Optimizing Your Senior Cat's Health and Well-Being

Although cats are subject to many of the age-related diseases and conditions which afflict humans, they can't tell us what hurts, so it is up to us to be aware of the possibilities and to monitor their health constantly. In addition, there are many precautions we can take with younger cats to forestall problems as they age.

With careful management in partnership with your veterinarian, you can help your cat enjoy his golden years to the maximum.

 

Age-Related Conditions in Cats

In cats, just as in humans, body parts start to wear out after a certain age. Arthritis rears its ugly head; eyes may not see quite as well, hearing deteriorates, and teeth that have not been properly cared for begin to deteriorate, causing painful mouth conditions.

Some of these conditions can be forestalled, through diet and diligent maintenance, and others can be helped through veterinary intervention.

 

Osteoarthritis

Senior cats that exhibit the symptoms of aching joints may be afflicted with Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease. Excess weight may be a contributing factor, and weight control (including exercise) is an important part of any treatment program for Osteoarthritis.

 

Safe Weight Management

This article is a review from Lesson 1, since weight control plays a part in both overall health, and in relief from arthritis. If you feel comfortable with what you learned, you can skip it. Otherwise, read it again.

As cats age and become more sedentary, they often tend to gain weight if continued on their normal diet. Although this normally happens between the ages of six and eight, sometimes older cats become obese. Even younger cats, if allowed to eat excess amounts of high-calorie foods, may gain weight excessively.

Excess weight can be contributary to a number of conditions, including not only arthritis, but also diabetes and heart disease.

 

Dental Care for Senior Cats

It is never too late to start a dental care program for your cat. Your first step should be a complete oral examination by your veterinarian. Older cats are susceptible not only to tooth loss, but also to painful oral lesions. Once the immediate problems are resolved, a commitment to dental care will protect those valuable teeth for life.