Vancouver Feline Hospital - Cat Veterinary Clinic

Compared to younger cats, the immune system of older cats is less able to fend of diseases.
Chronic diseases, including dental disease, often associated with ageing can impair immune function further.Dental disease becomes a big factor - the teeth lose ability to repair themselves after usual wear and tear, and the gingival and immune system doesn't fight those disease-causing bacteria as efficiently. At some point, the periodontal disease will need medical attention, because the chronic dental infection can hasten kidney failure, spread those bacteria to the rest of the body, cause chronic pain and life-threatening malnutrition. Exactly what your veterinarian will recommend, from long-term pulsed antibiotic therapy to extraction of the teeth, depends on you and your cat.The skin of an older cat is thinner and less elastic, has reduced blood circulation, and is more prone to infection. They groom themselves less effectively, sometimes resulting in mats, bad odour and inflammation. We recommend a soft rubber brush that removes dead hair and gives a gentle massage. Big mats need to be clipped out, (it is too easy to cut the fragile skin with scissors).The claws may become overgrown, thick and brittle. Gently trim them as often as needed, even if you have never had to do so before.Arthritis in one or more joints slowly causes difficulty in accessing litter boxes, food and water dishes, stairs, and their bed. You may need to provide a litter box on each floor of your home, a bigger more open box (our website shows some examples) adapted to make it easier for your cat to get in and not miss the box! Soft cushions, egg crate foamies to prevent bedsores on bony hips, soft steps onto the bed. Food and water bowls easily accessible - and lots more water bowls all over the house.Hearing loss, decreased sense of smell and signs of memory loss may be apparent. However, nighttime howling, pacing or behavioural changes you may associate with senility may be the warning signs of severe but controllable disease (hyperthyroidism, hypertension).

Changes in the eyes can be really noticeable - the lens hardens, the iris can become lighter or change in colour and look "lacy". These changes don't seem to affect vision. However, several diseases, especially uncontrolled blood pressure, can suddenly and irreversibly cause blindness.Weight loss is NOT normal for an older cat but a sign of medical problems such as hyperthyroidism, dental disease, renal (kidney) disease or pain. Loss of muscle mass can be subtle, so frequent weight checks do help to pick up problems early.Dehydration is NOT normal in an older cat unless there is an existing problem, like renal (kidney) insufficiency.

Your veterinarian can demonstrate how to assess your cat's dehydration. If you do notice a "skin tent" increase your cat's water intake - feed more canned food, tuna water, or milk and put fresh water out everywhere in the house. This simple measure can make a big difference!Constipation may become a problem, due to subtle dehydration, holding in (reluctance to move those creaking bones to the litter box or difficulty squatting) or underlying disease. Increased water intake, and a stool softener like milk may help. If these simple measures don't work, ask your veterinarian.A combination of habit, decreased agility and underlying disease may make your older cat less tolerant of younger exuberant newcomers. Try to avoid stress and upheaval for these cats, they, like older people, don't necessarily welcome change! Love is the best medicine. Even though your cat may appear to shun your lap, and not want to be picked up and hugged, this may be due to arthritic discomfort. Allow your cat to get comfy, and pay attention to favourite areas - under the chin, ears, top of head. Your love routine may change, but not diminish in quality. Frequent patting lowers the cats' blood pressure too!