How can I help keep my senior cat healthy? Close observation is one of the most important tools you have to help keep your senior cat healthy.
You may wish to perform a basic physical examination on a weekly basis. Ask your veterinarian to show you how to do it and what to look for. You will find it easier if you just make the examination an extension of the way you normally interact with your cat. For example, while you are rubbing your cat's head or scratching its chin, gently raise the upper lips with your thumb or forefinger so you can examine the teeth and gums.
In the same way, you can lift the ear flaps and examine the ear canals. While you are stroking your cat's fur, you can check for abnormal lumps or bumps, and evaluate the health of the skin and coat.
Daily Brushing Daily brushing or combing removes loose hairs, preventing them from being swallowed and forming hairballs. Brushing also stimulates blood circulation and sebaceous gland secretions, resulting in a healthier skin and coat. Older cats may not use scratching posts as frequently as they did when they were younger; therefore, nails should be checked weekly and trimmed if necessary. Daily Tooth Brushing Brushing your cat's teeth with a pet-specific toothpaste or powser is the single most effective way to prevent dental disease.
Dental disease is more common in older cats and can lead to other health problems, so maintaining oral health is important. Most cats will allow their teeth to be brushed, although it may be necessary to gradually introduce your cat to tooth brushing over several weeks to months.
Watch this video for instructions on how to brush your cat's teeth. Proper Nutrition Many cats get heavier or even obese as they age.
If your cat is overweight, you should ask your veterinarian to help you modify the diet so that a normal body condition can be restored. Other cats actually become too thin as they get older. Weight loss can be caused by a variety of medical problems such as kidney failure, and special diets may be helpful in managing these problems.
Reducing Stress Reducing environmental stress whenever possible is very important since older cats are usually less adaptable to change. Special provisions should be made for older cats that must be boarded for a period of time. Having a familiar object, such as a blanket or toy, may prevent the cat from becoming too distraught in a strange environment.
A better alternative is to have the older cat cared for at home by a neighbor, friend, or relative. Introducing a new pet may be a traumatic experience for older cats, and should be avoided whenever possible. Moving to a new home can be equally stressful, however, stress can be alleviated by giving the older cat more affection and attention during times of emotional upheaval.
Cats are experts at hiding illness, and elderly cats are no exception. It is common for a cat to have a serious medical problem, yet not show any sign of it until the condition is quite advanced. Since most diseases can be managed more successfully when detected and treated early in their course, it is important for owners of senior cats to carefully monitor their behavior and health.
How can my veterinarian help? Just as your observations can help detect disease in the early stages, so too can regular veterinary examinations. Your veterinarian may suggest evaluating your healthy senior cat more frequently than a younger cat.
Unfortunately, there is no specific antiviral treatment for FIV. Cats can carry the virus for a long time before symptoms appear. Therefore, treatment focuses mainly on extending the asymptomatic period or, if symptoms have set in, on easing the secondary effects of the virus. Your veterinarian may prescribe some of the following treatments:. It is one of the most commonly diagnosed causes of disease and death in domestic cats. Young kittens and cats less than one year of age are most susceptible to the virus.
Cats living with an infected cat, allowed outdoors where they may be bitten by an infected cat, and kittens born to a mother who is FeLV positive are most at risk for infection. Healthy cats over three months of age and vaccinated for FeLV are highly unlikely to contract the virus from another cat. Spread by infected mosquitoes, heartworm is increasingly being recognized as an underlying cause of health problems in domestic cats. Cats are an atypical host for heartworms. Despite its name, heartworm primarily causes lung disease in cats.
It is an important concern for any cat owner living in areas densely populated by mosquitoes, and prevention should be discussed with a veterinarian. The cat is not a natural host for the heartworm parasite, Dirofilaria immitis, and so the heartworm is not likely to complete its entire life cycle.
When a mosquito carrying the heartworm parasite, Dirofilaria immitis, bites a cat, larvae are transmitted into the bloodstream. The larvae migrate toward the heart over a period of around four to six months, maturing as they go, then settle in the heart, pulmonary arteries and blood vessels of the lungs.
Because a domestic cat is not a natural host for the heartworm parasite, many of the worms die. These—along with the living worms—cause severe inflammatory and immune responses in an infected cat. Cats of all ages, living in any region, can contract heartworm, but the disease is more prevalent in felines who live in areas densely populated by mosquitoes.
Outdoor cats are at greater risk because of increased exposure to mosquitoes. The heartworm infection can be especially life-threatening to kittens and older cats.
Breathing difficulties that occur in the first stage of heartworm disease, caused by worms newly arriving in the heart and lungs, were likely previously diagnosed as feline asthma or bronchitis. However, these breathing problems are now thought to have actually been due to what is now called heartworm-associated respiratory disease HARD. Diagnosing Heartworm Disease Heartworm disease is not as easily diagnosed in cats as it is in dogs.
There are currently no products in the United States approved for treating feline heartworm infection. If an infected cat shows symptoms of lung disease, the cat can be given a cortisone-like medication as needed. Medication can also be given to help control coughing and vomiting. Although some cats are able to fight the infection on their own, the following can occur if heartworms are not monitored and treated:.
Many pet parents eagerly open their windows to enjoy the weather during the summer months. Unfortunately, unscreened windows pose a real danger to cats, who fall out of them so often that the veterinary profession has a name for the complaint—High-Rise Syndrome. Falls can result in shattered jaws, punctured lungs, broken limbs and pelvises—and even death. Rabies is a viral disease that affects the brain and spinal cord of all mammals, including cats, dogs and humans. This preventable disease has been reported in every state except Hawaii.
Note: Do not attempt to handle or capture a wild animal who is acting strangely i. Report the animal to local animal control officers as soon as possible. Not uncommon in cats, this highly contagious disease can lead to patchy, circular areas of hair loss with central red rings. Also known as dermatophytosis, ringworm often spreads to other pets in the household—and to humans, too.
A cat can get ringworm directly through contact with an infected animal—or indirectly through contact with bedding, dishes and other materials that have been contaminated with the skin cells or hairs of infected animals. Ringworm spores are notoriously hardy and can survive in the environment for more than a year!
You should also thoroughly wash your hands after you touch your cat. If your veterinarian has diagnosed your cat with ringworm, he or she will explain what you must do to prevent the fungus from spreading to your other pets—and to the human members of the household.
Your veterinarian may recommend that you do the following:. Symptoms differ depending on the cause and location of the infection, but some common clinical signs of upper respiratory problems in cats include:. A brief exam by a veterinarian will help to determine if your cat requires medication, has a fever or is dehydrated. Avoid self-diagnosis, since your cat may be infectious and require isolation, antibiotics or additional veterinary care. Left untreated, some upper respiratory infections can progress to pneumonia or have other serious complications, such as blindness or chronic breathing difficulties.
Sometimes cats demonstrate few to no outward signs of infection, and the infestation can go undetected despite being a potentially serious health problem. Some feline parasitic worms are hazards for human health as well. Outdoor cats and those who are routinely exposed to soil where other animals defecate are prone to worms. Kittens and cats who do not receive regular preventative health care are most at risk for developing complications associated with internal parasites.
Symptoms differ depending on the type of parasite and the location of infection, but some common clinical signs include:. Avoid self-diagnosis, since worms are not always visible or identifiable. A large number of roundworm eggs can accumulate where cats defecate. People, especially children, who ingest such eggs can develop serious health problems, such as blindness, encephalitis and other organ damage.
Treatment of blindness caused by roundworm may involve surgical removal. Hookworm larvae can penetrate human skin and cause lesions. People can acquire tapeworms through the ingestion of an infected flea, although this is rare.
You are here Pet Care Cat Care. Common Cat Diseases. Expand to read more It is important to understand that diabetes is considered a manageable disorder—and many diabetic cats can lead happy, healthy lives.
Diabetes can be classified as: Type I lack of insulin production Type II impaired insulin production along with an inadequate response to the hormone. Diagnosing Diabetes To properly diagnose diabetes, your veterinarian will collect information about clinical signs, perform a physical examination and check blood work and urinalysis. Treating Diabetes Every diabetic cat is an individual and will respond differently to therapy. Diabetes treatment is based on how severe the signs of disease are and whether there are any other health issues that could complicate therapy.
Some cats are seriously ill when first diagnosed and require intensive hospitalized care for several days to regulate their blood sugar levels. Cats who are more stable when first diagnosed may respond to oral medication or a high-fiber diet.
For most cats, insulin injections are necessary for adequate regulation of blood glucose. Your vet may also show you how to perform glucose tests at home. Other routine blood work may also be necessary. Diabetes Prevention A proper diet and regular exercise can go a long way to avoid the development of feline diabetes. If You Suspect Your Cat Has Diabetes If your cat is showing any abnormal clinical signs as listed above, make an appointment to see your veterinarian immediately.
Expand to read more An FIV-infected cat may not show any symptoms for years. Another, less common mode of transmission is from an FIV-infected mother cat to her kitten. FIV does not seem to be commonly spread through sharing food bowls and litter boxes, social grooming, sneezing and other casual modes of contact. Although any feline is susceptible, free-roaming, outdoor intact male cats who fight most frequently contract the disease. Cats who live indoors are the least likely to be infected.
Preventing FIV The best way to prevent your cat from contracting the virus is to keep him indoors, avoiding any chance of contact with infected felines. If you walk your cat, keep him on a leash when outdoors. If your cat is going to be spending any time in a cattery or in a home with other felines, make sure all cats have tested negative for FIV.
Any recently adopted cat should be tested for FIV prior to entering your home. You may also want to speak to your veterinarian about the FIV vaccine and if it is appropriate for your cat. The FIV status of every cat should be known.
Signs in cats: Some cats might not show signs of ringworm infection, but others typically have small areas of hair loss around their ears, face, or legs with scaly or crusty skin. Kittens are most commonly affected. Symptoms in people: Ringworm infections in people are usually itchy and can appear on almost any part of the body. Redness, scaling, cracking of the skin, or a ring-shaped rash may occur. If the infection is on the scalp or beard, hair may fall out. Infected nails can become discolored, thick, or could crumble.
Roundworm is a parasite that can cause an infection called toxocariasis. Roundworms are commonly found in the intestines of cats. How it spreads: Cats shed roundworm eggs in their poop. People and cats can get roundworms by swallowing roundworm eggs from the environment, such as dirt contaminated with cat poop. Symptoms in people: There are two types of illness associated with roundworms in people. Ocular toxocariasis happens when roundworm larvae migrate to the eye and can cause vision loss, eye inflammation, or damage to the retina.
Typically, only one eye is affected. Visceral toxocariasis happens when the roundworm larvae migrate to various body organs like the liver, lungs, or central nervous system and can cause fever, fatigue, coughing or wheezing, or abdominal pain. Salmonellosis is caused by Salmonella bacteria, which are most commonly spread through contaminated food. Salmonella also spreads from animals, including cats, to people and from people to people. How it spreads: People can become infected by eating contaminated food or through contact with animal poop.
Cats can become infected with Salmonella by eating infected birds, rodents, or contaminated pet food, especially raw pet food. Who is at risk: Anyone can get a Salmonella infection, but children younger than 5 years of age, adults 65 years of age and older, and people with weakened immune systems are more at risk for serious illness.
Signs in cats: Adults cats typically do not show signs of infection. Infected kittens may have diarrhea. Symptoms in people: People may experience diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Symptoms usually start within 6 hours—4 days after infection and last 4—7 days. How it spreads: The fungus typically spreads from the environment through a cut or scrape in the skin, but has also been associated with scratches or bites from animals, particularly cats.
Who is at risk: Anyone can get sporotrichosis, but people who handle plant matter such as moss, roses, or hay or come in contact with infected animals are especially at risk. People with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk for infection, particularly for disseminated infections.
Signs in cats: Cats with sporotrichosis may have no signs of illness to serious disease. Signs often begin with small draining wounds that become raised lumps with the surface eroded away. The disease can then worsen. Symptoms in people: The symptoms of sporotrichosis depend on where the fungus is growing. Pets are at risk for tickborne infections, including Lyme disease , tularemia , ehrlichiosis , babesiosis , and others. Pet owners should consult with a veterinarian on appropriate products for their pets to prevent ticks.
Treating pets for ticks can reduce the risk of tickborne diseases for you and your pets. How it spreads: Tickborne germs spread through the bite of an infected tick. During the feeding process, small amounts of saliva pass from the tick into the skin of the animal or person.
Who is at risk: People and pets that spend time in tick habitat grassy, wooded, or brushy areas are at risk for tick exposure. Cats may have ticks in and around the ears, around the eyelids, under collars, under front legs, between back legs, between the toes, or around the tail. Remove ticks from pets promptly to reduce disease risk. Signs in pets: Signs of tickborne disease in pets can vary depending on the type of infection, or they may not show any signs of illness.
Symptoms in people: Symptoms of tickborne diseases in people can vary, but usually include fever, chills, body aches, and sometimes a rash. Some tickborne diseases can be very serious and even deadly. See your healthcare provider if you have been in tick habitat or been bitten by a tick and develop any of these symptoms.
Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by a parasite found in soil, water, meat, or poop from an infected animal, particularly cats. How it spreads: People can get toxoplasmosis through contact with cat poop or by eating undercooked meat or shellfish.
Cats become infected by eating infected rodents, birds, or other small animals. People can get infected by consuming contaminated food or water. Who is at risk: Anyone can get toxoplasmosis, but people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have serious illness. Pregnant women infected with the parasite can pass the infection to their unborn child, which can result in birth defects.
Signs in cats: Cats with toxoplasmosis rarely appear sick but can shed the parasite in feces for as long as 3 weeks after infection. People with weakened immune systems can have more serious complications from toxoplasmosis, including brain disease. Pregnant women who may have been exposed should talk with their doctor because of the risk for birth defects.
Before buying or adopting a pet cat, make sure a cat is the right type of pet for your family. Cats can sometimes carry germs that can make people sick , even when they appear clean and healthy. Visit your veterinarian for routine care to keep your cat healthy and to prevent infectious diseases. Cats can carry many germs in their poop. Cat bites and scratches can spread germs, even if the wound does not seem deep or serious. For example, cat scratch disease can happen if a scratch only breaks the surface of the skin.
Keeping your cat healthy helps to keep you and your family healthy. To learn how to stay healthy around pet cats, visit the Healthy People section. Cats are extremely sensitive to a variety of chemicals.
Do not apply any tick prevention products to your cat without first asking your veterinarian.
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