Caring for the Older Cat

Cats live on average about 14 to 16 years though cat can live to over 20? The chances of a long and happy life are considerably increased if the cat lives in a house or apartment, away from the dangers of roads, if they are sterilized and protected against common diseases. Older cats have a weaker immunes system and are more vulnerable to viruses and infections. Their eating habits must be constantly monitored for loss of appetite, excessive hunger or thirst and difficulty swallowing.

Cats start to age at about 10 years old. From this age you should carry out a complete annual health check – clinical examinations blood tests any other checks that might be necessary to check for illnesses. You should also pay close attention to any sudden changes in your cat’s habits and to avoid stress as much as possible.

The Main Signs of Aging

The first signs of aging are obvious in the fur, which forms small “tufts”, indications of dehydration and less though cleaning. If the cat loses weight this could be from things like muscular atrophy or decreased efficiency of the digestive system; slower and less agile movement, which could be caused by arthritis pain; a very opaque iris; incisor teeth falling out, damaged canines and molars with tartar, could all be age-related.

The first thing you should do is change what you are feeding your cat. As with people, the effectiveness of the digestive system decreases and older cats may lose their appetite and find it difficult to chew. This can lead to significant weight loss. Older cats lose sensory perception and so are less sensitive to smells than before. To stimulate his appetite, you could warm up his food slightly as this can make its smell more appetizing. If he has problems chewing, you will probably want to change him from dry food to wet food.

The energy needs of the older cat are obviously lower than those of a kitten or adult cat. To avoid obesity, you should choose foods designed for older cats and follow the instructions for your cat’s weight, age and physical activity (depending on whether he is an indoor or outdoor cat), and whether or not he is sterilized.

The following should be monitored closely:

The Teeth

As mentioned above, the teeth can create problems for the cat as he ages and he can get painful and repeated gingivitis. So check them regularly and seek help from your vet if extraction, descaling or any other treatment is needed.

The Fur

As the cat ages, he becomes less agile and can’t groom himself as well as before. He fur becomes more opaque, greasy and dirty with dandruff. You should was older cats unless it is absolutely necessary. You could clean him with a neutral disposable wipe, like the ones used for children, and brush him gently. As well as improving his appearance and helping with his skin and fur health, it will be a moment of connection between you and your pet.

Arthritis and Decrease Muscle Tone

The older cat can become lazy or from age-related disabilities, my lose muscle tone. You need to encourage him to move and play with his toys.

Eyes and Ears

His hearing can become impaired but his doesn’t generally have a severe impact on the cat’s lifestyle.  Eyes – cataracts are the most common problem for cats but a cat can adapt well to a progressive loss of vision.  Sudden blindness, where the cat comes more and more disorientated, with the pupils becoming more and more dilated, is caused by the retina becoming detached (due to renal failure) and is irreversible.  However, cats can adapt well to this too.

Cognitive Dysfunction

This can show in a change in the cat’s behaviour which cannot be explained by poor health. This is associated with aging of the brain, more commonly known as senile dementia. The most common symptom is altered sleep-wake cycles where the cat doesn’t sleep at night but wanders round the house plaintively mewing and can’t be comforted or calmed. The most appropriate treatment for this is antioxidants such as vitamin E and vitamin C as well as omega fatty acids. Numerous studies have shown that these can effectively protect brain cells.

Though not common, neoplasms can occur in cats. Animals with tumours lose weight very quickly and won’t eat. A visit to the vet is essential so you can get a full diagnosis and check for other symptoms such as jaundice or dyspnea.

Finally, the leading cause of death in older cats is chronic renal failure. If the cat doesn’t eat much and wees frequently, take him to the vets for a blood test to check for the presence or progress of this chronic disease.

Jasper took to sleeping in strange places when his kidneys failed.

Alternative Medicine for Cats

Alternative medicines for cats (acupuncture, homeopathy ...)

Although still not common, alternative medicine is being developed to treat cats and offer a choice of care. They offer natural and efficient treatments as an alternative to conventional medicines. Because of the diversity of healing methods of alternative treatments they offer a variety of different resources.

Sometimes conventional medicine reaches its limits or we want to use a milder, less chemical, more natural method. There a range of different alternative medicines for cats so when should we try them.

Alternative Medicines are Still Developing for Cats

As for humans, alternative medicines are developing, though still slowly, but are offering more and more natural and gentle treatments for animals, especially cats. Holistic approaches, which take account of the whole animal, have diversified and it is possible to use osteopathy, acupuncture, homeopathy, aromatherapy, naturopathy…

These therapies should be administered by trained qualified vets. They can treat a number of conditions of varying levels of severity, such as joint pain, urinary incontinence, allergies, asthma, scabies, diabetes and so on. They can be used where conventional medicine has failed or if you want to use less aggressive treatments. They can also be used in conjunction with conventional medicines.

Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Herbal Medicine, Mesotherapy

Some of these treatments are based on plant resources and nature (and, after all, what makes sense for animals but what they use themselves?). Others aim to restore a healthy balance, in all its aspects, such as the good circulation of energy flow. Acupuncture or acupressure exerts pressure, either with the help of needles or using fingers, on precise points which help to restore a good energy circulation.

Homeopathy, herbal medicine, naturopathy, aromatherapy all use natural ingredients, mostly plants, to help restore the natural balance. Some involve taking tablets, others herbal teas or decoctions, or involve a rebalancing of the diet.

Osteopathy is a manual therapy that aims to remove spasms or tensions that hinder the mobility of the body. Some techniques, more gentle, can also be used to cure emotional disorders. Mesotherapy is a technique that is closer to traditional medicine, involving injecting drugs but close to the cut, which preserves the organs and uses a lower dosage and with less frequency.

When to Try Complementary Medicine

As their name suggests, these medicines are complementary – they can be used at any stage of your cat’s illness with the agreement of your vet. However, don’t wait until your cat is really ill before turning to alternative therapies, which will be ineffective if the condition if so far gone that the cat’s self-healing abilities are unable to cope. On the other hand, do not self-prescribe these treatments because you could delay the correct management of your pet’s disease where conventional treatment is needed. Alternative treatments can also be used to prevent illness and to maintain your cat in optimal health.

Understanding your cat

Some cat breeds, such as Siamese, are more talkative than others but all cats express themselves, whether they meow, purr, through their positions and behavior. When the cat communicates with their human, it is up to the human to work out what they are saying. All cats know how to interact and communicate with humans. To get attention they have developed different meows but the human will need to learn and practice a little to understand them

Cat purrs

It is still a mystery how and why a cat purrs, even though some specialists have suggested explanations. The sound happens when the cat breathes out. The larynx contracting causes the cat’s vocal cords to vibrate. However, though often interpreted as a sign of pleasure and well-being, it is ambiguous as it can also indicate suffering. A suffering cat will purr for reassurance, so it can also be a sign of illness or pain.

Kittens start to purr at two days old when they are feeding. So a litter of kittens can sound very impressive. When adult, the cat purrs when stroked, some will also purr when they are fed. If you think about it you can understand that a cat will purr when suffering as it can remind them of when they were happy with their mother and feeding. Humans stroking a cat that is purring can also share the anti-stress properties of the purr. It is also possible that purring can accelerate healing.

Meowing for Humans

Cats do not meow between themselves. They have other vocalisations, such as the male’s war cry when it meets a rival or the female’s plaintive call when she is in heat and wants to attract a mate. Meowing is the way that cats communicate with humans. Wild or feral cats meow very little or not at all. Other noises that cats make, such as the chirping that a cat makes when it sees a bird it can’t get can be confused with meows. However, the usual meow, with its variations of tone and intensity are reserved for humans.

Learning Cat Language

Humans come to understand their cats over time. Emotional proximity to the cat makes it much easier to communicate. Cats can learn the human words that concern her and are frequently repeated. In the same way, a human can learn the meanings and intentions of his cat’s meows.

The sounds can obviously vary according to the sex and breed of the cat, so the verbal communications of each cat is unique and means you can recognise the calls of your own cat from others.

Non-verbal Communication

Cats use different forms of communication such as movement, the way he moves his tails of rolls over, or yawns, hissing, spitting… Cat communications is mainly non-verbal. It is about postures and movement, using her whole body, rolling onto her back or using just one part such as her tail. Their repertoire can also include coughing, hissing or grunting which can be combined with a threat, defence or attacking posture, with bristling hair.

Cats assume that their humans also use gestures and positions. So she is very sensitive to your movements. So you need to be very careful when you are near her so you don’t worry her.

Eyes, Tail and Ears – All Language

The cat can also use the position of their tail and ears to communicate. A tail raised in the shape of a question mark is a sign of welcome and joy. However, if the tail is low, the cat is afraid. The tail becomes bristly if the cat is angry or aggressive. A cat that wags its tail is showing excitement. The language of the tail is also combined with ear position. The ears will be back when the cat is frightened or feeling aggressive, straight or pointing forward if they are interested. If her eyes are dilated, this is a sign of excitement. A cat that feels at ease or cares for their human they blink their eyes several times.

I Love You!

The attention that a cat lavishes on their human has meaning. When she rubs her body round your legs it is a way of putting her scent on you sot show that you belong to her. If she rubs you with her head or tails, she is giving you a warm welcome and saying she loves you. Some cats use these actions to request food or attention as well. When the cat wants to groom you, she is showing you affection. The cat may want to groom you by licking your fingers or face, touching you like a kiss or nibbling your hair.

Caution – Misunderstanding cat lying on her back

People tend to think that if a cat lies on her back she wants to pay or want you to stroke her tummy. As most cats hate being touched, you risk being bitten or scratched. Very confident cats can tolerate having their tummies stoked for a few moments. There can be several meanings for a cat lying on her back, the most common is that the cat feels happy and relaxed, which is not an invitation to disturb her. During the mating season, both males and females will express excitement by rolling on their backs, sometimes in circles. This leaves smell marks on the floor, making meeting easier.

How does a cat communicate discomfort?

Cats are extremely resilient to pay and show very little. So it is difficult to know if they are suffering and if you should take them to the vets. A cat that growls, grumbles or tries to bite when you touch could be seriously injured (scratched or with an abscess), a cat that is curled up and not moving or walks carefully will need to see the vet.

A really relaxed Ziggy!

Worming your Cat

Deworming a cat is essential, even if he doesn’t leave the flat. This helps him to stay healthy and to prevent you and your family from becoming infected. Even kittens are likely to be infested. Deworming is an important preventative measure to fight your cat’s internal parasites. Worms can cause serious damage to internal organs and you may also become contaminated. Kittens must be wormed very early with suitable products and treatment must continue regularly throughout their lives.

Even if your cat never goes out, worming should be considered a vital part of their care. Worms can be responsible for very serious and sometimes irreversible lesions on different internal organs. Some parasites can be transferred to humans and can be very dangerous. Children, in particular, are vulnerable as they aren’t always as hygiene focused as they should be. You can bring home worms, eggs or larvae on your shoes or clothes so even if you live in a flat you cat can become infested. Once swallowed, the eggs or worms will settle and grow in the digestive tract. Larvae can severely damage some of your cat’s internal organs whilst feeding on blood and food. For a kitten, these parasites can present an even greater danger that could kill them.

Kittens need to be wormed very early. The contamination can occur whilst in their mother’s womb. If she is infected, she can transfer the worms to the kittens whilst she is pregnant. The young can also swallow worms whilst suckling. So it is essential to deworm the pregnant cat and the kittens.

Deworming helps to kill the worms that are present in the digestive tract. There are two types of worms that are the most common. Roundworms which are transferrable to humans and cestodes (flatworms). Cat dewormers are not preventative but only act as a cure. They will only kill the worms when they are taken meaning the cat will have to be dewormed regularly.

It’s quite difficult to tell if your cat is infested with worms. He can be full of parasites but still look healthy. There are some symptoms which you can look out for. If you see eggs or larvae in his faeces, if he vomits or has diarrhoea, if he is anaemic or if his coat is dull. Worms can lead to loss of weight and vitality. Excessive ballooning of the belly in kittens can also be a sign. Don’t wait for these symptoms to appear before you deworm you cat. It is recommended that you deworm you cat two to four times a year depending on his lifestyle. If your pet never goes out, two dewormers a year will be enough. If, however, he goes out a lot, you must deworm him four times a year, at each season change. There as special treatments adapted for kittens and they should be dewormed every two weeks for the first month, then every month until they are six months old. Pregnant cat should be treated a few days before mating, around the 45^th day of gestation and after giving birth.

What sort of dewormer should you choose?

Dewormers for cats are available as tablets or pipettes. It is important to choose the dewormer with the largest coverage, that is, one that is active on most digestive worms. Your cat will need to swallow the tablets, which can be difficult to get them to do! They can be presented in a treat if the cat will eat them. Others are in pipettes where the liquid needs to be put on the skin at the back of their neck where they can’t lick it off. Both forms of deworming are very effective.

A very relaxed Ziggy!

Daily Cleaning

Just because cats spend a lot of time washing themselves doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t worry about their hygiene. Baths, brushing and nail cutting should be part of the care we give them.

Even though long-haired cats need more care taken of them, such as daily brushing, all cats need their owners help to look after their fur, especially when they are moulting! The reasons are simple: our houses and flats are overheated compared to what they need and so they lose more hair than they would if they were wild. They can’t find the herbs they need to eat that will make them vomit when whey have swallowed too much fur. And finally, they don’t use their claws as much as they would in the wild.

Daily care

- Brushing: the minimum is once a week for a short-haired cat outside the moulting season (every two days, with a special cat brush, whilst they are moulting). But if you have a long-haired cat, you can’t escape daily brushing with a cat brush. Your cat’s health is at stake – if you don’t brush him he could swallow so much hair that it obstructs his digestive tract. In addition, the brushing stimulate his circulation and helps the regrowth of his beautiful fur.

- Clipping claws: If a cat lives indoors and doesn’t wear their claws down, it may be necessary to clip claws on the front paws. Hold the cat firmly against you (you may need some help!), take a paw, gently pressing on the knuckles to push the claws out one by one and cut only the translucent part with a claw cutter which you should be able to get from the vets or a pet shop. It is painless to the cat but if you really can’t do it, don’t get scratched, get your vet to do it or get them to show you how.

- Washing and shampooing: cats can need bathing for a variety of reasons, perhaps before a cat show, because of a skin disease, he may have rubbed against a freshly painted wall or been somewhere smelly. Start by brushing out the hair to detangle it. If his eyes need washing, clean them with a piece of gauze soaked in saline solution or veterinary eye wash. When the basin or sink is partly filled with warm water, put your cat in and wet him gently with a glove, taking care not to get water on his head. Wash him with a special cat shampoo (no other product is suitable) and rinse him thoroughly before drying with a towel. Give him one last brush and he is ready!