Senior Care
Senior Care
Mature cats are defined as ages 7-10 years, senior cats 11-15 years, and geriatric cats are greater than 15 years of age. Many cats will live into their late teens and some into their early twenties with good veterinary care. We recommend starting to screen mature cats for common diseases such as osteoarthritis, dental disease, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes mellitus. According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners, “early detection of disease often results in easier disease management and better quality of life; it is less costly and more successful than crisis management”. At JCVS, we recommend biannual exams with labwork starting around age 7. This allows us to detect diseases early and provide the best quality of care. Your veterinarian will often recommend labwork termed a “senior profile”.
What is the “senior profile” labwork?
Labwork is recommended at least every 6 monthsin senior cats. This profile checks all major organ function. Early detection of disease improves prognosis. Your veterinarian will be evaluating the following:
·Renal Function Tests: These tests are done simultaneously with a urinalysis to evaluate kidney function. Many times diet adjustments or medical treatment can slow or reverse damage improving your cat's quality of life.
·Liver Enzyme Tests: Increased liver enzymes can be indicative of many disease processes, including bacterial infections, bile duct obstructions, pancreatic disease and cancer.
·Blood Glucose Level: Diabetes is a common endocrine disease in our senior patients.
·Thyroid Levels: Hyperthyroidism is also a very common disease in our senior cats. Hyperthyroidism is a disease caused by a tumor, usually benign, of the thyroid gland that causes an increased amount of thyroid hormone in the body.
·Urinalyis: Collecting urine is essential for interpretation of the senior lab! Blood glucose levels and kidney values cannot be properly interpreted without a urine sample. The urine is also inspected for crystals, bacteria, and for abnormal cells.
·Blood pressure: All senior cats should have their blood pressure checked. Cats with kidney disease or hyperthyroidism may be hypertensive. Hypertension can cause loss of vision and even thrombo-embolic events (blood clots.)
What can you do to provide the best care to your senior cat?
Monitor your senior cat closely. Below is a list of things to evaluate in your cat. If you have any concerns, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Things to look for in your senior kitty
· Eating and drinking
· Skin and coat quality
· Grooming
· Litter box habits
· Weight and body condition
· Changes in sleeping patterns
· Changes in jumping or ability to jump
· Increase vocalization
· Bad breath
Check out the AAFP’s Top 10 Tips for Seniors here: https://catfriendly.com/cat-care-at-home/senior-care/10-tips/
You can find more information on senior cats here: https://catfriendly.com/category-page/seniors/
How old is my cat in human years?
Photo credit: https://catfriendly.com/cat-care-at-home/life-stages/
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