What do Senior Cats Want to Tell Us?

 

 

Good health care and pet parenting means our cats are living much longer than they used to.  In addition to sharing many extra years of love and companionship, it also means that our cats are experiencing life as seniors.  Just like us, it means their health, needs and concerns change as they reach that age.  What do senior cat parents need to know about these years in a cat's life?

First, it's helpful to know at what age a cat actually becomes a "senior."  The American Association of Feline Practitioners breaks it down this way:

    Cats between the ages of 7-10 years old are considered mature or middle-aged cats.
    Cats between the ages of 11-14 years old are considered senior cats.
    Cats aged 15 years and older are considered geriatric cats or super senior cats.

Many of BCR's cats are now reaching their super senior years - like Licorice, Bear and Serena (pictured) - and we're noticing that, in addition to health changes, they also need some lifestyle shifts, too.  If our senior cats could talk, what about their senior years would they want us to know about them?

Greatpetcare.com has some really great insights that help answer that question:

Behavior changes are important - cats can get anxious more often or less patient with things they used to enjoy. The number of things that can stress them increases.

Be aware of signs of possible serious health issues - cats mask pain so pet parents need to be extra watchful for any signs as cats age.

A cat might get confused more often - cat behaviorists have studied aging cats and they list lots of signs of confusion to look for - staring into space, howling, sleeping more, being less affectionate, and hissing at nothing.  They suggest making sure a cat's area always has some light (even a nightlight), that he follows his normal feeding schedule and that big changes to his daily life and environment be put on hold (like a major home renovation).

Slowing down and sleeping more  - seniors and super senior cats may be less active due to any number of aches and pains.  Working with your vet will help figure out if your cat is suffering from arthritis or another joint problem.

Grooming gets tougher - cats who don't feel 100% don't groom like they usually do. It's sometimes just tough to get up the energy to take care of things like that - especially for longer-haired cats.  A good soft brush, patience and gentleness from senior cat parents will help make sure their cats are groomed and healthy.

Teeth age, too - dental care for cats should begin way before the senior years.  As cats age, dental disease can become a problem. If a cat is drooling, it may be that dry food hurts his teeth or mouth.

Switch to senior cat food - As noted above, dental problems can cause eating to be tough for senior cats, so a switch to senior food might be in order.  Kibbles might be softer or smaller and senior food  - wet and dry - has nutrients that can help cats maintain a healthy weight and keep their digestive systems working.  Because there are so many varieties available today, be sure to consult with a vet to choose the best senior food for your cat.

Saying goodbye - Letting our cats go when they tell us it's time is the hardest and most painful part of being a pet parent.  While it's impossible to think about life without our cats, we also don't want them to suffer.  Cats usually let us know when it's time to let them go so pet parents need to ask themselves if their cat is having obvious signs of stress like labored breathing or is being very lethargic, or having more bad days than good ones.  As hard as this is for us, talking with a vet about painlessly letting them go is the merciful and loving thing to do.

Thinking about your cat's health over a lifetime isn't that different from thinking about your own.  During your own life, you'll see your doctor for check-ups, your dentist for teeth cleaning, work out, eat a healthy diet, and make adjustments to all those aspects of life as you age.   Good pet parents will do the very same thing for their cats.  Starting health care early and consistent monitoring throughout a cat's life will help you and your cat face the senior years healthier and better prepared.  Your vet should share that journey with you and your cat.

Knowing that our cats may have more years to be with us, good pet parents might want to anticipate and plan for increased veterinary costs.  Cats who have health insurance may be covered for many age-related conditions, but for those who aren't, their owners might want to consider putting money aside for those potential expenses.

CLICK HERE to read the full Greatpetcare.com story.

CLICK HERE to read the AAFP article on caring for senior cats.