Ah, the Golden Years! Our senior pets, much like us, can suffer from a variety of different “old age” issues. The goal of our veterinary team is to help you, the pet parent, make your cat’s golden years as comfortable and pain-free as possible. Contact the clinic to find out what options are available for your cat’s specific needs.
What are the stages of a senior cat’s life? How to spot signs of ageing?
Cats are masters at hiding their pain and discomfort. Our older friends are no exception. One of the most common comments we hear is that the senior cat is sleeping more often, or in strange spots. The second most common is that the pet is no longer jumping around, or as active as usual. Both of these can be the first outward signs of arthritis in your senior cat. Our veterinary team recommends your cat to come in for an exam if you notice anything out of the ordinary with them and at least once per year.
My senior cat is losing weight, what can I do?
Our veterinary team would recommend an examination and nutritional consultation. Additional diagnostics like blood work and/or urinalysis may also be recommended.
How can I care for my senior cat?
Our veterinarians recommend regular examinations for our senior friends every six months – sooner if there are problems detected. With some senior pets, you may not notice any change in their attitude, lifestyles or exercise regime, while others tend to “slow down,” as they age. It is generally recommended that senior pets are allowed to set the pace and frequency for interactions and exercise. Also, senior pets require special dietary consideration. If you have a senior pet, contact the clinic for his bi-yearly examination and a nutritional consultation.
What are some common health issues?
Our senior pets can suffer from many of the same “old age” ailments as we do. Pets as young as two years of age can suffer from arthritis and dental disease! Senior pets are more prone to these as well as obesity, kidney disease, weight loss/muscle wasting, failing eyesight and hearing. Senior pets could also suffer from cognitive dysfunction – similar to Alzheimer’s disease, or senile dementia in people. There are many options available to help your cat’s golden years shine. Contact Park Road Veterinary Clinic for more information.
Why is my senior cat having behavioural issues?
As our senior pets age, they can have many issues including behavioural ones. Often, the behaviour changes seen are the result of an underlying issue causing pain, like arthritis. If you are noticing any changes in your senior cat, behavioural or otherwise, contact the clinic to schedule an appointment with one of our veterinarians. There are several options available to help your senior cat have a more comfortable time, during their golden years.
