Senior Cats
The ageing process varies with each individual, but signs of ageing can be detected
anywhere from 7 to 11. Cats over 14 years old are considered geriatric, though many will
still have years of life ahead of them.
Signs of ageing can include decreased activity, matted fur, more time spent sleeping and
a reduction in mobility and sensory function. Elderly cats can also develop signs of
senility including, increased vocalisation, inappropriate urination or defaecation, loss of
memory and the inability to cope with a change in environment or routine.
Any signs such as these can be signs of disease and should not necessarily be labelled
as ‘natural ageing’. Please make an appointment to discuss any concerns with a
veterinary surgeon as there are many tools available to them which can make life more
comfortable for an older cat.
Keeping a senior cat comfortable
Keep their regular routine
Keep the household as calm and peaceful as possible
Monitor the cat’s ability to groom and assist with this if necessary
Monitor nail length – reduced scratching can lead to overgrown nails
Ensure the cat has warm, comfortable bedding
Allow the cat their own quiet space where they will not be disturbed
Ensure cats are able to easily reach feeding bowls and litter trays
Diet
Cats may put on weight as they age due to the reduction in activity levels. Obesity can worsen
health problems such as heart disease or arthritis, so if your cat is overweight make an
appointment for a free weight clinic with a nurse. We will be able to tailor a weight loss
program to the cat’s lifestyle, needs and health issues. Cats may benefit from a ‘senior’ cat
food which is higher in vitamins, antioxidants and has a reduced fat content.
Some cats may lose weight as they age due the reduction in senses such as smell and taste.
This may also be an important initial indicator of a disease or condition which requires
veterinary attention so please make an appointment to discuss weight loss with a vet.
Cats often drink less as they age and so switching to a tinned food with a higher water
content may help them stay hydrated. Providing more drinking bowls and a drinking fountain
has often been seen to encourage cats to drink more water.
If your cat is drinking and urinating much more than normal, it is often a sign of a developing
disease and it is advisable to see a veterinary surgeon to discuss this change.
Common health problems
Arthritis: This disease regularly goes undiagnosed by owners due to cats showing much more subtle signs
of lameness or stiffness than dogs. Cats may be less active, grumpier, show reluctance to jump or have a
reduced appetite. They may also groom less frequently or effectively and so may develop matted fur. There
are many treatment options available to treat this condition and they will greatly improve the quality of life of
the cat.
Dental disease: Again, this disease is under-diagnosed in cats as they hide pain very well. Common signs
of dental disease are bad breath, increased salivation, reduced grooming and appetite, reduced activity and
often more grumpiness. Dental disease can easily be rectified with a dental scale and polish under general
anaesthetic. The excess tartar is removed and any rotten teeth extracted. The teeth are then cleaned with an
ultrasonic de-scaler and polished.
Hyperthyroidsm: This disease is caused by an overactive thyroid gland and is commonly associated with
weight loss, increased appetite and excessive thirst. This condition is simple to diagnose and can be controlled
with medication. If left untreated it will certainly reduce the lifespan of the cat.
Kidney disease: This very common disease can be managed with medication and diet which will slow the
progression of the disease and afford the cat a longer and better quality of life. Ask at reception about our
Well Pet Clinics where conditions such as this can be discussed with a nurse.
Heart disease: Often detected much later in life than dogs, due to their more sedentary lifestyle.
Medication can often greatly improve the quality and length of life for the cat. We have a cardiac specialist
who can investigate heart disease using our cardiac ultrasound machine and electrocardiogram. Once heart
disease is diagnosed, medication may greatly improve the quality of life of your dog.
Diabetes mellitus: Especially common in overweight cats, and characterised by weight loss, increased
hunger and thirst. Once diagnosed the disease can be controlled with medication, and can also sometimes be
cured through weight loss if the cat is obese.
Lumps and bumps: These are often nothing to worry about but it in some cases they are forms of cancer.
It is advisable to monitor any growths and report them to a veterinary surgeon. If they are a cause for concern,
the vet may want to take a fine-needle biopsy of the lump and surgical removal may be recommended.