How can I keep my senior cat healthy?
Here are a few tips to help you keep your senior cat healthy. 1. Don’t Forget the Health Check-ups for Your Cat Make sure your senior cat has regular visits with your veterinarian. In fact, many veterinarians recommend that senior cats should be examined twice a year, even more so if your cat has serious health issues.
How old is the oldest cat in the world?
In fact, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, the “oldest cat ever” lived to be 38 years and 3 days old, which is 168 in human years! Like dogs, however, once cats reach seven to 10 years old, they start to transition into their mature years.
How does old age affect a cat’s health?
When a cat ages, a greater burden is placed upon its internal organs. Old age is not so much the killer as are the complications that arise during your cat’s last years. When your cat is aging, you may find: Your veterinary visits will increase dramatically.
How old does a cat have to be to be considered a senior?
Generally, cats over 7-10 years of age should be considered seniors. With increasing age, changes in the body occur as well. For instance, in one study, roughly 90% of cats over the age of 12 years were noted to have radiographic evidence of arthritis.
How to deal with an older cat’s health?
Dealing with Older Cat Health Problems. If nothing is done to care for your cat’s mouth, by the time your cat is a senior, he may even have lost some teeth. Dental disease can be painful, causing your cat to have difficulty eating or even avoid his meals. This may result in weight loss and an unkempt hair coat.
Is it normal for cats to get older?
One of the blessings of cats is that age seems to creep up on them gently — so much so that it may be difficult for us to notice that they really are getting older and have developed some of the common health problems of old age.
How often should I take my senior cat to the vet?
Finally, and most importantly, maintaining a good relationship with your veterinarian is critical when discussing care and quality of life for your cat in their senior years. Ideally, cats over 11 years of age should see the veterinarian every six months.
What should I expect from my 7 year old cat?
Between the ages of 7 and 9, your cat is much like a middle-aged person. He might start to show his age in subtle ways, such as becoming a bit mellower, or you may not notice a change at all. Cognitively, he’s as sharp as ever, and physically, he is likely enjoying good health thanks to your great care.