Aging Cat Health

As your cat begins to age they will need special care and attention. Much like people, there are health concerns, behavior changes, and several other things to consider in aging cat health. And although it will take some time and patience, many of the changes that an aging cat goes through can be handled delicately and properly.

Common disease in aging cats

As cats get older there are several different types of disease that become more common among senior cats. When changes become severe and organs will no longer compensate for age, disease can occur. Here is some of the more common diseases among these older cats:

· Cancer: Some of the signs of cancer in a cat are abnormal swelling, sores that don't heal, weight loss, loss of appetite, offensive odor, and difficulty breathing.
· Dental diseases: Many cats as they age will find themselves with some dental disease problems. Some signs of this would be bad breath, difficulty swallowing, drooling, and weight loss.
· Diabetes mellitus: Some signs of diabetes are increased thirst and urination, change in appetite, vomiting, weight loss and weight gain.

Your aging cat's appetite may change.

Common behavioral changes in aging cats

As a cat ages there are several behavioral changes that take place. Understanding and knowing how to react to these behavioral changes will better prepare you for what is to come. Here are some common behavioral changes to expect in aging cats:

· Inappropriate defecating or urination: This is one of the most common behavioral problems of older cats. This can be caused by several different reasons and your cat should be taken to the vet if begin to notice this change. Some of the causes can be medical conditions and stress.
· Aggression: Many older cats can become aggressive towards people and other animals as they age. This can be a result of a medical problem such as arthritis, disease, or stress.
· Activity patterns: Most cats for their entire lives tend to be active during the night and will keep you awake as long as they can. As some cats age they will develop an altered sleep-awake cycle. They may also become quite vocal and need to be quieted.

It's important to understand your cat's needs as they begin to age. Here are some other things to consider as they get older and you want to keep them healthy.

· Nutritional needs for your cat as they get older will require change. Middle aged cats have a problem with obesity, but older cats actually have a problem with not eating and being able to store enough fat. This means that your cat may need to consume more fat in order to have the same kind of energy.
· Skin and coat changes will also occur as your cat gets older. Just as people tend to get gray hair so will some cats. The coat may become thinner and duller. You can help your cat's coat stay healthy as they age by giving them fatty acid supplements which will help restore their luster. They might also have to be groomed more often as they get older.

Aging cat health is an issue for every owner that adopts a cat. All cats will age, but knowing what to expect, and how to take care of them makes all the difference in the world.

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