Senior Cat Wellness Care
We will ensure that your cat will age both healthfully AND gracefully!
Are you familiar with the many changes in health that your cat will experience as he or she ages? You might find that it is difficult to recognize these changes since the signs of aging develop slowly and are easy for pet owners to miss. Remember that cats are masters at hiding their illnesses, meaning diseases are not diagnosed until they have reached an advanced stage. At Montrose Animal Hospital and Pet Hotel, we believe it is critical to intervene and catch health issues early by offering proactive, preventative senior cat care. Together we will manage your senior cat’s good health, vitality and increase his or her well-being.
How do you know if your cat is considered a “senior”?
Your cat can be considered a “senior” between 9 and 10 years of age depending on several factors, such as his or her lifestyle history, breed, medical history, etc. While many cats appear healthy in their senior years, specialized senior care exams and diagnostic testing can help us determine problems early enough to begin treatment options. The best time for you to begin your cat’s senior care program is before age-related conditions begin.
Some common age related issues include:
- Changes in your cat’s nutritional requirements.
- Dental disease resulting in pain, a decreased appetite, or possible infection.
- Changes in your cat’s weight.
- Noticeable orthopedic problems associated with osteoarthritis.
- Changes in or loss of hearing and/or eyesight.
- Behavioral changes.
- Fluctuating bowel or urinary habits.
- Evident development of lumps and bumps, and/or other skin/coat changes.
What should you do if your cat has reached his or her “senior” years?
As your cat ages, the type of medical care your cat needs changes too. We recommend semi-annual senior care exams that include an in-depth analysis of your cat’s overall health. During these exams, we perform senior care diagnostic testing and begin a dialogue about the factors that may be influencing your cat’s aging process, any observed symptoms and concerns about your cat that you may have.
During your cat’s senior care exam, we will focus on:
- A comprehensive senior pet physical exam.
- An in-depth consultation concerning your cat’s medical history and symptoms.
- Baseline and diagnostic testing, such as blood work, urine and fecal analysis. X-rays, blood and eye pressure, or other testing as needed.
- Discussion with you of any changes in behavior such as difficulty getting up, changes in sleep patterns or lapses in housetraining.
- Nutrition and Weight Management Counseling. Knowing your pet’s ideal weight will help you keep him or her slim. Allowing your pet to gain weight will compound and/or create health problems.
- Recommendations for regular exercise. While you do not want to overdo it, there is no reason older pets cannot enjoy long walks and playtimes. Talk to us about our recommended exercise routine for your pet.
If your pet is exhibiting any of these common signs of geriatric disease, please call us for a senior wellness exam:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Weight Loss/gain
- Loss or decreased appetite
- Increased Thirst or urination
- Lethargy
- Change in elimination behavior
- Failure to use the litter box
- Limping
- Difficulty or inability to climb or jump
- New lumps or bumps
It is never too early to talk to us about senior care. Knowing the facts and providing high quality preventative medicine throughout your cat’s lifetime is the best way to ensure happy and healthy golden years and a long and enjoyable future together. Early medical detection and treatment of diseases in your senior cat can only be accomplished through regular examinations and screening tests.