Aging & Elderly Cats
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Because of advances in veterinary care, our cats (just like us) are living longer. Based on this awareness, we now classify older cats as mature (7-12 years old), senior (12 – 15 years old), and geriatric (>15 years).
Just as when we age, the chances of disease development increases as does the need for more frequent medical care. At Wild Rose Cat Clinic, we strive to keep you aging cat to live as long a life as possible, but never forgetting that we are here to focus on patient comfort and good quality of life. Regular routine care is key to achieving this goal so we place great importance on early screening, owner awareness, and providing supportive care. |
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At your vet visits...
We will increase clinic vists to twice annually (i.e. every 6 months)
If one human year equals 4 cat years then we want to see your cat more often as they get older by seeing them every 6 months instead of annually.
Perform a comprehensive physical examination
Although age is not a disease, with aging comes diseases. Physical exams help to establish what is normal for your cat and also to catch changes (such as weight loss) at the earlier stages where there are more options for intervention.
Perform routine lab work
Blood and urine tests are used to screen for common conditions including diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and kidney change. As with most diseases, catching changes early increases the chances of successful therapy. Lab work should be done on aging cats every 12 to 24 months depending on exam findings.
Go over any questions or concerns about your cat
Cats are subtle when sick. At the time of their wellness visits, we will discuss cat behaviour with you to determine what is normal and what may reflect a disease concern.
Plan for dental care
As cats age then can be more prone to dental disease and cavity formation. As dental disease can be painful, and impact organ health, we will discuss appropriate dental care never forgetting the concerns associated with senior cat anesthetic safety.
Adjust vaccine and deworming protocols accordingly
Vaccine recommendations and frequency of deworming will depend on your cat's at risk behaviour and will be adjusted as their lifestyle changes
If one human year equals 4 cat years then we want to see your cat more often as they get older by seeing them every 6 months instead of annually.
Perform a comprehensive physical examination
Although age is not a disease, with aging comes diseases. Physical exams help to establish what is normal for your cat and also to catch changes (such as weight loss) at the earlier stages where there are more options for intervention.
Perform routine lab work
Blood and urine tests are used to screen for common conditions including diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and kidney change. As with most diseases, catching changes early increases the chances of successful therapy. Lab work should be done on aging cats every 12 to 24 months depending on exam findings.
Go over any questions or concerns about your cat
Cats are subtle when sick. At the time of their wellness visits, we will discuss cat behaviour with you to determine what is normal and what may reflect a disease concern.
Plan for dental care
As cats age then can be more prone to dental disease and cavity formation. As dental disease can be painful, and impact organ health, we will discuss appropriate dental care never forgetting the concerns associated with senior cat anesthetic safety.
Adjust vaccine and deworming protocols accordingly
Vaccine recommendations and frequency of deworming will depend on your cat's at risk behaviour and will be adjusted as their lifestyle changes
