Page 4 - Small Talk - September 2012

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As a result, owners are seeing many more
age related problems in their pets and are
often concerned with quality of life in their
older cats and how to recognise health
problems. Cats are adept at hiding signs
of clinical disease or distress and do not
generally respond in a manner owners
associate with ill health. Advances in
veterinary medicine and therapeutics have
significantly contributed to the increased
life expectancy of the feline population
and continue to play an important role
in maintaining a good quality of life in our
older cats. The most common age-related
problems in cats are listed in table 1.
Regardless of the pet there are several
important environmental considerations
that can significantly improve quality of life
in the geriatric cat.
Older cats will often have an increased
water demand due to developing kidney
problems, hyperthyroidism and a reduced
intake of food associated with arthritis,
lethargy and dental disease. Allowing
access to more water bowls in easy to
access locations at ground level and
provision of running water will aid water
intake. Allowing adequate litter trays away
from food and water bowls in easy to reach
locations will reduce stress associated
with toileting and identify any alteration in
toileting that may indicate a health problem.
As a rule households should have one litter
tray per cat, plus one.
As osteoarthritis can lead to older cats
being unable or unwilling to climb or jump,
due consideration should be given to
placement of food, water, shelter and
toileting access.
A combination of arthritis, dental disease,
inadequate shedding of claws and senility
can result in matted coats and overgrown
claws. These changes are not always
obvious. Grooming and trimming of your
cat's claws regularly will help prevent this.
While most of our cats enjoy outdoor
adventures older cats will generally seek
shelter more often in colder, inclement
weather, or if younger cats entering their
garden or territory confront them. It is
important that cats in general, and
specifically geriatric cats, are allowed
access to shelter either via cat flap, or an
outdoor shed/garage that can be accessed
at all times. If you notice your older cat is
spending more time indoors check your
cat is not suffering from ill health or
environmental stressers.
There are ways to identify early clinical
disease or distress in older cats; monitor
your cat’s food and water intake, urine and
faecal output (including colour and
consistency), check for any skin lumps,
bumps or wounds, monitor activity, weight
loss and breathing rate. If any changes are
observed consult your local vet as soon
as possible.
Veterinary practices are always keen to
help in the care of older animals and regular
six monthly 'wellness checks with your vet
are advised for any cat over eight years
of age. These checks will normally comprise
a full clinical exam, claw clip, weight check
and urine and or blood analysis to detect
any health issues as early as possible.
With a few simple measures in place older
cats can enjoy a more comfortable,
stress-free 'retirement', with early detection
of health problems resulting in better
management and a greater chance
of recovery.
The average life expectancy of our domestic
cat population is increasing with most of
our indoor feline friends expected to live to
15 years of age and many living to 20 years
or beyond.
by
Graeme Stevens
BVM&S MRCVS
Minster Veterinary Practice
Age
Clinical problems
in
senior
cats
1
15
2
24
3
28
4
32
5
36
6
40
7
44
8
48
9
52
10
56
11
60
12
64
13
68
14
72
15
76
16
80
17
84
18
88
19
92
20
96