What happens to cats in their senior years?
As our cats reach their senior years, they may begin to experience illness and overall decline in their health. While some cats simply deteriorate in health due to old age, others struggle with chronic illness.
When to know if your cat has a medical issue?
Change in weight: If your cat begins to gain or lose weight, at a noticeable rate, then this is often an indication that your kitty companion is dealing with a medical issue. Swollen belly: A bloated or distended belly could mean fluid buildup. While abdominal fluid is more common with dogs, it’s not unheard of in cats.
What does it mean when your cat is dying?
If your cat is experiencing any of the above signs, it might mean that your cat is dying of old age. Kidney disease is extremely common in older cats. While kidney disease is manageable in cats, it is a progressive disease that will cause your cat to decline in health over time.
Why does my cat not go to the litterbox?
Tarantino is part of The Spruce Pets’ veterinary review board. Many cats suffer from urinary problems at some point, it’s important to know that although the behavior is frustrating, when your cat is having urinary issues which includes the common symptom of missing the litterbox, it is due to your suffering from a medical and/ or a behavior issue.
What are the most common health problems in cats?
2. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Diseases (FLUTD) Some estimates say as many as 3% of cats seen by vets have feline lower urinary tract disease ( FLUTD ), which is actually a group of feline diseases with multiple causes. Female and male cats can get FLUTD, and it often occurs in cats that are overweight or unfit or who eat dry food.
What do you need to know about your cat’s health?
Many cats at this age have developed diabetes, kidney or liver disease, or urinary tract problems. All of these conditions can require medical treatment and diet modifications. Your veterinarian will also take time to examine the quality and sheen of your cat’s coat, among other things.
How does cat’s behavior affect your quality of life?
Like humans, cats experience fear, pleasure, hunger, anxiety, frustration, and many other emotions that may affect their behavior. A number of common kitty behaviors are seen as undesirable and can affect the quality of life for both owners and their pets. Fortunately, many of these behaviors can be corrected.
What happens to your cat as he ages?
If you have other animals in the household, you may notice them all undergoing behavioral changes. This is because animals develop a natural pecking order, and as your cat ages, his place in that order may change. The other animals can begin to pick on him. If this becomes a problem, you may need to separate them.
