![]() ![]() Your guide to a healthy lifestyle: Learn how to lower blood pressure, improve gut health, ease seasonal allergies, and sleep better. Pick up tips for treating common. What is feline leukemia? Feline leukemia is a cancerous disease caused by feline leukemia virus (FeLV). FeLV causes diseases other than leukemia including other. Your skin is your body's biggest organ. And just like any other organ, skin can have problems, from cradle cap in newborns to age spots in elders. Rare or common. As cats are living longer, they may be showing signs of feline dementia toward the end of their life. TOWARDS THE END - From Feline Old Age Through To Pet Bereavement. TOWARDS THE END From Feline Old Age Through To Pet Bereavement. Copyright 1. 99. 7, 2. Sarah Hartwell/messybeast. Cat Resource Archive. Fully revised 2. 00. ![]() Updated 2. 00. 2, 2. Note : The contents were originally researched and written for cat owners in Britain. At the request of readers, I have extended it to take into account some of the terminology and practices in the US. However, styles of cat ownership vary according to your country of residence. It should be borne in mind that sections relating to the older cat outdoors may be inapplicable in those areas where cats are kept as indoor pets. Do you have a feline companion? We’ve got you covered. Our ASPCA veterinarians and behaviorists offer up tips, solutions and answers to some of your most frequently. Feline stomatitis is a painful cat disease that you need to diagnose and treat immediately. ![]() Where you have any detailed concerns about your pet, please do not hesitate to contact your vet for specialist advice. I have tried to translate medical terms into layperson's terms; where this is not possible I have tried to describe what is meant by a medical term. The use of the pronouns . The percentage of cats over 6 years old has almost doubled in the last 1. Within the past 5- 1. Like people, cats do not live forever. They age at different rates - some slow down at the age of 8, others remain spry into their teens or early twenties. ![]() Most glide gracefully from middle age into old age, simply slowing down their pace of life. They experience old age in different ways and at their own pace. Grey hairs appear round the muzzle and in the fur (some owner therefore refer to older pets as . An elderly cat grows thinner; its backbone, hips and shoulders become more prominent as it loses the insulating layer of fat under the skin. It may become rickety or unsteady on its back legs and its senses are less acute. These are all signs of . Older cats exercise less and sleep more, they groom less thoroughly and less often. They lose their appetites. The early stages of this decline are so gradual that owners may not notice it. Recognising subtle signs early on can slow the rate of decline, but at the end of the day, ageing and death are natural processes and unlike humans, cats do not seem to fear the end. The average cat life- span is 1. Pet food manufacturers recommend senior formulation foods for cats over the age of 8 and many vets consider the cat geriatric when it reaches 1. Generally, once your cat is over 1. Popular belief has it that one year of a cat's life is equivalent to 7 human years. In fact, kittens mature faster than human children and the rate of ageing slows down to one year equalling only 4 human years after only 2 years as the equivalence chart below shows: CAT'S AGEEQUIVALENT HUMAN AGECOMMENTS2- 3 months. Kittens/humans weaned. Kittens are becoming less dependent on the mother. Talking/adult communication in children. Under natural conditions, the kitten is fully independent of the mother. Sexual maturity, most females now fertile and able to have young although they may not be fully- grown. Could have raised children. Human career- making. Middle age spread, menopause for some women. Human menopause and retirement. Most cats are beginning to take things easier. Active but ageing. Signs of senility in some individuals, senses less acute, injuries heal more slowly or incompletely. Internal organs less efficient. Probably frail due to loss of bone density, subcutaneous fat and muscle tone. Skin more fragile. Hearing, sight and mobility affected. Less supple. 1. 9- 2. Amazing. 2. 2+ years. An exceptional individual. Several cats have recently attained this age. Official longevity records noted in the Guinness Book of Records. Unofficial (unverified) longevity claim; cat was apparently still active and was killed by a train. The figures are based on veterinary and behavioural research, though as with all individuals there is a wide degree of variation and there are always exceptions, with some cats and humans enjoying a robust old age. Some individuals mature earlier or later than average and some remain active while their age- mates are taking life easy. WHAT IS AGEING? Ageing is a natural process. The body processes wind down and some functions (reproductive ability) and faculties (hearing, cognition) diminish or are lost. The metabolic rate declines and everything slows down. This makes an older cat less tolerant of anaesthesia and certain drugs and less able to regulate body temperature. It feels the cold more and suffers more in extreme heat. Its calorie needs decreases but the need for easily digested protein increases because its digestive processes are less efficient. Older cats have less immunity to disease and their injuries heal slower. Hormone- producing organs no longer regulate themselves efficiently making older cats more prone to conditions related to malfunctioning glands. The senses gradually become less acute though cats adjust their lifestyles to compensate. Progressive deafness is the most commonly observed change. Sight becomes less acute. Senses of taste and smell may diminish and the cat may become faddy. Reflexes are less acute and the body is slower to repair injury damage. WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF AGEING? Physical signs include: cloudy eyes, hearing loss; thinning fur; feels the cold; loose skin; prominent spine, shoulders and hips; loss of muscle tone; stiff joints or lameness and grey hairs around the muzzle and in coat. Behavioural signs include: less tolerance of environmental changes; sleeping more deeply and more often and generally being less active. Some older cats become more irritable or cantankerous due to deafness and/or joint pain, while others mellow with age. Most become more laid back and sociable with those they regard as friends. These are all age- related changes, but sudden mood changes may indicate illness or injury. A cat which starts hiding, becomes unsociable or which seeks constant reassurance may be unwell, so ask your vet to check that all is well. Although old cats are usually laid back with visitors, they dislike major disturbances in their home environment. If you are holding a noisy party, put Puss a in warm, quiet . He can avoid the noise and disturbance and feel safe, secure and relaxed. There are notable exceptions and some cats - old or young - regard parties as prime lap- hunting, attention- seeking time, but even these require a safe place to retreat to when they tire of socialising. Many older cats remain active in their teens or twenties, though ageing cats tire more easily and start to take things easy. They should be encouraged to take moderate exercise to keep them healthy, but play sessions are shorter and more sedate with little of the athleticism of youth. Reduced exercise means you must trim his claws more often (see later). Older cats are often very companionable; enjoying attention and relaxing in your company so it can be a rewarding time for you to indulge your nurturing instincts. Ageing cats adapt their lifestyle to cope with any incapacity; slowing down gradually, seeking warm, comfortable spots and spending more time asleep. They sleep more deeply and are harder to rouse, so don't suddenly disturb a sleeping cat or it will be startled, especially if its hearing is fading. This deep slumber also shows that the cat feels safe. As cats grow older, stiffer and lose muscle tone, high surfaces (windowsills, shelves, kitchen counters, your bed) become inaccessible unless you provide a ramp or box as a stepping stone. Tables and counters may become cat- free zones and ornaments be are less likely to be overturned. The cat's curiosity is unabated, but he no longer exerts himself or his muscles are not up to the jump. Instead of active pursuits he may turn his attention to socialising quietly with you. He may prefer to sit near you rather than on your lap. This is not a snub; depleted fat stores means he is bonier and finds your lap uncomfortable. Put a cushion or folded blanket on your lap to make it more comfortable when he wants a cuddle. If he is allowed in the bedroom, spend an half- hour or more sitting up in bed reading with your legs tucked under the duvet or quilt - he will find that the duvet makes a supportive . The spine, shoulder blades and hips are more prominent; his muzzle appears . You may notice changes in how he moves as he becomes stiff and . He may stand with forelegs wider apart as degenerative changes occur in the joints, giving him a saggy, barrel- chested appearance. This may also help increase his chest capacity and breathing as the heart and lungs work less efficiently. This is nicknamed . This also restricts running and jumping. Hock- walking is also associated with the after effects of saddle thrombus (see later). He becomes generally less supple and finds it harder to curl up into a tight ball so a larger cat bed may be necessary. Beanbags mould themselves to his shape and provide support while the polystyrene beads in a beanbag will retain heat and help keep him warm. Fleece- covered cat hammocks are comfortable, but make sure he can get in and out of it easily. Older cats often become talkative, spending less time physically active and more time expressing their opinions. Some are seeking reassurance, but others take a chatty interest in your activities. Not only do they enjoy your company, they tell you how much they enjoy it! Some of the increased vocalisation (especially increased volume) is due to deafness - the cat literally can't hear himself speak. Extremely old cats may become forgetful, suffering . These are signs of senility though the cat may enjoy several more months of reasonable health if senile behaviour can be managed. Cats which wander and become lost should be confined indoors for their own safety. If you have an escape- proof garden they can venture out in good weather or they may go out on a harness and lead. A senile cat which house- soils should have a veterinary check- ups to determine whether this us a physical problem or senility. Providing several litter trays around the house may help for a while, but when age- related problems become too acute you must review the cat's quality of life and consider euthanasia.
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