A cat is generally thought of as geriatric at the age of twelve. Many geriatric cats can live happily for years with proper care and nutrition.
Aging is a normal occurrence and is not in and of itself, a disease. Elderly cat do have some special needs because of their energy decline and slowing metabolic rate. Some may need help grooming, and toileting habits may be different. Decreased alertness can also be present. Older cats are more susceptible to disease and have an increased risk of cancer.
Dental disease is more commonly seen in older cats because of the build up of tartar and gingivitis due to receding gums. This can result in exposed roots and subsequent decay and tooth loss. Peridontal disease can ultimately result in bacteria entering the bloodstream and migrating to the kidneys or heart causing serious disease. Kitties who have mouth pain will not eat as much which can raise their chance of getting diseases due to poor nutrition.
Aging felines gradually lose the ability to digest and absorb nutrients properly, particularly calcium and certain vitamins. This can cause a decrease in liver function, slower metabolism of drugs, and declining kidney function. Older cats often get dehydrated more easily. They also can lose their sense of smell and taste which also cause them to eat less.
Diseases that are more commonly found in elderly cats include hyperthyroidism, chronic renal failure, diabetes mellitus, chronic bronchial disease, and liver disease. Malignancies are also more frequent.
Older cats tend to be more sedentary and not get as much exercise. This leads to a decrease in muscle tone along with joint and bone strength.
Cataracts are uncommon in cats, but they may have a certain degree of visual impairment with age-associated nuclear sclerosis and retinal degeneration. Hearing loss is something that may gradually occur.
Do not allow geriatric cats to go outside unless safely confined. Since their senses may no longer be working correctly, your pet could wander in front of a moving car or easily get confused and unable to find the way home. Keep your pet confined when unsupervised inside your house, too. Elderly cats can easily get lost in your home or even get stuck under furniture.
Pay attention to your cat's behavior including feeding habits. Report any changes to your vet as this can often be the first sign that something is amiss medically. Be sure to have your pet regularly examined by a vet to hopefully catch any problems before they become life-threatening.
