Caring for elderly cats

Arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints - a condition that is extremely common in cats. It often goes unnoticed because owners think the cat is just slowing down with age. But arthritis is an extremely painful condition, so it's worth getting your cat checked regularly in case they need to be treated.

Getting treatment for a painful condition like arthritis can make a huge difference to your cat's quality of life.

Signs of arthritis include:

• behaviour changes like grumpiness, reduced interaction or tolerance of people - the discomfort of arthritis can cause cats to be aggressive
• not using a litter tray if the sides are too high to easily access
• less interest in playing
• difficulty grooming, especially the middle of the back and tail
• increased stiffness immediately after resting, which gets better with movement
• stiffness, lameness and reduced mobility - an unwillingness to jump or climb

Overweight cats may be more likely to suffer from arthritis, so it's very important to ensure your cat maintains their ideal weight. Regular, moderate exercise through playing is the best way to achieve this.

See also: Cat obesity

Cancer

Cats can develop different types of tumours which can be benign (not harmful) or malignant - faster growing and usually harmful.

Tumours sometimes spread to other parts of the cat's body. You can check for lumps and bumps by regularly feeling all over your cat's body.

Other signs of cancer vary depending on the organ affected, but can include:

• weight loss
• increased thirst
• passing more urine
• depression
• poor coat condition
• vomiting and/or diarrhoea

Constipation

Cats can experience changes in bowel and toileting habits as they get older, including constipation.

Ensure your cat always has access to fresh water.

Signs of constipation include:

• passing faeces less frequently
• straining to pass faeces
• pain and/or crying when toileting
• hard faeces
  
  

Deafness

Deaf cats use their other senses to compensate for their lack of hearing - so it may be difficult to tell that your cat has lost their hearing.

Signs of deafness include:

• not responding to calls or loud sounds
• being startled easily
• loud miaowing
• signs of dizziness or disorientation

Ear disease can also cause deafness. Signs of ear disease include:

• shaking the head
• clawing at the ear
• pus, discharge or an unpleasant odour from the ear

For more information on helping a deaf cat, see our guide to helping cats with disabilities.

See also - Veterinary Guide - Cats with disabilities

Dental disease

Older cats need regular dental health checks to look for signs of dental disease, including tartar build up and red, inflamed gums. Ask your vet about health checks and preventative care for your cat's teeth.

For more information on diagnosis and treatment, see Veterinary Guide: Teeth and oral health

Hypertension

In cats, high blood pressure, known as hypertension, is often caused by another underlying disease. For example, cats suffering from kidney disease or hyperthyroidism often have some degree of hypertension as well. It can also occur as a primary condition.

The organs most vulnerable to the effects of high blood pressure are the eyes, kidneys, heart and brain. Initially, there may be very few signs of high blood pressure, particularly if it is the primary problem. Sometimes the signs appear very suddenly.

Signs of hypertension include:

• blindness
• changes inside the eye, including bleeding
• disorientation
• seizures

Many cats go on to lead relatively normal lives following diagnosis and stabilisation of hypertension, but this depends on the type and severity of any underlying disease. If left untreated, these signs can become permanent, so talk to your vet as soon as possible.

Veterinary Guide - Hypertension

Kidney disease

Disease of the kidneys is one of the most common problems affecting middle-aged and older cats. Unfortunately, damage to the kidneys is irreversible and tends to worsen over time. However, with the help of treatments, cats can often maintain a good quality of life for several months or years. Most cats don't show signs of chronic kidney disease until 75 per cent of the kidneys are damaged.

Signs of kidney disease vary, but include:

• increased thirst
• passing more urine
• poor appetite
• weight loss
• poor coat condition
• vomiting
• lethargy
• depression
• bad breath

Many vets try to diagnose kidney disease in its early stages, before clinical signs develop, by offering cat owners the option of urine and blood tests at routine check-ups and vaccinations. By doing this, early dietary management or other treatment may significantly extend an affected cat's life expectancy and quality of life.

Veterinary Guide - Kidney or renal disease

Senility and cognitive dysfunction

Cognitive dysfunction is a decline in higher brain functions, including memory and learning that often occurs with old age.

Signs include:

• disorientation
• changes in social and environmental interaction
• changes in sleeping/waking patterns, such as sleeping more during the day and being restless at night
• vocalisation
• house soiling

Related topics

Elderly cats - Topic

Caring for elderly cats - Topic

Photo credit

Tabby giving a yawn - Cel Lisboa - Unsplash