Taking Your Senior Cat To The Vet Clinic

Kitties usually reach their senior years at around eleven years old. Nowadays, cats live long and healthy lives, often purring and pouncing their way into their late teens or even twenties. Our beloved feline companions frequently age gracefully, so you’re more likely to notice subtle, incremental changes in Fluffy’s appearance and behavior than abrupt, startling transformations. However, senior cats, like aging people, often require more medical care than their younger counterparts. In this article, a Burnsville, MN veterinarian offers helpful advice on taking an older cat to the doctor.

What Happens When An Older Cat Visits The Vet?

If Fluffy is merely coming in for an exam and wellness care, the appointment will most likely be simple and routine, just like her regular checkups have always been. Your kitty’s doctor will evaluate your pet’s overall health, and check vital indicators like pulse and breathing. Furthermore, they will provide you with information on any recommended vaccines or boosters. Additional tests or panels may be required based on your cat’s age and any symptoms she displays. If your pet is coming in for an emergency, then it would depend on what is going on with her.

How Frequently Should My Kitty Visit Her Veterinarian?

This will depend on Fluffy’s age, health, and lifestyle. Annual check-ups are suggested for all kitties, but seniors may benefit from more frequent appointments, especially if they have health problems. If your feline pal is allowed outside, she’ll also need more frequent appointments. Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations. 

Of course, if you notice symptoms of disease, you should schedule an appointment with your pet clinic as soon as possible.

What Are the Best Practices for Transporting an Older Cat?

Fluffy probably won’t suddenly fall in love with going to the veterinary clinic. The majority of our feline patients very much would prefer to stay at home so that their regular sleeping schedules are not disrupted. Man’s Second Best Friend also generally dislikes automobile rides. (Actually, that is an understatement.)

You can take a few actions to improve Fluffy’s experience:

Schedule Properly: Timing is everything. Try to schedule an appointment when the clinic is less busy. Quiet days are never guaranteed, because emergencies can occur at any time. However, certain days and times are typically busier than others. Of course, if your pet is exhibiting symptoms of disease, you would just want the first available opening.

Drive Carefully: Avoid sharp curves, rough roads, and rapid acceleration or deceleration.

A Comfortable Carrier: Everyone prefers a comfortable ride! When traveling, ensure that Fluffy is safely housed in a crate or carrier. This assures her safety and gives you peace of mind, as you won’t have to worry about your pet getting onto your lap while you’re driving.  Add soft bedding to make the carrier more appealing. Another option is to provide a favorite toy or some catnip.

Gentle Handling: As kitties age, they may experience stiffness and discomfort, especially if they have arthritis or other health issues. Fluffy might not enjoy being held. Be exceedingly careful when handling your feline companion!

What Changes Should I Expect As My Feline Companion Ages?

As previously mentioned, our feline buddies often reach their golden years at around 11 years old. An 11-year-old cat can still be energetic and lively, with many pleasant years of purring and pouncing ahead of her. When your furry bestie reaches the age of 15, she will be considered geriatric.

In terms of changes, you may notice Fluffy sleeping more and being less active than she used to be. Your adorable little buddy may also appear a little disheveled. Older cats may have trouble with grooming. In addition, their fur tends to grow oily. Brushing your pet on a regular basis will help keep her looking and feeling good. (This is also a good chance to discreetly check your kitty’s body condition.) 

Keep in mind that our feline companions age differently. Some kitties may appear to be in good health and purrfectly comfortable, only to suddenly decline. Others may only gradually feel the effects of illness, disease, or the natural passage of time.

Pay close attention to your feline companion and watch for any signs of pain. These might be quite subtle! If you come across anything odd, please contact us immediately.

How Can You Tell If Your Senior Cat Is Not Feeling Well?

Kitties can be pretty secretive about letting on when they do not feel well. Watch out for things like losing weight, having to urinate more, being stiff, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, litterbox problems, and breathing problems. It’s also important to keep an eye out for any behavioral changes. When cats are ill or in distress, they may vocalize loudly. Your feline buddy may also just not act like her usual self.

Another red flag to be aware of is Fluffy’s lethargic demeanor. Fluffy has an incredible ability to sleep for up to 20 hours every day. However, if she continuously sleeps, she may have an underlying problem.

If you see any strange signs, contact your Burnsville, MN veterinarian immediately.

What Are Some Common Health Issues For Senior Kitties?

Cats, like humans, can develop a variety of health difficulties as they age. Kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, cancer, heart disease, liver disease, osteoarthritis, and IBD are all frequent illnesses among our older patients. Another typical problem that senior cats suffer is Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD), which can cause urine obstruction, bladder stones, and renal difficulties.

Cognitive decline is also not uncommon among aged cats, even if they are otherwise healthy.

While any feline can contract certain ailments, particular breeds are more likely to develop specific health problems. It could be worthwhile to have a kitty DNA test.

How Can You Keep Your Senior Cat Safe and Happy at Home?

There are a number of things you can do at home to make sure your beloved pet stays healthy, happy, and smiling.

First and foremost, ensuring that your furry friend has a good diet, a comfy living space, and a clean litterbox will greatly improve their overall health and happiness.  Toys and playtime will help keep that little motor going.

You can also make simple improvements to make your home more suitable for your furry buddy. Consider purchasing pet ramps or steps to help your cat comfortably access her favorite resting areas. Fluffy may also appreciate a senior-friendly litterbox. Night lights can help her navigate the house throughout the later hours. Beds are also immensely important for our feline friends. Provide plenty of comfortable areas for your drowsy little pet to take those 37 daily naps. Consult your Burnsville, MN veterinarian for specific information about your cute pet’s changing care requirements.

Finally, ensure that Fluffy feels loved and safe. Senior cats have a distinct personality, and their purrs are quite precious! Enjoy every meowment with your feline companion!

Schedule An Appointment At Our Burnsville, MN Animal Hospital

Are you interested in learning more about the proper care of an elderly cat, or would you want to schedule an appointment for your feline companion? Don’t hesitate to contact us at your Burnsville, MN animal clinic whenever you need help. We are always delighted to help!