Senior (Geriatric) Cat Health Problems

Older cats benefit from regular health checks. Many veterinary surgeries have geriatric clinics specifically for this purpose where a thorough clinical examination can be performed, checking for teeth, thyroid, heart and other problems. Some clinics also perform blood tests for kidney, liver and thyroid disease, test for infections, check the white and red blood cell count and blood pressure.

Regular booster vaccinations are still advised in old cats. Although unproven, it is thought that the immune system deteriorates with age increasing the cat's vulnerability to infections such as cat 'flu. Boosters stimulate the immune system and help the cat to fight these infections.

As they age cats may have weight problems. Some become fat in middle age but most tend to become thin in advancing years. Regular weighing is therefore important.

Watch your cat to see the signs of retirement:

Slowing down - Admittedly, this can be hard to discern for many cats! You know your cat best -- do you notice any of the following:

• sleeping more than usual?
• Not wanting to climb the cat condo as much?
• Any difficulty grooming the "hard to reach" areas?
• Difficulty going up or down the stairs, jumping up or down off of favorite perches, etc.?

Reduced hearing - Cats can experience hearing loss. The loss may be barely noticeable, or, as in the case of some cats, the hearing loss can be total. Always have your vet examine your cat's ears if there is question of hearing loss -- to rule out parasites, infection, growths in the canal, or other medical problems that could interfere with normal hearing.

Cloudy or "bluish" eyes - Like dogs, cat's eyes often show a bluish transparent "haze" in the pupil area. This is a normal effect of aging, and the medical term for this is lenticular sclerosis. Vision does not appear to be affected. This is NOT the same as cataracts. Cataracts are white and opaque. Vision can be affected by cataracts, and your vet needs to be consulted (see "when is it time to see the vet?" below).

Thinning of the iris - Also known as iris atrophy, some cats eyes, particularly those lighter in color, may appear to be "moth-eaten" as they age. This does not appear to affect vision, but some cats may become more light sensitive. Increased pigmentation in the iris can indicate a malignant melanoma, and should be checked by your vet.

Muscle atrophy - Mild loss of muscle mass, especially the hind legs, may be seen with old age. If your cat is having trouble walking, see your veterinarian. Some cats with Diabetes Mellitus can have nerve problems and become "dropped in the hocks" and have trouble walking, see your vet if your cat is having trouble standing or walking.

Change in urine output and thirst - Cats should not drink more water simply because they are old, it is summer time, or the heater is on in the winter. The most common causes of increased water intake are kidney disease and Diabetes Mellitus problems. Urine leakage or having "accidents" out of the box also signals problems, either with infection, loss of sphincter control, or other underlying disease.

Bad breath, bleeding gums - Good dental health is important not only for the teeth and mouth, but overall general health! Bad breath happens to cats, too. Tartar, tooth loss, and oral ulcers are usually the cause of bad breath, and painful as well. Oral cancers, infections, metabolic diseases (kidney disease, Diabetes Mellitus) are also potential causes for bad breath and oral health problems.

Arthritis pain - There are many medications available today to help ease the pain and discomfort of arthritis. See your veterinarian to discuss what medication is right for your pet.

Sudden blindness, hearing loss, head tilt / staggering - These signs can be seen with a variety of causes - infection, poisoning, age-related, cancer, etc. and your vet should be consulted to find the cause and begin any necessary treatment. Note: some cats can develop cataracts in just a few days, with sudden onset diabetes. See your vet as soon as possible.

Cognitive Dysfunction - Cats, like people, can experience age-related dementia. There is a treatment available that may help some cats. Most of the studies and data on this condition and medical treatments for it are for dogs, but information on cats is starting to become available. Common signs (and treatment available) are outlined in this previous article.

To help your pet at home, here are some pointers:

• Provide a comfortable clean bed - there are many "orthopedic" beds available now at pet supply stores to ensure comfortable rest.

• Provide fresh water daily (note changes in water consumption) and a healthy, age-appropriate diet.

• Ease distractions - senior pets can be easily startled by or become fearful of: kids, loud noises, and general commotion as they age. Conditions such as arthritis can make the cat fearful of getting hurt (or the potential to get hurt) with sudden movements of kids or being stepped on.

Vaccinations

It is important to keep Cat Flu and Feline Infectious Enteritis (Distemper) vaccinations up to date as a cat grows older. Though it's tempting to let these lapse, an older cat has a less efficient immune system so vaccinations are more important with age. Some cats will have been vaccinated by the previous owner and only require annual booster shots. If the cat hasn't had any vaccinations, or you aren't sure about this, you can start vaccinations at any age.
Depending on where you live, vaccinations are available for Cat Flu, Enteritis (Distemper), FeLV, Chlamydia, FIP and Rabies. Your vet will be able to advise on which ones are required or advisable in your area.

Parasites

The most common skin parasite of cats are fleas. Many cats develop an itchy reaction to flea bites and we recommend regular use of a flea spray or flea powder formulated specifically for use on cats and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Flea collars are convenient, but less effective, and must have an elasticated section for the cat's safety. Tapeworms, roundworms and other internal parasites afflict older cats as well as young cats, particularly cats which go outdoors. It is recommended that a cat be treated for worms, especially roundworms, every 3 to 6 months. This may be modified for indoor-only cats. Further information about fleas, worms and other parasites specific to your locality can be found in most cat care publications.

Teeth and Gums

Older cats are more prone to dental problems such as loose teeth, build-up of tartar on teeth and sore gums (gingivitis). Difficulty in eating and trouble grooming indicates mouth-problems. After de-scaling (tartar removal) of teeth or extraction of bad teeth, the cat's appetite and normal grooming soon return. Many cats appear "rejuvenated" after dental problems have been treated.

If possible, check your cat's teeth and gums regularly, looking for yellow or brown scale, inflamed gums and mouth ulcers. An annual dental check up at vaccination time is advisable. Dried food, fed as part of the cat's diet, has an abrasive action on teeth and helps to keep them clean. If you feed dried food regularly, ensure there is plenty of fresh drinking water available.

It is possible to clean a cat's teeth, but it needs to become accustomed to this when young. Preparations such as "Logic" toothpaste can be rubbed onto the cat's teeth and does not require use of a brush.

Although general anaesthesia is a little more risky in older cats, this should not prevent any dental surgery (or other necessary surgery) being carried out. Modern anaesthetics have drastically reduced the risks and modern Veterinary Practices are well-equipped and have suitably trained staff. Ideally, surgery should be carried out when your cat is well so it is better to act sooner rather than later as additional problems may occur if he cannot eat properly. See your vet when your cat first shows signs of mouth problems; he may be able to de-scale and save your cat's teeth and prevent gum infections.

After a dental operation, your cat will need softer food while his gums heal although sometimes a cat will tuck into his favourite dried food within a few hours of going home which shows just how much better he feels when his painful teeth have removed! Your vet will give you any tablets, e.g. antibiotics, and explain how often to give them to your cat and also when to take your cat in for any post-op check up. Many owners report that the cat has taken on a new lease of life after dental work, grooming neglected areas and sometimes acting like a kitten again - think of the pain of human toothache and the absolute joy when the pain is gone!

There are now special cat treats such as Whiskas 'Dentabits' which are shaped and textured to clean a cat's teeth. It is possible to buy special toothbrushes, flavoured toothpastes or enzyme tooth gels from their vet surgery - but only to use these if the cat is happy to let you clean his teeth.

Claws

As well as checking teeth and gums, check claws regularly and trim them if they become overgrown. An older cat may no longer wear down its claws as quickly as it once did and more frequent trimming may be needed. Overgrown claws can snag, sometimes causing injury as the cat tries to pull the claw free. Badly overgrown claws will cause discomfort and problems with walking.

Waterworks and Bowels

Keep an eye on the cat's water bowl. Although older cats tend to drink more water anyway, dramatically increased thirst can indicate kidney problems, which are more common in cats as they grow older and their kidneys work less efficiently, or cystitis. Cats with cystitis pass tiny amounts of urine, sometimes bloodstained, more frequently. Cystitis causes discomfort and must be treated by a vet. Cats with kidney disease can be put on prescription diets if the problem is caught early. There are other reasons a cat might start to drink more so any unexplained increased thirst should be investigated and diagnosed by a vet.

What goes in must come out so keep an eye on the cat's litter tray or toileting area. Learn to recognise what is 'normal' for your cat (some cats naturally produce softer stools than others) and be alert for signs of worms, constipation, diarrhoea or bloodstained stools. Do not delay in seeing a vet if you spot anything abnormal. Diarrhoea can lead to dehydration.

Vomiting

Cats sometimes regurgitate their food, especially if they have bolted it or have scavenged something unsuitable. Some will eat grass to promote vomiting. Cats, particularly longhairs, tend to bring up hairballs unless groomed regularly. Cases of unexplained vomiting which last for more than 24 hours or are accompanied by diarrhoea or other symptoms should be referred to your vet. If untreated, vomiting can lead to dehydration. It may also be a symptom of poisoning. Both vomiting and diarrhoea can lead to dehydration if not treated.

Operations

Just like humans, cats sometimes need operations. If pre-anaesthetic blood tests show mild liver or kidney problems, your vet may suggest feeding an appropriate prescription food for a few weeks before the operation to further reduce any risks. Before the operation your cat will be given a pre-med injection. He will be anaesthetised by injection and kept under using a gas anaesthetic. His pulse and breathing are monitored during the operation, just as for a human operation, and he may be given intravenous fluids during, and after, his operation. Heated pads are used during and after operations to keep him warm and he will be given pain-relief.

After going home, your cat will probably need to be kept warm and quiet for a few days and may want to sleep off the effects of the operation. Don't give him human painkillers because these are poisonous to cats. Your vet will give more detailed information on looking after your cat after an operation and on going back for a check-up. Your cat will usually let you know when he feels fully recovered, but always follow your vet's advice and seek his help if you notice any problems.

Older Cat Clinics

As cats grow older, they become less resilient when it comes to illness or injury and recover more slowly. They may develop stiffer joints, but their more relaxed pace of life usually means that this does not worry them unduly. Many vets now run "Older Cat Clinics" and recommend that cats over 5 years old have a veterinary check-up every 6-12 months so that any problems can be caught and treated early. Another benefit of "Older Cat Clinics" is that you will meet other owners of older cats and have a chance to compare notes. Annual vaccination time is another ideal opportunity for an annual check-up.

Cats nowadays live much longer than in the past, and the fact that some ailments are more common in older cats doesn't mean that your cat will necessarily develop them. A great many cats reach their teens and twenties with little or no sign of deterioration.

WHEN TO CALL THE VET

Cats are generally healthy creatures and fairly maintenance free. However, when they are unwell they are adept at disguising symptoms of illness. Most good cat care books contain information about ailments which can affect cats of all ages. The following symptoms in an older cat should be investigated by your vet.