|
[ Alphabetical Table of Feline
Gestation Times ] [ Looking
After kittens ]
[ Neutering
] Sexing a Kitten
][ Site Map ]
[
Feline Statistics
] [
Anatomy
] [
Cat Years
] [
Cat Poetry
]
Feline Ageing
On
a Cat Ageing by Alexander Gray
Ageing cats experience much the same ailments
as people do when they grow older. The clinical symptoms of aging are easily
recognized:
-
The
lustre of the coat will
diminish,
with some grey hairs developing.
-
Claws
will become more brittle.
-
Slowness
in movement.
-
A
reduction in vision.
-
Deafness.
-
Breathing
difficulties.
Here
are some of the less easy to identify intrinsic changes:
Unlike dogs, a cat’s need for energy stays relatively
consistent throughout its adult life. Although obesity
is one of the main health problems in middle-aged cats, older cats tend to lose
some of their fat. Some studies have suggested that older cats do not
digest/absorb fat as well as when they were younger.
Skin
and Coat Changes
As with people, older cats may start to grey. The coat may
become thinner and lose its lustre, however, this may be a sign of nutritional
deficiency rather than old age. Grooming,
with special attention being paid to the anal area is a good way to check for
sores and tumours.
Vision
Ophthalmic
examinations should be included in the physical examinations of senior cats.
Cataracts commonly occur in senior cats, and some may develop glaucoma. Certain
breeds are predisposed to glaucoma including:
- Persian.
- Siamese.
- Some Domestic Shorthairs.
Hearing
Losing the ability to hear clearly is common among older cats. Slight hearing
loss is hard to assess in cats, and can often progress to an advanced degree
before becoming aware of it. The result being what seems like negative
behavioural changes. Your cat, when approached, might claw you simply because it
had no idea that someone was approaching and reacted from instinct.
Changes
in Urinary Habits
Urinary
incontinence is a common problem in older cats. You should be aware that they
don’t know that they are passing urine and couldn’t prevent this happening
even if they were aware. Senior cats should never be punished or scolded for
incontinence problems.
Changes
in Eating Habits
Older cats are more likely to develop tooth and gum disease. This can often
be painful, causing a loss of desire to eat. Diminishing activity levels will
also cause a reduction in appetite.
Decreased
Mobility
Many senior pets, like us, experience a reduction in mobility as they age.
This is often due to arthritis. Cats that have experienced a previous trauma are
more likely to develop this. Arthritis can range from mild to debilitating.
Older cats may have problems moving, but they should always be encouraged to
exercise to reduce loss of muscle
tone and mass.
Decreased
Heart
Function
As cats age, the heart
begins to lose efficiency. Mitral valve problems are particularly common. Cats
frequently develop cardiomyopathy.
Decreased
Immune Function
As cats age, their immune systems fail to
function as effectively. Infectious diseases are therefore more common.
[ Alphabetical Table of Feline
Gestation Times ] [ Looking
After kittens ]
[ Neutering
] Sexing a Kitten
][ Site Map ]
[
Feline Statistics
] [
Anatomy
] [
Cat Years
] [
Cat Poetry
]
|
