an Old Cat Is Dying 1 Indications a Cat Is Dying of Old Age. According to the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine,… 2 Signs of Death for Specific Diseases. Geriatric cats can die from several types… 3 Treatment Considerations. The severity of your cat’s symptoms will increase during… 4 The Aging Cat. When a cat ages,…

What are the signs of an older cat winding down?

These are all signs of “winding down”. Older cats exercise less and sleep more, they groom less thoroughly and less often. They lose their appetites. The early stages of this decline are so gradual that owners may not notice it.

In senior cats above the age of 11, loss of smell and appetite are considered a normal aspect of age-related decline. Although most cats will not let themselves starve, it is critical that you avoid any level of nutritional deficiencies or malnutrition during their senior years.

What causes a cat to lose its appetite?

Respiratory problems can affect your cat’s sense of smell or ability to breathe and lead to a loss of appetite. 2  Upper respiratory diseases may clog your cat’s nose and eyes with discharge resulting in a temporary loss or restriction of sight and smell.

Why does my cat not smell its food?

If an upper respiratory disease has caused your cat to be congested and unable to smell its food, help your pet clear its nasal passages. Take your cat into a steamy bathroom or if you can, put saline drops in its nostrils. This breaks up the nasal discharge and helps your cat breathe easily so it can once again smell its food.

Why does my cat not like scented cat litter?

Because cats’ noses are so sensitive, very strong odors are distasteful if not outright painful. This is one reason I recommend against using scented cat litter: The smell might be nice to you, but it could be overwhelming for your feline friend’s nose. Cats are also known to dislike the smell of citrus and tea tree (melaleuca) oil.