Our Aging Pets

Cats and dogs, when they age, are quite a bit like people. Their metabolism changes, and so their needs change. I thought that since our cat Rainbow is getting older, and she is showing some signs of her age, that I would do some research and find some things to watch out for. I didn't think it would hurt to share this with you, as I'm sure that some of your cats may be getting older too.

According to Pet Education.com, cats tend to gain weight in their middle age (who would have guessed it?), but then thin out as they reach their senior years. Senior cats do not digest nor absorb fat as well as younger cats. We may need to provide them with more digestible forms of fats for them to maintain their energy needs. They may need fatty acid supplements.

Older cats may need to be groomed more than younger cats. This can help prevent hairballs which can cause more problems with the senior cats than the younger cats. While grooming, check for lumps, bumps, and non-healing sores. Like their owners, the skin of the older cat becomes thinner, less elastic and more prone to injury. Injured skin will take longer to heal than in younger cats. The fatty acid supplements will help in this manner as well. Brushing will help to stimulate the sebaceous glands and spread natural oils throughout the coat aiding the softening of the skin.

The older cat's nails will become more brittle and need more attention. Since they may not be using the scratching post as much as before, they may need to have their nails clipped more often as they age.

Just like us, older cats may develop arthritis especially in formerly injured joints. I noticed that our cat has more difficulty jumping up onto chairs and other surfaces she used to have no problem reaching. I guess I don't have to worry about her getting onto the table any more. WARNING: Some cats are particularly sensitive to anti-inflammatories such as aspiriins and acetaminophen. Only give to your cat what your veterinarian prescribes and use only the suggested dosage amount. Older cats lose muscle mass and tone just as we do. So you may notice your cat having more difficulty moving. But even older cats like to play, and are not too proud to continue playing in empty boxes, empty grocery bags, and with toys. Encourage this whenever you can, even if your cat is slowing down.

Similarly, look for problems with dental disease, especially in the gums in your older cats. Their immune system is not as active and older cats may be prone to an increase in infections. Constipation in older cats is a serious problem that needs treatment from a veterinarian. Less activity contributes to this as well as hairballs and a slower digestive
system. Also watch your cat and make sure they are still drinking plenty of water.

Older cats are prone to more respiratory infections and cardiac problems. Heart problems may lead to kidney conditions, since blood flow to the kidneys may be restricted. As a cat ages, the liver slows down its ability to detoxify the blood, and decreases the amount of enzymes it releases into the bloodstream. Glands can cause hormones to go awry in older cats. Some cats develop diabetes mellitis when they are older. Blood tests can diagnose these problems and there are medications that can decrease the impact of the onset of the disorders.

In some female cats mammary glands may harden and chances increase for developing mammary tumors. Most of the tumors found are cancerous.

Some older cats may not handle stress very well any more. Some of this may be due to changes in sensitivity to temperatures, hearing loss or vision loss. Our cat has developed a sensitivity to the cold, and needs to stay near a register or heater longer than she used to. She may even need a heated bed eventually. Some cats may suffer hearing loss. If they do not hear you approach they could seem overly reactive or aggressive when you come upon them unexpectedly. Fortunately, even with a hearing loss, most cats can still sense movement and vibrations. But if this isn't enough, you may need to flicker the lights on and off to warn your cat when you are approaching.

Watch the behavior of your cat. Behavior problems you have never or rarely seen before could be an indication of one or more of the problems mentioned above. Consider the descriptions to see if perhaps the changed behavior may be explained by some of the conditions. For example, one sign of kidney disfunction is a sudden increase in water consumption and urination. If the change seems sudden or drastic, visit your veterinarian to eliminate the possibilities of diseases or other problems.

Our cats are part of our family. They will live for a long time when we pay attention to their needs. And the love they give back to us makes it all worthwhile.