Pelushka Persians

The 'Geriatric' Cat   

The last decade has shown advances in preventive medicine, improved veterinary care, balanced nutrition and responsible ownership. Therefore, our cats are, on the average, living longer, healthier lives.

Aging itself is not a disease but a normal biological process that results in decreased organ function and increased susceptibility to disease. The effects of aging tend to be irreversible and progressive. The health care programs for geriatric cats attempt to decrease the rate of progression of organ failure and, in doing so, improve the quality of life for the older cat. Diseases that are easily overcome in a younger cat can often be devastating to an older cat.

Most cats are considered geriatric by the age of 12 years. This is highly variable depending upon the lifestyle of the cat. For example, neutered/spayed indoor cats tend to live longer than sexually intact outdoor cats.

In the older cat, the metabolic rate slowly declines resulting in decreased energy needs. The ability to regulate body temperature also decreases, resulting in intolerance to heat and cold. The proportion of body fat to muscle mass increases. The skin loses elasticity and the hair coat becomes dull. Grooming and litter box habits become less fastidious and there is a decrease in mental alertness. There is a greater susceptibility to disease and the occurrence of cancer increases.

The likelihood of dental disease increases with age. The build-up of tartar is accompanied by gingivitis resulting in gum recession, root exposure, decay and tooth loss. Severe periodontal disease can result in bacteria showering the bloodstream. These bacteria tend to lodge in the kidneys and the heart, causing severe disease. Cats are very sensitive to oral pain, causing a decreased appetite. It is extremely important that regular dental care be given to older cats. Regular grooming will help maintain skin health and coat lustre. It is imperative that annual booster vaccinations be maintained, as an older cat with a decreased immune system is more susceptible to infectious disease.

With age, the stomach and intestines begin to lose the ability to digest and absorb nutrients, especially calcium and fat-soluble vitamins. The liver function decreases, resulting in slower metabolism of toxins and drugs. Kidney function gradually declines in the older cat, decreasing the capacity to concentrate urine. This results in increased water loss and, combined with a decreased water intake, leads to dehydration. Decreased blood volume from dehydration can overly stress an already failing heart.

The management of the healthy ‘geriatric’ cat depends as much on the owner as on the veterinarian. A diet with a reduced fat content will help prevent obesity that results from a decreased metabolic rate. The fat present in the diet, however, should be highly digestible and rich in essential fatty acids to compensate for reduced intestinal function. A diet lower in phosphorus and protein will lessen the failing kidneys' need to actively excrete phosphorus and protein waste. An increase in fibre content will help decrease calorie consumption and aid in stimulating colon contractions.

Considering all the changes going on in the geriatric cat, just simply decreasing the amount of maintenance diet fed is often inadequate. Diets specifically designed for the older cat may increase the quality and length of life. However, a decrease in the ability to smell and taste may drastically reduce appetite. The goal is to find the highest quality senior diet that the cat will eat. It is best to feed a lesser amount per meal and increase the number of meals per day. Sudden changes in diet are very rarely tolerated, resulting in vomiting and diarrhoea. Water intake should be greatly encouraged.

Unfortunately some cats do become senile and forget what they are doing, or rather not doing!  This is especially so with the litter tray and great patience is needed. Never tell your elderly cat off for these accidents, a loving face with a gentle voice will give greater security than a frowning face that is shouting.

The geriatric cat may also go blind or deaf, (in some cases both), but can still live for many happy years providing there is little disruption to his life. For a blind cat it is important not to move the furniture around. A cat maps out his territory by his whiskers so that he can ‘read’ where he is and if you move things around, he will get lost.   Likewise, it is pointless to shout at a cat that has become deaf. Instead try to use your face and hands to communicate. Simple facial expressions accompanied by hand movements should be enough to encourage a cat to come when called, whether for meals or just for a cuddle.  Not only deaf, but also older cats tend to ‘vocalise’ much louder and more frequently. This is because they feel vulnerable, and if in another part of the house to their owner, obviously lonely.

Some people think that getting a kitten or younger cat will be company for an older cat, but this is a mistake. Older cats become less tolerant of disturbances and change. He may even feel that the new cat or kitten is getting all the attention, thus causing unnecessary stress.

If you are worried about any changes in your cat’s personality, his behaviour, his appetite, toileting habits, his moods, please see your vet as soon as possible. Never leave a cat to ‘see how things go’, he could be in severe pain and you will be prolonging that pain. When dealing with a sick older cat, the vet and owner must realize that a disease in one organ system may lead to dysfunction in other systems. To diagnose adequately the primary disease and identify secondary problems, the vet will get a complete history and perform a thorough physical examination as well as a urinalysis, complete blood count, and biochemical profile. Often x-rays will be taken of the chest and abdomen. Without this basic information, unrecognized problems will progress, leading to little or no response to treatment.

Certain diseases occur with higher incidence in older cats, such as chronic renal failure, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, liver disease, and chronic bronchial disease. If diagnosed early and proper treatment initiated, many quality years can be added to a cat's life. Tumours are more common in the dog than in the cat. However, the frequency of malignant tumours is much higher in the cat, the incidence of tumours increasing with age. Any lump should be removed and sent to a pathologist for diagnosis.

With increased owner vigilance to diet and changes in behaviour, as well as good veterinary care, cats today can live well into their late teens and beyond. Very often cats twenty years old and older are enjoying a good quality of life!

Finally, when it come to the time for your cat to move on to pastures new, your vet will advise you of the options available and help you to make the inevitable decision that we all find so hard to make.