Cats are masters at hiding signs that they are unwell. The following is some information on what to look for when assessing your cat’s health. Knowing what is normal for your cat is of great benefit, so when something is different you can recognise it quickly.
Losing weight can occur in some diseases such as chronic kidney disease, hyperthyroidism and diabetes. Having an idea of your cat’s ideal weight is good, as you can track any changes if they happen. It costs nothing to weigh your cat at the clinic so if you are concerned, then please call to book in a weight check with a nurse. Alternatively, you could weigh your cat at home using baby scales (these are quite affordable online!). Weight gain is less common in older cats, but also let us know if you think your cat has gained weight.
Know your cat’s toileting habits! This can be difficult to assess particularly if your cat goes outside, but easier if they use a litter box. Clumping litter gives you a good idea on the amount that your cat urinates. If you keep the litter box clean, then you will notice changes as soon as they occur. While scooping your cat’s litter, take note of the colour and consistency of your cat’s faeces – it only takes a moment! An increase in the amount of urine passed can be a sign of kidney disease or diabetes, while changes to the consistency of faeces can be a sign of various gastrointestinal or metabolic diseases. Urinary tract infections are common in older female cats, with the main symptom being passing smaller amounts of urine often. These require proper diagnosis and veterinary treatment.
Your cat’s temperament generally won’t change throughout its life, so if something does change, then it might be because something is wrong. Illnesses such as hyperthyroidism can cause a normally docile cat to become more hyperactive or restless, while a cat who is increasingly anxious, vocal and disorientated could have feline senility or be suffering from high blood pressure. Signs of aggression that are out of character could suggest that your cat might be in pain.
Know your cat’s habits and activity levels – whether they enjoy greeting you at the front door, watching television with you at night, running around the house playing or watching birds from the window. A decrease or change in activity levels could suggest osteoarthritis, which is very common in senior cats. Signs can include not jumping onto beds or benches, stiffness upon rising, hiding, changes in grooming and aggression when handled. High blood pressure can sometimes cause blindness – this may also cause your cat’s activity levels and interaction with you to change.
A full clinical examination and a simple blood and urine test can help to diagnose a range of illnesses. High blood pressure can be an issue in our senior pets and is diagnosed by taking your cat’s blood pressure in a similar way to humans. Many illnesses are manageable through dietary changes, medication and small environmental changes in the home. The signs and symptoms listed above are not just signs that your cat is “getting old” – they are signs and symptoms of diseases that we can provide treatment for, to give your cat a happier, healthier and longer life. We recommend blood and urine testing, as well as blood pressure testing in cats over ten years of age. We generally recommend 12 monthly check-ups for senior pets, but more frequent check-ups (such as six monthly) can help with even earlier diagnosis of disease, which can provide a better outcome. Similarly, blood tests can be done either six or twelve monthly. This can be discussed with your vet and may be determined by whether your cat is on any medication or not. depending on which is indicated. A 10 year old cat is equivalent to 56 human years, and each year your cat ages 4 “cat” years, therefore six monthly tests are equivalent to us going to the doctor every two years!
The other condition that is often present in senior pets is osteoarthritis – in fact studies have shown that 90% of cats over 12 years old have signs of osteoarthritis on X-rays. (see below for xrays comparing an affected and unaffected cat) It is a slow progressive disease of one or more of the joints, resulting in changes in the joint and the development of clinical signs. Cats hide illness very well, so signs of osteoarthritis such as becoming unwilling to jump up onto high surfaces and reduced activity, often get put down to old age. Cats don’t usually limp with osteoarthritis, as it often affects both sides of the body. Other signs are listed below.
Treatment for osteoarthritis is multi-faceted. There are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s) such as meloxicam, which provide good pain relief but may not be suitable for all cats. Regular blood and urine tests are recommended during use of these medications, to ensure adequate kidney function. There is also gabapentin and tramadol, which can be used in conjunction with NSAID’s, or as a standalone drug in those cats where NSAID’s are unsuitable. There are injectable drugs that can be given regularly in clinic, including Zydax (Cartrophen) which is a disease modifying osteoarthritis drug, which acts on the underlying disease process, preserving joint cartilage and health. This is usually given as a course of injections, once a week for four weeks, then at regular intervals, between every four weeks and three months, depending on the disease state and progression in your cat. A newer option is Solensia, which works like your cats naturally made antibodies to reduce pain signals. It is given as an injection in clinic once a month. Over 75% of owners noticed an improvement in their cat’s pain levels in a three-month study on Solensia.
Another newer option for arthritis in cats is the use of Cannabidiol (CBD) oil. This is used to help decrease inflammation pain, and allows our pets to have a better quality of life. It is also thought to slow the progression of joint degeneration through it’s anti-inflammatory effects, therefore keeping the joint healthier for longer. We are finding that lots of owners are seeing benefits to their cats using CBD oil, with minimal side effects. This is a prescription only medication, therefore not available over the counter. Maintaining an appropriate weight is really important when managing arthritis symptoms. If your cat is overweight, it puts increased pressure on their joints, leading to more pain. At the opposite end of the spectrum, cats who have decreased muscle mass are also going to have increased difficulty getting around. Please contact us for a weight check and advice in a healthy weight for your cat.
There are many supplements for arthritis as well – 4cyte, PAW osteosupport, Joint Guard, Antinol Plus – please let us know if you need more information on these. These products need time to work, so trialling them for 4-6 weeks is necessary before evaluating their effectiveness. Alternative treatments such as acupuncture can also provide some relief from osteoarthritis.
We find that the best therapy for arthritis in cats is multi-modal – meaning that there are many different components to it. Using a combination of prescription medication, supplements and environmental changes give your cat the best chance to live a comfortable and pain free life
There is a lot that you can do at home to make life more comfortable for your cat, regardless of any diagnoses that your cat may have.
Make sure food and water are accessible, preferably at floor level. If kept higher up, ensure that there are steps for easy access. If a multi-level house, ensure that food, water and litter are available on all levels to prevent your cat from having to go up and down. Consider raising the food bowl for your cat to prevent him from having to bend down to eat (see the difference in posture in below photos, in particular the curve of the spine and the weight being placed on the forelegs when eating from ground level)
Watching your cat grow old can be a rewarding experience, but they do require a bit more care.
Please contact the clinic if you would like to book in a consultation for your senior cat, or if you require any advice on caring for them.
We can help to keep them happy and healthy for many more years to come.
