Cats can live to old age – in some cases under 20 years old, but did you know that your cat is considered “mature” already after eight years?
As you age, your cat will require more attention to yourself so that you are able to identify possible warning signs of an impending disease and better satisfy her needs changing with age.
Here are some points you should keep in mind and potential problems that may arise when caring for your old cat.
Activity level
With age, cats can sometimes become less active and less interested in hunting and games. This may result in loss. muscle tone, which helps when jumping, running and climbing. Rigid joints can be both a cause and a consequence of a decrease activity level, so you might consider providing the cat in the diet with additional beneficial supplements after consultation with a veterinarian.
Old cats, like humans, can sleep more often than they slept in young age, but not so deep.
feeding
Cats are known to be finicky eaters in their better years, and with age, often become even more finicky. Their sense of smell and taste are getting worse, and those goodies, which they may have loved in their youth, often lose their attractiveness. It is important to pay special attention to feeding. an aging cat to make sure she gets the appropriate nutritional supplements, eats enough portions and gets the right diet for her changed level of activity.
Wool
The deterioration of the condition of the coat at an old age in a cat is caused, generally difficulties in maintaining good nutrition or how side effect of an aging body that means a cat becomes more susceptible to cold and humidity. Make sure that its sleeping place is warm enough and there are no drafts in it. Also take care that the cat does not overheat in hot weather, as changes in the body can make it difficult enough for her maintain your natural internal temperature.
Digestive system
Along with the aging of the cat, its digestive changes. system, bowel function slows down, leading to a decrease the ability to absorb the nutrients that her needs the body. You must control your cat’s weight in order to be sure that she is not losing weight, and be alert that she does not bowel disorders such as constipation or diarrhea.
Decreased kidney function may cause your cat will drink more water, which may cause problems with urinating. Kidney problems in old cats relatively often, so keep an eye on her periodically drinking habits in case of possible problems. Special diet and medications can help for ongoing kidney treatment, so talk to your veterinarian if you are concerned about this.
The immune system
Your cat’s immune system will worsen as it catches. aging. The cat may become more susceptible to infections and diseases, and identifying and getting rid of them will be more difficult than when she was younger.
Teeth
Teeth and gums problems in aging cats quite often, so you need to be alert and pay attention on the symptoms of dental diseases.
If your cat seems to be having problems with chewing, eating makes her pain, or she scatters a large amount of food during nutrition, then, maybe she has a problem. Red sore gums bad breath, abscesses, gray teeth (which means that the root of the tooth is dead) – all this requires treatment.
It is recommended that you teach the cat the experience of brushing its teeth, when she’s still young, using a specific toothpaste with definite taste and soft brush. It’s certainly easier said than make, however, an old cat who is not used to it, will very, very strong protest against brushing your teeth.
You may also find it necessary to check your teeth. cats at the vet who, under general anesthesia, will remove all the dead and broken teeth to prevent her from any pain and infections.
Eyes and ears
Like humans, your cat’s vision and hearing can be severely impaired. in old age. If the cat’s vision and hearing are impaired, it may become less responsive and will hardly adapt to change in the environment. Try to avoid any large changes in the house without emergency. Be vigilant on signs of cataracts and other vision problems that may develop in older cats.
Regular medical examinations
Regular check-ups with your vet by your cat are even more important, than her periodic vaccination, because with age her immune the system will become less effective in dealing with various diseases. Your cat must undergo a general body check. with a veterinarian on an annual basis throughout her life
As your cat ages, you may consider controlling her weight and general condition on a more regular basis. There are many veterinary practices when old pets with special needs are examined on a regular basis, anticipating thereby their future needs and identifying possible problems with health.
Insurance
Regardless of age, it is recommended to insure all household pets, although in the case of a “mature” pet, this is even more necessary. You will most likely find that your pet’s insurance will cost more after a certain age, or that the value of your payments will increase slightly. Carefully read the wording of the insurance policy to find out if whether any treatment or conditions that are excluded from current insurance claims.
In addition, the level of coverage and the period of time during which insurance companies will finance any procedures significantly vary by different insurers. You have to check whether your cat all the necessary treatment for the duration her life. Some insurance policies only fund treatment until a certain amount or within a certain period of time.
Your vet will be able to advise you on the best insurance. companies and policies available to your pet during the last years of his life, as he must know first-hand cases pet insurance and addiction of various companies pay or not pay for various insurance events, especially in the moment when it is needed most.
