Cats can live for
many years when they are properly cared for, but they will still face various
challenges and issues as they age. Whether you are an experienced cat owner or
have your first cat, there are plenty of things to look out for as your cat gets
older. From skin and fur to teeth and eyes, regular vet check-ups with help you
keep on top of your cat’s health, allowing it to be as happy and healthy as
possible for a long time. Even if your cat is still young, it can help to know
what to look out for. Here are just a couple of things to think about as your
cat ages.
1.
Behavior
As a cat ages, its behavior may change, and this can signal
some kind of cognitive dysfunction. Common signs can include temporal and
spatial disorientation, changes in sleep, vocalization changes, house soiling,
or increased irritability.
2.
Arthritis
Cats are very good
at masking any issues, and arthritis is one of the geriatric problems that can be
hard to spot. Changes in mobility can signal arthritis, so it is important to
keep an eye on this. Perhaps your cat finds it hard to get out of its litterbox
or groom itself or no longer jumps up to its favorite sleeping spots.
3.
Weight loss
Weight loss in cats can signify a cognitive or medical problem,
and if even if their appetite and eating habits do not change, they can still
continue to lose weight. This is down to the body’s inability to absorb
nutrients properly, which can lead to many issues such as weight and muscle
loss and a decrease in coat quality.
4.
Teeth
As with humans, age
can take its toll on your cat’s teeth. Cats can lose their teeth and suffer
from a variety of dental problems such as plaque and gum disease. It is
important to regularly take your cat to a vet such as easyvet.com to keep an eye on
their general health, and their teeth are an area that a vet can take a look at
and treat.
5.
Eyes
Eyesight is another
thing that can deteriorate as your cat ages, and if you see your cat is
confused or bumping into things, this may be the reason. Cats can suffer from a
range of eyesight problems, including eye infections, cataracts, and
glaucoma, and they may also be reluctant to move around. Older cats with eye
problems may also sleep a lot more, even more than is normal in a geriatric
cat.
It is incredibly
important to ensure that you take your cat for regular veterinary checks
throughout their life. This can help your vet keep an eye on any existing
health problems, as well as looking out for new ones. In addition, vets can
keep tabs on all areas of your cat’s health, helping to keep them as happy and
healthy as possible for as long as possible.
