One of the facts about pet ownership is that our pets eventually age. They start slowing down, start feeling bad occasionally, and start developing diseases and disorders common to old age. Pet owners can help make their animals' sunset years happier and much more comfortable.
Most people don't think about cats as being old. They always seem so lithe, so active, so independent and limber. However, they are prone to old age disorders, just as any human or animal. Sometimes, the aging process sneaks up on a pet owner, simply because their beloved pet has been so active and healthy for so many years.
One bit of advice concerning elderly cats is to do some preventative work. Inside cats live longer, healthier, happier lives than those that stay outside. Bringing up a cat as an inside cat from the beginning is one of the best gifts a cat fancier can give his beloved animal. The owner can built a sort of "run" area outside, where the animal can enjoy the outdoors, but it unable to get outside the area and into the street, or to have altercations with other cats. Another precaution along these lines is to have the pet spayed or neutered. Altered cats are happier cats. The males don't spray and yowl and fight to go outside when they smell a female in heat. Females don't go into heat. They live longer and make better pets.
Having said that, one good habit a pet owner should assiduously carry into the cat's older years is regular health care. A veterinarian should see the animal at least once a year, and should run a complete blood panel, including a thyroid panel. Cats are prone to overactive thyroid, and catching it early can mean heading off a number of other health problems, including heart trouble. The owner should also be alert to other changes, such as changes in feeding, bladder and bowel habits. Changes in these areas can signal a disorder early, before the cat begins feeling unwell. Changes in other habits can also signal health problems. An affectionate cat that suddenly doesn't want to be touched, or vice versa; changes in sleeping nooks, particularly isolating from the family; constant yowling or other vocalization; all these indications can mean something is not right, and the pet owner should be alert.
Arthritis is one disorder that greatly affects cats, since they are such limber animals. An owner should give whatever pain medication is indicated by the veterinarian, and should make sure that the animal has recourse to a warm place to sleep, if the cat will sleep there. Owners can make it easier for cats to continue their routine by having small ramps available so the animal can walk up to a favorite sleeping or perching place. Litterboxes should have low sides so the cat doesn't have to jump out, and can simply step out
Physical activity is still important for older cats, and an owner should encourage the animal to play, if this is possible, and not uncomfortable for the cat. Even five minutes a day with a favorite toy can help keep an older animal physically and mentally sharp.
Like humans, some older cats seem to suffer from dementia, or at least depression. Physical activity can help keep depression at bay, and keeping major changes in the household to a minimum can help alleviate some symptoms of dementia. An owner should not rearrange the furniture or bring new animals into the household--this can confuse an older cat and dementia can swiftly follow. Older cats also like their routines, and familiar surroundings, so if a family needs to go on vacation, if they can have a pet sitter, this is an ideal situation.
Cats may also lose their hearing as they age. This is usually much more distressing to the owner than to the cat, but the human should remember that the cat cannot hear him coming down the hall and move out of the way, so family members need to remember to look out for the cat. Deaf cats seem to do as well as a hearing animal, but the family does need to be aware of startling the animal unnecessarily and should be careful, especially at night, since the cat's vision may not be as sharp as it used to be, either.
Sadly, there will probably come a time when the animal is in chronically poor health, and has little quality of life left. When this time comes, the pet owner needs to make the responsible decision to have the veterinarian euthanize the animal. It isn't easy, but it is the kindest thing a pet owner can do for his animal who has given him so many happy hours. No animal should suffer, especially since, like children, they do not understand their suffering. While the decision is always a wrenching one, because it does involve the loss of a family member, it is one of the single most loving decisions a pet owner makes on behalf of the animal he has taken the responsibility for.
Caring for an elderly cat is much like caring for an elderly person. They need love and attention and their owners should keep an eye toward keeping them as comfortable, secure and happy as possible.
