Older Cat Health Problems
A cat can live up to 16 years or more. Generally, when a cat is 7, it is considered a senior. And, when a cat reached 12, it is considered to be geriatric. A 12-year-old cat is equal to a 70-year-old human. This does not mean that an older cat is close to death. Advances in veterinary care for cats in the last decade have given them healthier and longer lives. However, older cats are prone to developing health issues and diseases. Regular check-ups with your vet will ensure that your cat has the healthcare attention he needs as he starts to age. It's possible that cats can live up to 20 years, but at such an advance age, their quality of life depends on their owners providing them with excellent care.
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Internal Organs
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As a cat ages, it's natural that some organs will fail. Often, older cats will have respiratory problems and can develop feline asthma. Changes in water intake, bathroom habits and appetite could all be linked to health issues within a cat's internal organs. Losing and gaining weight can be an early sign of kidney failure and other diseases. Because of kidney problems, older cats may suddenly start to defecate or urinate outside of their litter boxes. This happens in older cats due to hormone changes and excess water intake. If your cat has stopped using the litter box after years of not having any accidents, you should contact your vet about treating incontinence.
Nutrition
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A cat's metabolism starts to slow down as they age. This will result in a higher ratio of muscle to body fat. Fortunately, wet and dry foods cater to the nutritional needs of older cats. A good diet will provide your cat with the best nutrition to ward off diseases and infections as they get older. In addition, if a cat's diet has consisted of more wet food than dry, it may need to have teeth cleanings. This can be done by your vet. Oral health issues like gingivitis and tartar can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, infection and even death in older cats.
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Vision
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As cats get older there could be a change in their vision. For some, this could mean a small change which may not be noticed by their owners. For others, this could be serve blurred vision or total loss of sight. Your vet can perform an eye exam to detect any signs of glaucoma or cataracts and prescribe medications.
Arthritis
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A cat's activity level will start to decrease as it ages. In some cases, an older cat will start to have pain in its limbs. Older cats may no longer be interested in chasing their favorite toys. Pain in the limbs may be a sign of osteosarcoma or arthritis. Limping or lumps on the legs may be indicative of a physical change or problem. Vets can prescribe medications to treat problems affecting the limbs and the pain associated with arthritis.
Exterior Appearance
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The condition of a cat's coat or fur is sign of aging. As cats age, the fur becomes much less soft and lackluster. Hair loss will occur more than usual as a cat becomes older. This may be accompanied by a cat's change in grooming behaviors, which could be a sign that there are significant health problems and pain. If you notice your cat focusing its grooming on one specific area of its body, it may be that it is trying to heal the source of pain and should be seen by your vet as soon as possible.
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- Photo Credit Old wise cat image by Okunev Alexander from Fotolia.com
