2006-10-02 12:29:59 · 6 answers · asked by Becky H 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Aging in cats is similar in many ways to aging in humans. Look for stiffness in movement, loss of gloss in the coat, and sleeping even more than normal. Older cats are much more prone to chronic conditions, such as kidney failure, diabetes and thyroid conditions, but most are manageable. I reccomend taking her to the vet for a full check-up twice yearly, rather than just annually. However, just because your puss is getting on a bit doesn't mean she can't lead a normal life. Help her her out by putting a heat pad under her bed to keep her joints warm and mobile (or let her share your duvet), reduce the protein in her diet a little to protect her kidneys (buy 'senior' cat food or ask your vet for a prescription diet) and help her groom those hard-to-reach areas with a little extra brushing. If she's very stiff and can't jump any more, put ramps up onto her favourite snoozing and sitting places and have a few extra litter boxes around in case your puss can't get to her regular one in time. Oh, and have lots of extra cuddles on standby- most gets become more affectionate as they age and spend more time in the home- usually on the lap!
2006-10-02 12:43:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with everything Red has said except for the reduction of protein in the diet. I have a 22 yr old cat whom I got when she was 15 and dying of hyperthryoidism. That was treated successfully. She has had a raw meat, home-prepared diet with a supplement, containing calcium, salmon oil, egg yolk. B vitamins, vitamin E, etc. for seven years now.
Her kidneys have been bad for four years now and she is still going strong, quite active and feisty, had a "dental" two months ago, etc. The study that suggests cats should have reduced protein diets was done on rats (quite removed from the cat from an evolutionary standpoint) in 1928. No subsequent research done on cats has shown that reducing protein helps the kidneys or prolongs a cat's life. Still veterinarians persist in pushing their reduced protein "prescription" foods. The QUALITY of the protein is more important than the quantity. So my Cameo has had the highest quality protein I can provide for her, human grade meat.
It is important that senior cats have a vet check, including blood work on an annual basis. Old age is not a disease and many problems that older cats can develop can be treated and help the cat to have a healthy and happy old age.
2006-10-02 13:21:05 · answer #2 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Her AGE, silly. But if you mean, what are the signs that her health is failing, then loss of appetite, loss of hearing, poor eyesight or cloudy eyes, scraggly fur, sleeping more than usual, lack of interest in things she used to do---those are the things you often see.
2006-10-02 12:32:12 · answer #3 · answered by MOM KNOWS EVERYTHING 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stiffness, and not jumping like she used too. Her appitite may wane a little bit too. Sleeps more. Poor kitty.
2006-10-02 12:33:23 · answer #4 · answered by Skanky McSkankypants 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They start leaving poops and pees around your house...not because they're mad, but because they can't help it. They start wiping their hiney on the carpet because they can't reach to clean it. Their appetite changes too. Bones sticking out.
2006-10-02 13:15:50 · answer #5 · answered by 30 year old 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My solid black now has white whiskers. She also has dementia and has forgotten she doesn't like the dog. LOL
2006-10-02 12:43:12 · answer #6 · answered by lollipop 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋