Loving Our Senior Cats

Donald H DeForge, VMD
SilverSandsVeterinary.com
1-800-838-3368
DonDeForge100@gmail.com

Loving Our Senior Cats

Senior cats aren't necessarily at the end of their life — they're just learning how to live it differently, so you and your cat still have plenty of time to do all the human-cat things that best friends like to do.

Be proactive~~~not reactive!

Talk to Dr. DeForge about basic testing for Senior Cats to rule out problems that can be minor now but major if left unattended.

The testing recommended is not complicated.  

Start with a Senior Profile and Complete Blood Count for cats.  These tests look at common problems found in older cats: kidney; liver; pre-diabetes; hyperthyroidism etc. The Complete Blood Cell Count looks at hematology.  

It review Red Blood Cells, White Blood Cells, checks for infection and inflammation in the body; looks at your platelets etc.  These are the same tests run on humans but they are veterinary species centered.  

The SDMA biomarker can pick up early kidney disease; 40% earlier than other biomarkers we have used for years.

So the question is not.... why should I run these tests?......the question.... is WHY NOT?

An Electrocardiogram is an excellent way to diagnose early heart issues.  Telemedicine is a vehicle through which we can send your ECG to a Cardiologist for Interpretation!  Chest X-rays and Echocardiograms-i.e. a sonogram of the heart] are readily available at Silver Sands Veterinary with our visiting Radiologist. 

Is Your Cat a Senior?

At one time, cats were considered "senior" at the ripe old age of eight! Now with advancements in nutrition and with more and more cats being kept indoors; it's no longer unusual for a cat to live well into their teens or even into their twenties. 

Despite the lengthened lifespan, cats still reach their, early, senior years around the age of NINE. 

While this seems very young for a cat that might have more than half of their life left to live, it is important to realize the changes in their biology. Think of it this way: even though humans are living longer these days (some into their 90s or 100s), they are still considered a senior citizen between the ages of 60 and 65. 

Even if you do not see any physical changes, it is still important to think of your cat in their proper cycle of life.

Signs of Aging in Cats

Typically, as a cat heads into the senior years they begins to show signs of slowing down. 

They might also be less inclined to jump or climb, and might even have difficulty getting to hard-to-reach places. 

Older cats are more prone to weight gain, although some aging cats lose weight instead. Any such weight change could be signs of a serious health issue and should be discussed with Dr. DeForge.  

Diabetes, Hyperthyroidism, Cancer, Liver Disease, and Kidney Disease must be reviewed with Dr. DeForge in both the overweight and underweight Senior Cat.

Common Senior Cat Problems

Aging cat issues are often similar to those faced by humans. Older cats are susceptible to such problems as arthritis, obesity, vision and hearing problems and dementia..............as well as a host of diseases such as diabetes, cancer, kidney, liver disease, and thyroid problems. 

All cats are prone to periodontal disease. Without proper cleanings and oral x-rays by Dr. DeForge problems are likely. All cats, and especially aging cats, are susceptible to dental issues like gum disease.  Feline tooth resporption is common in all cats and cause pain and difficulty eating in cats.  Seniors could be affected by multiple cat caries- i.e.resportive lesions. 

Become a Senior Advocate and Detective! 

Look for any of the below signs and report them to Dr. DeForge. 

·       Difficulty or reluctance to try jumping or climbing

·       Changes in weight

·       Strange lumps or bumps

·       Failing to use the litter box or excessive urination

·       Appetite loss

·       Diarrhea or constipation

·       Incontinence or lack of urination

·       Lethargy or listlessness

·       Not able to play with toys or remember tricks that were taught

·       Excessive meowing, yowling, or other vocalizations

·       Runny nose or eyes

·       Cloudy eyes

·       Bumping into objects

·       Pawing at the face

·       Excessive howling-dropping food-chewing on one side of the mouth

Caring for Your Senior Cat

 All cats should have plenty of clean, fresh water available to help improve kidney function and prevent dehydration.  This is even more important in the aged cat with early kidney problems. Be sure water is plentiful and easily accessible. Older cats may sometimes forget to drink, so consider either adding wet food to your cat's meals or switching to canned Senior diets to ensure plenty of fluids.

Despite their tendency to be less active, older cats still benefit from regular exercise. Encourage your cat to move and play as much as she's willing to. Don't push, especially, if your cat shows signs of joint pain or discomfort.

You can help reduce the risk of arthritis and joint problems by adding supplements that contains omega-3 fatty acids as well as glucosamine and chondroitin. Their is a plethora of supplements on the intervet.  Do not purchase any supplements without a consult with Dr. DeForge and orthopedic x-rays at Silver Sands Veterinary.  

Health Checks: Cats are masters at hiding their pain, so any signs of problems might go unnoticed until they become too pronounced to ignore. 

This is why it's important to take your aging cat for regular health checks to Dr. DeForge. Pay close attention to your aging cat's behavior patterns and report any changes to Dr. DeForge.

Common Problems in Older Cats:

·        Diabetes

·        Kidney Disease

·        Liver Disease

·        Heart Disease

·        Lung Disease

·        Hyperthyroidism

·        Osteoarthritis

·        Dental Disease

·        Bartonella Infection

·        Leukemia and Immunodeficiency

·        Primary v. Secondary Hypertension-High Blood Pressure

·        Cancer

·        Intestinal Obstruction

 Testing Advised:

1.           Chest  X-rays
2.            Electrocardiogram
3.           Comprehensive Chemistry Profile and CBC with Urinalysis
4.            Screening for Cat Bartonella-Immunodeficiency-and Leukemia
5.       Blood Pressure Screening

Senior cats aren't necessarily at the end of their life — they're just learning how to live it differently! 

Be proactive and schedule the testing that Dr. DeForge feels is necessary to bring a pain free quality of life to the cat you love.

Question[s]: E-Mail Dr. DeForge at:  DonDeForge100@gmail.com