How Cat's Age and Their Health Needs Change

When your cat becomes older their internal organs experience a natural deterioration. There are changes in the heart, brain, kidney, and liver; can lead to your cat developing life threatening health conditions.  If caught early for example a cat can live a long life with only half of their normal kidney function. It can also make kidney diease hard to detect in older cats because they may have lost a significant amount of kidney function before there are outward signs of illness

This is why regular veterinarian checks are vital for your older cat to maintain a level of health and activity. The veterinarian can spot signs of major health issues before you might notice. The vet can notice a change in weight before you do and perform test to find out the cause. Kidney issues are a major cause of weight loss in older cats.

Older cats do sleep more and are less active. These by themselves are not signs of illness. Eye sight and hearing in cats, like humans deteriorate with age. Your cats coat will become less thick as well. If any of these changes are sudden you should see the veterinarian, other wise you should look for abrupt changes in eating or drinking as an indication your cat may be developing health problems. Older cats that have issues with their teeth may not eat as well therefore lowering their immunity to disease in general. Brushing your older cat’s teeth and asking the veterinarian for if supplements for nutrition are needed may help keep your older cat’s immunity in shape.

 Some cats lose weight in old age due to poor digestion. Other cats gain weight that puts them at risk for conditions like diabetes because of reduced activity. You veterinarian may recommend a change of diet or special prescription cat food based on your cat’s situation.

 When your cat is considered old? It is generally around the age of 10 that cats begin to show the signs of age. That is about the human equivalent of 55 or 60.  Cats who are 13 are about 70 in human years. Cats that are approach 20 are the equivalent to a human in their 90’s. Older cats like many elderly people do not like their routine disturbed. Moves and travel with older cats can be stressful and lead to more serious physical problems. Consult your veterinarian about medication and strategies to help lower the stress your older cat experiences when you travel or move with them.