How to Provide the Best Quality of Life for the Geriatric Cat

Older cats are prone to aches, pains and health issues just like their human owners. Such problems come with advancing age. The average lifespan of the cat has increased and chances cat owners will see age-related issues have increased as well.

It is not uncommon for the vets to recommend some tests for senior cats to make sure the internal organs are functioning like they should. Cats don't always show signs that they are not feeling as well as they did in their younger years. Some tests can let the vet know something is wrong with the senior cat long before he or she shows or feels signs of illness.

If the senior cat is healthy, it is probably a good idea for your vet to at least have yearly blood work done. You may actually save your cat from experiencing problems of illness when it is caught in the early stages.

Always visit the vet if your cat displays any of the following:

Increased or decreased water intake and urination Weight loss Decreased appetite Vomiting or diarrhea Failure to groom Appearance of a growth or mass Any changes in activity level or normal daily habits

One of the most important things you can provide your vet is an accurate history. It is important to be able to detail any changes or symptoms the cat is displaying.

Conditions more common in senior cats include:

Renal (kidney) disease Gastrointestinal diseases Arthritis Hyperthyroidism Neoplasia

Renal disease, common to senior cats, can be picked up on a yearly blood screen before outward signs appear. Some kidney problems will cause symptoms such as increased water intake and increased urination. You may notice you need to fill the water bowl more often or empty the litter box more often. Kidney disease is not necessarily a death sentence even for the senior cat. There are medications and treatments that can greatly enhance the quality of life for your senior cat.

Overactive thyroid gland or hyperthyroidism is another common problem in the senior cat population. Symptoms might be loss of weight, even though the cat's appetite increases or that the cat's sleep-wake cycle changes. Overactive thyroid gland is another condition that is now easily diagnosed and treated. However, if this disease is left untreated or undiagnosed a host of other problems may appear such as:

Cardiac disease Gastrointestinal problems High blood pressure Blindness Even death

Many cat owners dread hearing their cat has neoplasia. This is also unfortunately a common problem in the senior cats. It is a disease that is very difficult for vets to diagnose. Diagnosing may call for extensive diagnostic testing.

Arthritis is another common disease in senior cats. Signs of arthritis in cats may include:

Decreases in activity level or ability/desire to jump Limping Weakness Decrease in appetite

If you notice any of the signs of arthritis, avoid over-the-counter human medication. These medicines can be very hard for the cat to metabolize and may actually even damage their internal organs. There are new veterinary medicines for the treatment of arthritis that can be used safely in cats.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is not meant to diagnose or treat any kind of health problem in your cat. You should always consult with a trusted veterinarian for all health problems.