Cats are living longer because of preventative health care, good consistent nutrition, dental care and more and more cats being housed indoors exclusively.
What are the stages of a senior cat’s life? How to spot signs of ageing?
There are several stages of a cat’s life. A mature cat is between 7-10 years, a senior cat is between 11-14 years and a geriatric cat is more than 14 years old. Signs of ageing include weight loss, a decrease in activity and grooming, behaviour changes (such as accidents outside the litter box), changes in eating and drinking and difficulty jumping up.
My senior cat is losing weight, what can I do?
A physical exam is always recommended. Our veterinarians will thoroughly examine all systems (sensory, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, neurological and urogenital). Based on their physical examination further tests such as bloodwork, urinalysis and radiographs may be recommended to determine the cause of the weight loss.
How can I care for my senior cat?
There are several interventions that owners can make to keep older cats happy. They include senior diets, interactive toys to help keep them active, easy access to litter boxes and food and water dishes.
What are some common health issues?
Some common health issues are kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, obesity, poor mobility, and osteoarthritis.
Why is my senior cat having behavioural issues?
Behavioural issues can be a result of health problems such as hyperthyroidism but can also be due to cognitive dysfunction.
