Age is not a disease, but as our feline friends grow older, they may experience various changes in their body systems. Some of these are part of the natural aging process, while others could signal underlying health issues. As a pet parent, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and monitor your cat for any subtle signs of disease to ensure they receive timely veterinary care.
Why is Home Monitoring Essential?
Home monitoring is vital because it allows us to catch the earliest signs of many diseases. Changes in appetite, energy levels, or litter box habits can all be indicators of potential health problems. Being aware of these changes and seeking prompt veterinary attention can significantly improve the outcome for many conditions.
How to Monitor Your Cat at Home
Monitoring your cat is simpler than it might seem. Keep an eye on their habits and activities, and maintain regular veterinary check-ups. If you notice any issues, consult your vet as soon as possible. Here are some areas to focus on:
- Skin, Nails & Coat: Regularly check for lumps, bumps, or sores while grooming your cat. Also, be mindful of any abnormal odors or increased hair loss.
- Behavior: Note any changes in sleep patterns, interactions, or vocalizations.
- Activity & Mobility: Observe if your cat struggles with stairs, high jumps, or displays any changes in balance or gait.
- Breathing: Pay attention to any coughing, panting, sneezing, or changes in breathing rate.
- Dental Health: Look for signs of drooling, bad breath, mouth sores, difficulty chewing, or changes in gums and teeth.
- Gastrointestinal: Monitor eating habits, any difficulty in chewing or swallowing, and instances of vomiting or diarrhea.
- Water Consumption: Keep track of any changes in your cat’s drinking habits.
- Litter Box Habits: Observe the color, amount, consistency, and frequency of your cat’s stool and urine, and note any changes or accidents outside the litter box.
- Weight: Weigh your cat regularly, especially if you notice changes in their body shape or if they seem to have gained or lost weight suddenly.
Understanding the Meaning of These Changes
Recognizing the signs is the first step, but understanding what they might mean is crucial. The table below lists common signs and their associated diseases. Keep in mind that these signs do not guarantee a specific disease but warrant a visit to the vet for a proper diagnosis.
| Signs and Symptoms of Common Diseases in Older Cats | Common Associated Diseases |
|---|---|
| Behavior Changes | Arthritis, loss of vision or hearing, liver disease, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism |
| Weakness or Exercise Intolerance | Heart disease, anemia, obesity, cancer |
| Changes in Activity Level | Hyperthyroidism, cancer, obesity, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, liver disease |
| Weight Loss | Cancer, kidney disease, liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, hyperthyroidism, hepatic lipidosis, dental disease, heart disease, diabetes mellitus |
| Coughing | Asthma, cancer, blood clots |
| Increased Thirst and Urination | Diabetes mellitus, liver disease, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, urinary tract disease |
| Vomiting | Kidney disease, liver disease, pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, hyperthyroidism, cancer, diabetes mellitus, neurologic disease |
| Diarrhea | Sudden changes in diet |