StandardFusers Return To Experienced Advanced Older Cat - Pictures, Info & More

As they age, cats often suffer a decline in functioning, including their cognitive functioning. Its estimated that cognitive declinereferred to as feline cognitive dysfunction, or FCDaffects more than 55% of cats aged 11 to 15 years and more than 80% of cats aged 16 to 20 years. Memory, ability to learn, awareness, and sight and hearing percepti... See full list on aspca.org The following behaviors may indicate cognitive dysfunction in your senior cat: Learning and Memory 1. Eliminates outside the litter box 2. Eliminates in sleeping areas or by eating areas 3. Sometimes seems unable to recognize familiar people and pets Confusion and Spatial Disorientation 1. Gets lost in familiar locations 2. Stares or fixates on obj... See full list on aspca.org If your cat shows any of the symptoms or changes listed above, your first step is to take her to the veterinarian to determine whether there is a specific medical cause for her behavior. Any medical or degenerative illness that causes pain, discomfort or decreased mobilitysuch as arthritis, dental disease, thyroid dysfunction, cancer, impaired sig... See full list on aspca.org If cognitive dysfunction is the only logical explanation for changes in your cats behavior, the next step is to seek therapy. Treatment mainly consists of making helpful changes to your cats environment and keeping her daily schedule consistent. There are also some medicines that may help cats with FCD, such as selegiline hydrochloride. This drug... See full list on aspca.org Inappropriate elimination is a common symptom of FCD. In fact, its the most common reason that older cats are seen by behaviorists. Any number of medical problems can contribute to inappropriate elimination, including sensory decline, neuromuscular conditions that affect mobility, brain tumors, kidney dysfunction and endocrine system disorders. In... See full list on aspca.org Disorientation is often the first sign that pet parents recognize as cognitive decline in their older cats. Its estimated that disorientation occurs in at least 40% of cats aged 17 years and older. Disorientation may be reduced by increasing the predictability of your cats environment and schedule. Avoid changes to her food, food placement, litte... See full list on aspca.org A cats sleep-wake cycle can be impaired by FCD. However, as with most symptoms of FCD, there are also many alternative reasons for increased nighttime activity. For instance, cats who sleep more during the day can become more restless and active at night. Sensory changes, such as eyesight or hearing loss, can affect your cats depth of sleep. An i... See full list on aspca.org Older cats may vocalize excessively for a number of reasons, including disorientation, loss of hearing and pain due to one or more medical conditions. (Please see our article, Meowing and Yowling, for more information about excessive vocalizing and how to resolve it.) As with other symptoms of FCD, your first step should be to take your cat to her ... See full list on aspca.org Senior cats have specific nutrition needs that must be met for them to be in optimal health. Learn what your cats diet should look like, including how to make the switch. I adopted a senior cat (8-9 years old) from a rescue, was told she was in good health, had her stop eating within a few days, and within 2 weeks had to pay out of pocket for a full dental surgery to remove dental disease and half her teeth. Below, well discuss the behavioral changes that you can expect from an older cat and how to care for them so that they can enjoy their last years to the fullest. Your older cat losing fur? Discover 7 common causes from stress to thyroid disease, plus proven treatments to restore your senior cat's healthy coat. In this way, disorders can be found and treated early, and ongoing medical conditions can be appraised. Both are necessary to keep your senior cat in the best possible health. Should I adopt an older cat? A special group of senior cats that deserves particular attention is older cats in shelters.