As cats get older they are faced with more cat health care problems. Just like humans, cats age and their health deteriorates. Those people who own senior cats are advised to keep a close eye on their pet’s health and to keep cat health care an absolute priority. Although unfortunately many of the cat health care problems associated with older cats are untreatable, vets can make life as comfortable as possible for the pet through medication or diet.
One of the most common afflictions developed in our senior feline friends is osteoarthritis. The condition affects cats in the same way it does humans, meaning that it causes painful inflammation of the joints making mobility difficult. It is usually quite obvious to see that a cat has osteoarthritis. Usually the cat appears generally less mobile and might display difficulties in getting up or down stairs as well as standing or lying down, they may also appear to walk awkwardly. Owners who suspect this cat health care problem might be affecting their pets should visit the vet. Although there is no exact treatment for the illness, a range of cat food aimed at senior, arthritic cats is available and this can ease pain.
Older cats are also more likely to suffer from the cat health care problem heart disease. An estimated one in ten cats is found by their vets to have some sort of heart condition. Symptoms of heart disease are not so obvious but may include coughing, particularly at night and a noticeable reduction on appetite. if you believe that your pet has a heart problem then you should consult a vet who can suggest ways to help. Changes to the diet of the cat and its exercise regime may help. There are also some treatments available which might prolong the cat’s life.
Finally, chronic renal failure commonly affects senior cats. This is a progressive and irreversible cat health care problem which basically means a deterioration of the kidney function. The factors that can cause this illness are many, but they include: toxic poisoning, cancer, polycystic kidney disease and other infections. Some of the symptoms include excessive thirst and urination, weight loss, excessive drooling, vomiting and mouth ulcers. Owners should remember that not all cats will develop all of these symptoms. The illness has no cure, but options are available to manage it and maintain the highest possible quality of life for the cat. Preventing the cat from becoming dehydrated should be an absolute priority. Therefore moist cat food is a good choice and plenty of fresh water must always be provided. Reducing the number of toxins in the blood stream by feeding low protein and low phosphate food will lower the workload of the kidneys.
Mail this post