More advanced pet medical care and the update of our concept of raising cats have enabled cats to accompany us for a longer time!
Older cats do need some special care, they tend to sleep longer and prefer a warmer place, we need to prepare a place where they can rest undisturbed and are more accessible as their motor abilities become weaker.
cat life
Generally speaking, most cats can live 15-20 years, with an average age of 16 years.
in:
Birth - 6 months as a kitten
7-2 years old for young cats
3-6 years old is a mature pussy
7-10 years old is a prime cat
10-14 years old for middle-aged and elderly cats
15+ is a senior cat
At what age do cats age?
Cats age slowly, but there are individual differences, generally around the age of 10-12, as can be seen from the lightening of their eye color, posture and strength, cats have become thinner, and perhaps their movements have changed. It's clumsy and may even have difficulty stepping over litter box fences.
Physical Exam*
Cats need annual physicals. Unlike younger cats, older cats require more special examinations. Usually, cats over ten years old need to undergo physical examination, joint, blood routine, blood sugar, kidney, liver and other examinations in addition to ordinary physical examination. function, blood pressure, etc.
Some of the diseases that older cats can have.
1. Diabetes
Weight loss, increased water intake, and increased urination can be signs of diabetes, can be detected in a blood sample, and can be treated. Replacing food with low-carb canned or raw, cooked home-made foods will help them, and may require insulin injections if necessary.
2. Kidney failure*
Kidneys are the weak point of cats. When cats get old, the function of kidneys is overwhelmed. Few cats in the wild can live to be more than ten years old.
The kidneys filter waste from the blood and concentrate urine. Compared to other animals, the cat's urine becomes frequent and often thirsty so it drinks more, the urine smells stronger like ammonia, and they start to lose muscle.
Kidney failure can be detected with a blood sample, and although it is not curable, with the right care, cats can live a quality of life for a long time. Kidney function testing is a very important part of the annual checkup*.
3. Hypertension
Usually caused by kidney problems or hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure can be spontaneous. If left untreated, it can damage internal organs: kidneys, liver, heart, brain, and eyes. If your cat has bulging eyes, you may need to take him to the vet.
4. Constipation
It is usually caused by insufficient bowel movement, but it may also be caused by insufficient water intake or hairballs. You can try to use some pumpkin or unsalted butter, psyllium husk to relieve the stool condition, if it does not improve, go to the hospital.
If the problem is from insufficient water intake then changing the diet to wet food may help. If the cat is drinking normally but the water is being excreted incorrectly due to other kidney problems, go to the hospital immediately!
5. Arthritis
Some older cats have joint problems, symptoms include weight loss, less willingness to move, and coarse and dull coats. Glucosamine and chondroitin, which protect the joints, can sometimes help with this, and occasionally some pain relievers may be used on the advice of a veterinarian.
6. Skin disease
Older cats may have difficulty in taking care of their fur, and as a loving owner, you should take a few minutes each day
If you spend hours brushing their hair, you can choose a row comb from the large teeth to the smallest tooth density, and they will enjoy it.
7. Teeth
Older cats often have dental problems, which can cause them to lose their appetite. Inflamed gums can also affect the heart and kidneys. The health of your teeth and gums should be checked annually. When possible, getting your cat into the habit of brushing their teeth from an early age can prevent some problems.
8. Hyperthyroidism
Symptoms include increased appetite but weight loss and increased metabolism including heart rate, which can also be detected with a blood sample
Something we need to pay attention to.
1. Food
Older cats require less energy than kittens, and they need food that is easier to chew. As you might think by now, wet food is a very good idea—it's easy to chew and digest, and contains a lot of water.
2. Companion
A senior cat may not like the new cat companion you choose for him, especially a young energetic kitten, they will need more time for you to spend time with and groom them, trust me they will feel your love . In your busy situation you can not provide more time to spend with them, you can choose a middle-aged (3-6 years old) youth (6-2 years old) is better than a kitten.
what you can do.
1. A warm and easily accessible kennel where he can rest.
2. Have a small chair by his favorite windowsill to make it easier for him to reach.
3. Prepare a small step or ramp by the bed to make it easier for him to reach you.
4. Prepare extra litter boxes, they may not reach your original litter box in time.
5. Prepare wet food instead of dry food.
6. Groom your cat daily, taking care not to hurt them or to forcefully pull knotted fur, this should be gentle.
Last
No one can live forever, and no cat can accompany you all the time. Their lifespan is too short compared to humans. Sometimes a cat dies in his sleep because of an illness or something like that, and you need to accept that.
In some countries cats are allowed to be buried in gardens, but most are not, and you don't want your cat to be corrupted or insulted by other animals. You can also choose to cremation to get your cat's ashes back as a memorial.
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