Cat Old Age Problems

Older cats may have a hard time grooming themselves and paired with a declining appetite may lose weight or become dehydrated. Its estimated that cognitive declinereferred to as feline cognitive dysfunction or fcdaffects more than 55 of cats aged 11 to 15 years and more than 80 of cats aged 16 to 20 years. When cats get older you dont want a great big tall litter box thats hard for them to get in and out of.
cat old age problems

Gum and periodontal disease may cause a lot of pain and the cat may even refuse to eat.

Cat old age problems. Help with gentle grooming if your cat will let you. Its estimated that disorientation occurs in at least 40 of cats aged 17 years and. Pay extra attention to your senior cats diet. The majority of cats develop dental and gum problems after the age of 3 due to poor dental hygiene.

Here are some signs that your cat might be experiencing one of these common senior cat problems. Here are the top six ways to care for aging cats. Theyll have problems jumping into and out of the litter box. As cats age they are subject to many of the same types of so called age related ailments that we are.

Hormonal disorders kidney disorders cardiac disorders liver problems arthritis impaired nutrient absorption impaired immunity dental disease. While these changes are obvious as your kitten matures into an adult cat the changes when your cat transitions from an adult to a seniorstarting at 11 years oldcan be harder to spot. Difficulty or reluctance to try jumping or climbing changes in weight strange lumps or bumps failing to use the litter box appetite loss diarrhea or constipation incontinence or lack of urination. The effects of aging as they age cats often suffer a decline in functioning including their cognitive functioning.

Try to prevent gum disease and tooth decay by brushing on a daily basis and giving your cat chew treats that will scrape off the plaque from his teeth. There are many common age related diseases of cats. As cats live longer they are more likely to experience age related medical problems including arthritis and mobility problems hyperthyroidism obesity heart conditions diabetes and chronic kidney insufficiency. Kidney failure is one of the most common problems veterinarians see in senior cats.

Disorientation is often the first sign that pet parents recognize as cognitive decline in their older cats. This can give your cat an unkempt or scruffy appearance. Regular geriatric exams starting early in your cats golden years can increase the likelihood of early detection and proper management of any deteriorating kidney function.