Note:This may have already been posted, but it has good helpful info in it for older cats.
Lauren Merryfield,
editor/publisher,
CATLINES
Better food, more check-ups help cats live longer
By Jill Bowen
Source: Roanoke Times & World News
Q: You have written recently about old cats. I have two 15-year- old cats that appear to be in good health. How much longer do you think they will live?
Is there anything special that I ought to be doing for them? I read somewhere of a cat that lived to 29 years. What are the chances that mine will live
to that age?
A: Cats are living longer than ever before and, by and large, they are living healthier lives thanks in a large part to advances in feline nutrition and
veterinary medicine.
While heritage plays a part in longevity, better commercial cat foods, early neutering and regular veterinary checkups including vaccinations play an important
part. A complete balanced diet is important, as is palatability, as cats are fastidious feeders. As cats get older they lose some of their sense of smell,
and consequently, a diminution in the sense of taste, so the brand of food you feed them may have to be changed to accommodate these deficiencies. Dry
food is convenient and cheaper than wet food. However, as most cats enjoy wet food, it can be used to tempt them when dry food looses its appeal. Any cat
that has had an urinary tract problem needs to be fed wet food, as well as an increased amount of water, to reduce the risk of formation of bladder stones
and crystals, which can be a serious problem in male cats.
Diseases affecting older cats can be difficult to detect as their onset is usually slow and many times owners think that the signs of an insidious disease
are just those of normal aging. If your cat shows any of the following signs, a trip to the veterinarian is suggested to check that there is not an under
lying correctable problem:
- Joint stiffness and loss of flexibility, which may be a sign of arthritis.
- Weight loss, which may be a symptom of gum inflammation and tartar plaques on the teeth. This interferes with eating and may make it painful, causing
a decrease in appetite.
- Obesity and increase in appetite. Overweight cats are at risk for a number of medical problems, especially diabetes, respiratory and heart problems as
well as joint problems.
- Increased thirst and urination, often a sign of diabetes or kidney disease.
- Poor coat hair quality and lack of grooming. Older cats that are stiff find the effort of maintaining their coat in good condition a great effort, but
they appreciate a daily grooming from their owner. Lack of grooming may also denote a tooth problem such as tartar or periodontal disease.
- Vomiting, diarrhea or constipation occur more often in older cats, which can be a symptom of hairballs or a more serious systemic problem.
Spaying female cats before six months or their first heat reduces the chance of them developing mammary cancer as they age. This cancer is nearly always
malignant and lethal in cats.
If a cat is overweight, care must be taken in dieting, as cats that are on a reduced diet can develop a fatty liver if the dieting is too severe. A gradual
reduction in food will be more beneficial. Producing a weight loss of approximately one pound a month is good and will mean that the cat is not permanently
crying by the fridge. To prevent overeating, feed the cat twice daily rather than allowing dry food to be fed ad lib.
Cats that are prone to tartar build up on their teeth need dry food, as this helps to prevent tartar build up, though it may be necessary for a professional
teeth cleaning at the veterinarian's at least once a year. This cleaning can be arranged to coincide with the annual check up and visit for booster vaccinations.
Not so long ago the average life span of a cat was considered to be 12 years; nowadays it is quite common to have cats living to 18 years.
Cats that are totally indoor cats are said to live longer as a rule than cats that go outside, although my last three cats, which are both indoor and outdoor
cats, were all in their upper teens before they were put to sleep as a final act of kindness after their long and happy lives. One having even accompanied
us from England in the late seventies lived to be nearly 20.
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