Is Your Cat "Acting Her Age"?

By Roxanne Willems Snopek

Behaviour changes in older cats can be easily-missed clues to the physical changes associated with age. But behaviour changes don’t necessarily indicate illness. “Aging is an individual process, much as it is in people!” says Dr. Ira Elizabeth Borgmann of Bakerview Pet Hospital in Abbotsford, BC.

It’s important to know what is normal behaviour for your cat, so you can recognise the abnormal. Here are some things owners of senior felines might see:

• Activity: Cats have the unique ability to metabolise protein into energy when necessary. The resulting change in the muscle/fat ratio is why older felines often have thin hindquarters, while still carrying a pad of belly fat, and why they don’t jump as much anymore. They may prefer one level of the house, rather than climbing stairs. They might seem clumsy or need help getting onto the couch.
• Personality: Older cats often dislike activity and noise, and may avoid children. Their slower reflexes make it more difficult to escape when the play gets rough. These cats prefer peace and quiet, and are likely to disappear when visitors arrive. But irritability, especially when touched, can indicate pain. “Many older cats just want to be left alone. This used to be considered normal,” comments Dr. Borgmann, “but as our ability to detect underlying illness improves we are finding personality changes are often associated with different diseases. For example,” she continues, “arthritis was not considered common in the cat just a few years ago, but is now being recognised more frequently.”
• Mental status: Getting lost in familiar places, or crying without apparent cause are occasionally seen in older cats. While it looks like mental deterioration, true senility is rarely reported in cats. It’s more likely due to the vision and hearing loss that accompany age. Routine is more important than ever now; a major change in their familiar surroundings, even moving the furniture, can cause confusion and anxiety.

In addition to behavioural changes, watch body and coat condition. Grooming may be more difficult as they become less agile resulting in an unkempt coat, frequent hairballs, and long, thickened claws. Watch especially for painful, ingrown dewclaws on his front paws. Increased appetite, especially when accompanied by weight loss, can indicate thyroid disease or diabetes, while eating less is a symptom of many problems, including dental disease. Older cats, like older humans, also have a poor ability to perceive thirst, which can lead to chronic dehydration, urinary tract disease and constipation.

It’s not uncommon to see healthy cats 12 years and older, but don’t forget their tendency to mask signs of illness. This tactic is vital for the survival of jungle cats, but not so helpful with caring owners ready to intervene. "Kitty" was already an incredible 24-years-old when she first came to see Dr. Borgmann. Her owner was concerned that "Kitty just wasn’t herself” anymore and tests revealed diabetes. Because her owner recognised Kitty’s subtle behaviour changes, she was diagnosed in time for treatment to be effective. Few cats will reach such an advanced age, but there are ways to help make the most of their golden years.

• Diet: Choose a diet specially formulated for seniors. Designed to minimise stress on internal organs, these foods are lower in fat and calories, higher in fibre, with easily metabolised protein.
• Water: Keep fresh water available in a comfortable location. Many cats prefer drinking from the tub or faucet and if they can’t easily reach these they may not be getting enough water.
• Check-ups: Maintain regular examinations, dental cleanings and vaccinations with your veterinarian and ask about laboratory tests. “I advise starting with basic tests, such as urinalysis, at three or four years of age,” says Dr. Borgmann. “Once they reach 10 or 11, I recommend geriatric panels to test the function of all major organs.” By the time your cat shows obvious signs of disease, damage has already been done. Early diagnosis and treatment can catch it before it’s too late.

“Age is not an illness,” Dr. Borgmann reminds cat owners. “Veterinarians work together with owners in providing compassionate care to ease the aging process and allow a continued good relationship with their pets. People don’t like their aches and pains dismissed with ‘oh you’re just getting old’. Neither should we dismiss the changes in our older pets.”

Article courtesy of Suite101.com.