Cat Health Care Problems in Senior Cats

As cats get older they are faced with more cat health care problems. Just as with humans, the older a cat gets the more its health deteriorates. Owners are advised to keep a close eye on their senior cats and to keep cat health care a priority. Although unfortunately many of the cat health care problems associated with older cats are untreatable, vets can make life as comfortable as possible for the pet through medication or diet.

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common afflictions to affect older cats. Osteoarthritis affects cats by causing inflammation of the joints meaning that moving around becomes difficult, in much the same way the condition affects humans. Signs of osteoarthritis are normally quite obvious. Usually the cat appears generally less mobile and might display difficulties in getting up or down stairs as well as standing or lying down, they may also appear to walk awkwardly. Owners who suspect this cat health care problem might be affecting their pets should visit the vet. There is no specific treatment for the condition but owners can buy a range of cat foods targeted at arthritic senior pets to help ease their pain.

Heart disease is another common cat health care problem in older cats. An estimated one in ten cats is found by their vets to have some sort of heart condition. Symptoms of heart disease are not so obvious but may include coughing, particularly at night and a noticeable reduction on appetite. Owners who believe that their pet may be suffering from a heart condition should consult a vet who will be able to suggest ways of improving the cat’s condition. This might include altering the animal’s diet or exercise regime. Alternatively, some other treatments might be able to lengthen the cat’s life.

Finally, chronic renal failure commonly affects senior cats. Basically meaning a deterioration in kidney function, this is a progressive and irreversible cat health care problem. The condition can be caused by several factors such as polycystic kidney disease, cancer, infections or poisoning. Amongst its many symptoms are excessive drooling, increased thirst and urination, vomiting and mouth ulcers. Owners should remember that not all cats will develop all of these symptoms. The illness has no cure, but options are available to manage it and maintain the highest possible quality of life for the cat. Preventing the cat from becoming dehydrated should be an absolute priority. feeding moist cat food and providing a ready supply of fresh water should be top of the priorities list. Try to use a cat food that is lower in protein and phosphate, this will reduce toxins in the bloodstream, reducing pressure on the kidneys.

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