Why does my senior cat need extracare?
At All Cats, we know all the work that goes into keeping an animal healthy over the course of a lifetime, and we understand just how important your senior cat is to you. Your furry friend has reached these precious golden years because you’ve done your job as a cat parent, feeding them nourishing food, getting them plenty of exercise and socialization, and showering them with love. Senior cats are a lot like senior humans–they require more frequent checkups and extra attention to keep them happy and healthy.The difference between aging animals and older people is that your cat ages much faster than you do, meaning disease and illness progress faster as well. Obvious changes you might see in your cat as they age include hearing and vision loss, forgetfulness, and a general slowing down. Most of these changes are a natural part of the aging process, but if you’reworried about your cat’s symptoms, don’t hesitate to bring them to see us!
Prevention is the best medicine: A large part of senior cat wellnessis preventative care.Without regular checkups, you might not know that your cat is sick or in chronic pain until it’s an emergency. Catching any issues early is key to a good outcome for your aging cat and peace of mind for you.Beginning when your cat turns 9, we recommend twice-yearly exams, which include bloodwork and urine tests that check for issues like anemia, liver disease, hypothyroidism, and kidney problems.Our veterinarians will also check your cat for hearing, vision, and neurological problems.Our team will be by your side to discuss goals of care and help tailor a treatment plan based on your cat’s needs. At this stage, treatment plans may include pain management, mobility assistance, and nausea/apcatite control.
Diet, exercise, and your oldie but goodie:
Cats’nutritionalneeds change as they grow older. Seniors are prone to putting on weight easily, which, in turn, can cause a wide array of health issues, including diabetes, arthritis, and cardiological problems.If you’re worried about your cat’s weight–or if, on the other hand, your cat’s apcatite is not what it used to be–our staff can help by recommending healthy food and supplements, many of which we sell on-site at our clinic. xercise is also a cornerstone of cat health. It’s important to maintain bone strength, muscle tone, and stamina. If your cat has difficulty standing up or walking, you may need to slow down or try alternative activities. Your veterinarian will be happy to suggest appropriate forms of exercise for your cat based on lifestyle, weight, and overall health. Keep in mind that an arthritic cat may require medication to relieve pain. We can help with that, too. Call to schedule your next vet appointment at All Cats Clinic today!
