As like human cat also begins to lose the fighting power against the disease with ages. Senior cats usually plagued by diseases, sometimes more than one diseases. A veterinary visit is the best way to keep up your cats good health. At least one time in every year, all cats health should be checked by an expert veterinarian. But senior cats need a twice or thrice yearly checkup. This checkup reduces senior cat health problems. If the diseases diagnosed early, then proper treatment may extend a senior cat’s life.
It is very important for a senior cat to watch their behavior carefully. If you find any changes in their regular lifestyle for no reason, it indicates the symptom of the disease. Then immediately consult with your vet and take the necessary step. Here we describe some of the older cat’s health problems and their symptoms. Read this article and expand knowledge.
Dr. Lorie Huston says that ”Do not assume, you will always able to identify your cats illness. So working together with your veterinarian and ensure the better health.”
Table of Contents
Beware of the most Common senior cat health problems
Cancer
Feline veterinary specialist Dr. Heather Wilsons resource shows that almost 30% (percent) of cats over 12 years of age will be diagnosed with many types of cancer. Lymphosarcoma is the most common type of cancer though their are many types of cancer. Cancers signs will depend on their types.
Take your cat to your vet as soon as possible if you notice any of this symptoms:- Sudden weight loss; bleeding from the mouth or nose; difficulties in breathing, eating, defecating or urinating; abnormal body smell; hunger loss and loss of energy level; lameness that doesn’t improve.
Dental Disease
Dental disease is occurred in every ages cat, especially in older cats. If teeth are not professionally cleaned or brushed then Dental disease occur. This is a serious disease for older cat because it can affect cats appetite. They can not pick or chew foods.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a very common senior cat health problem. A well-known feline veterinary specialist, Dr. Arnold Plotnick research shows that almost 90% (percent) of cats over 12 years of age has signs of Arthritis. But sometimes the owner does not understand this problem. Arthritic cat becomes less active, do not jump on the furniture or any high place, sleep more, pees outside the litter box. If you find any of these symptoms then talk to your vet as soon as possible.
Chronic Renal or kidney Disease
Kidney failure is one of the most common health problems. Veterinarians see this disease commonly in the senior cat. kidney filter many wastes which is created in a cat’s body and these wastes are eliminating via the urine. When the kidney damaged, that time they can not filter this waste then this waste buildup in your cat’s blood stream. Symptoms of the Chronic renal or kidney disease is a lack of hunger, weight loss, vomiting, increasing the urine volume, etc. It is such a deadly disease for a cat.
Hearing Loss
As like human cat also begins to loss the sense of hearing with age. If you notice your senior cat dose not response you then you understand that he have some hearing problem. Their is no hearing aids for your cat. So teach them about hand or foot signal. You can also teach them the time-honored system.
Failing Vision
Failing Vision is a very common senior cat health problem. As like human cat also begins to loss the power of eyes with age. Proper treatment and medicine can help your senior cat. If you find any cloudiness or whiteness of the lens then contact with your vet. Cataracts can be successfully removed by surgically.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is very common in all ages cat. It is a very dangerous health problem for every ages cat, especially for a senior cat. There are many forms of heart diseases. HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy) is one of the most common forms of heart disease. The end result of heart disease is heart failure; paralysis of hind legs and sudden death. Heart disease generally termed as “silent killer”. Although symptoms do not typically occur, these possible signs could include difficulty in breathing; coughing; paralysis; weight loss. If you notice any of these symptoms then take medical attention.
Diabetes Mellitus
The result of Diabetes is increasing the blood sugar level. As a result, the cat being overweight and leading a sedentary life. Insulin injections will require for those cats who have diabetes. Remission will occur when very strong action is taken in the early stage of diabetes. If remission occurs then no needs of insulin. If remission does not occur then continue the insulin.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a disease which attacks thyroid gland. As a result producing rate of thyroid hormone is increasing. This extra hormone has many bad effects. Symptoms of the hyperthyroid is, diarrhea, vomiting and increase in urine amount. If you notice that your cat is developing hyperthyroidism then contact with your vet.
another problem I have with mine is an enlarged colon. without having his guts sliced, the only thing I can do for him is give him Miralax in his canned food to keep him with a regular bowel movement. If not, then he,s full of crap and has problems with constant constipation