Biologically, we start talking about a cat as a senior citizen around the age of 10 to 12, although thanks to modern medicine and a quality diet, it is not unusual for them to live into their twenties. The key to their happy old age is early recognition when typical feline laziness becomes a symptom.
The most common problems of old cats
Cats are not among the quarrelsome, and even in their old age they manage things that humans cannot even think about. It is therefore necessary to monitor the cat and have an overview of its behavior.
The symptoms are often mistaken for natural calming, but don’t be mistaken:
- Change in movement patterns: The cat no longer jumps onto the fridge in one smooth movement, but makes its way easier via a chair. This is often a symptom osteoartritidy.
- Coat quality: An older cat has a harder time bending over, so it can’t reach the back and root of the tail. The fur there can feel matted or greasy.
- Changes in biorhythm: Nocturnal wandering, meowing for no apparent reason, or disorientation may indicate cognitive dysfunction, resembling human senile dementia.
“Luna suddenly seemed confused and went among the dogs, who took her presence as an attack. She eventually got out, but not only was I shocked, but so were the cat and the dogs.” says Natálie Formanová, owner of fourteen-year-old Luna.
Statistically, the biggest enemy of older cats is chronic kidney failure. Feline kidneys have a limited capacity and with age irreversible destruction of nephrons occurs. If you notice that the cat is drinking significantly more water and visiting the toilet more often, this is the number one warning sign. Alternatively, it may happen more often that .
The second silent killer of vitality is chronic gingivitis and tartar. Pain in the mouth causes the cat to refuse to eat, lose weight and become apathetic. In addition, bacteria from the mouth can attack the heart and kidneys through the bloodstream.
However, cats can suffer from a number of other ailments including diabetes, thyroid disease, arthritis or cancer.
“Obese cats are unnecessarily prone to several health problems. At the same time, the regulation of how much and what the cat eats is completely in the hands of the owner. Although it is theoretically possible that he will go to finish his meals elsewhere,” says Jana Dobrovolná, veterinary assistant.
The following post from the Super zoo YouTube channel is also about cat health problems – because we love animals.
How to make life easier for an old cat?
Home for senior cats, so that your cat has a barrier-free apartment.
- Resource availability: Bowls with water and food should be on each floor of the house so that the cat does not have to walk up the stairs. The same goes for the toilet. Choose models with a low entry margin and have several.
- Heat: Old cats lose subcutaneous fat and have a harder time maintaining body temperature. For them, a heated mat or a bed by the radiator is a huge relief for stiff joints.
- Adjusting the diet: The switch to senior food is not a marketing ploy. These feeds have reduced phosphorus content for the protection of the kidneys and a higher content of easily digestible proteins, so that there is no loss of muscle mass.
When is it time for the vet?
A preventive check-up is ideal for the elderly every 6 months, maximum 1 year. It should include blood sampling (kidney and liver parameters, sugar level) and blood pressure control.
Hypertension is common in old cats and can lead to sudden blindness. If the cat suddenly stops eating, loses a lot of weight or starts hiding in unusual places, do not postpone the visit for even a day.
