What to expect as your cat ages

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As your cat reaches his senior years, there are a number of health and behavioural changes to look out for...

As your cat reaches his senior years, there are a number of health and behavioural changes to look out for:

  • As their sense of smell and taste deteriorate with age, many elderly cats suffer from a poor appetite so may lose weight
  • Teeth problems may also contribute to weight loss
  • Poorer vision and hearing may mean your elderly cat is more easily startled and less adaptable to change
  • Elderly cats often drink more water due to reduced kidney function
  • Muscle loss in elderly cats may mean they are more reluctant to jump, play and run, which can in turn lead to joint stiffness n According to recent radiograph studies, arthritis and joint stiffness is thought to affect around 90 per cent of cats over the age of 12
  • The immune system can be less efficient in older cats meaning they are more susceptible to infections
  • An older cat's coat is likely to lose its shine and condition as grooming becomes more difficult
  • Elderly cats sleep less heavily but more frequently.

Quite often many of the symptoms above can be helped with veterinary and holistic treatments. Speak to your vet for further advice about caring for an ageing cat.


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