What kind of health problems do older cats have?
Age is another factor: Kidney disease is very common in older cats. Symptoms can include decreased appetite, weight loss, vomiting or diarrhea, and lethargy, but some cats do not have symptoms at all. Treatment often starts with pinpointing the cause of the kidney disease and then treating that condition.
What are the signs of an older cat?
Older cats frequently develop arthritis in their joints, making it harder to jump up on the back of the couch, climb the cat condo or get into and out of the litterbox. Vision and hearing loss are also common. You’ve probably already noticed an increase in catnaps, another indication that your cat is getting a little older.
What does it mean when an older cat has an accident?
Accidents with older cats may indicate an infection, loss of sphincter control, or another underlying disease that needs attention. An older cat’s change in appetite likely indicates a health problem.
What does dehydration do to an older cat?
Dehydration, a consequence of many diseases common to older cats, further diminishes blood circulation and immunity. The skin of an older cat is thinner and less elastic, has reduced blood circulation, and is more prone to infection.
What kind of problems do older cats have?
Older cats are susceptible to such problems as arthritis, obesity, vision and hearing problems and dementia, as well as a host of diseases such as diabetes, cancer, kidney or liver disease and thyroid problems. Aging cats are susceptible to dental issues like gum disease and feline tooth resorption, a disease in which teeth dissolve at the roots.
How to deal with an older cat’s health?
Dealing with Older Cat Health Problems. If nothing is done to care for your cat’s mouth, by the time your cat is a senior, he may even have lost some teeth. Dental disease can be painful, causing your cat to have difficulty eating or even avoid his meals. This may result in weight loss and an unkempt hair coat.
Is it normal for cats to get older?
One of the blessings of cats is that age seems to creep up on them gently — so much so that it may be difficult for us to notice that they really are getting older and have developed some of the common health problems of old age.
How often should my 11 year old cat go to the vet?
Ideally, cats over 11 years of age should see the veterinarian every six months. Blood work done during these visits can detect the onset of health issues—like kidney disease—while there’s still time to make medical changes that will improve and extend your cat’s life.