Elderly Feline Health Problems

When a cat is in its geriatric years, there are certain elderly feline health problems that may arise. Being aware of the signs and symptoms of these potential problems allows the cat’s caretaker to take the proper measures if a health issue develops.

Many cat experts feel that from a medical viewpoint, a cat is considered to be in its geriatric years when it reaches ten years old. The years take their toll on the cat’s body, and just like its human companions, there are numerous changes caused by the aging process. Every organ is affected as the years progress.

Generally, an older cat is less active and tends to sleep more than it did in its younger years. Due to the inactivity, the cat experiences reduced muscle tone. This makes activities such as climbing, running and jumping difficult. Many elderly cats only jump up to find a comfortable spot to sleep.

In addition to reduced muscle tone, an elderly feline also commonly experiences:

• A decrease in its sense of taste, smell, hearing and sight
• A decrease in the temperature of its body, making it more sensitive to heat and cold
• Decreased metabolism
• Deceased appetite and weight loss
• Reduced bowel function and possible constipation
• Incontinence
• Dehydration caused by a decreased sensitivity to the feeling of being thirsty
• Difficulty swallowing due to a reduction in saliva production
• Problems with digestion
• Brittle, weak bones and claws
• Possible obesity due to inactivity
• Behavior changes

While all health problems of geriatric felines are serious, the following conditions and diseases affect major organs.

Cardiac problems often develop in elderly cats. As the heart ages, it is not able to pump blood as efficiently as it once did. Sometimes a heart murmur, newly discovered during a routine veterinary visit, is the first indication of possible heart disease. One of the most common cardiac problems of aged cats is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This condition leads to the heart muscle becoming abnormally stiff and thick.

When the liver ages, it loses its ability to adequately purify and remove toxins from the cat’s blood. There is also a decrease in the number of enzymes it produces. Hepatic Lipidosis, commonly referred to a Fatty Liver disease, is a common health problem of elderly cats.

The older the cat, the higher the chance of it developing kidney disease, also known as renal disease. This happens because of the inability of the heart to pump enough blood to the kidneys or because of the kidneys themselves. Generally, the first sign of kidney problems is a noticeable increase of water intake and urination.

As lungs age, they become stiffer and are not able to supply enough oxygen to the body through the bloodstream. This is one reason elderly cats tire easily. They are also more likely to develop respiratory infection. If a cat has asthma, it generally worsens as the feline ages.

Diseases and illnesses can affect cats of all ages. However, elderly felines are more susceptible as their bodies and immune systems are weakened from the natural process of aging.

Cancer is a major health problem of elderly cats is cancer. Two common feline cancers are intestinal lymphoma, which is a malignant tumor in the lymph nodes of the intestines and lymphosarcoma, a cancer of the white blood cells.

Dental disease is a common health problem of elderly cats. Many aged felines have poor teeth and gums resulting in loss of teeth, periodontal disease and mouth ulcers.

• Diabetes
• Arthritis and Joint Stiffness
• Urinary Tract Disease
• Hyperthyroidism
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Hypertension

Although elderly feline health problems are unavoidable, giving your senior cat love and attention, the best possible preventive medical care and a healthy diet will help him live out his golden years in the best way possible.

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