The aging process is accompanied by many physical and behavioural changes:
Compared to younger cats, the immune system of older cats is less able to fend off foreign invaders. Chronic diseases often associated with aging can impair immune function even further.
Dehydration, a consequence of many diseases common to older cats further diminishes blood circulation and immunity.
The skin of an older cat is thinner and less elastic, has reduced blood circulation, and is more prone to infection.
Older cats groom themselves less effectively than do younger cats, sometimes resulting in hair matting, flaky skin, skin odour, and inflammation.
The claws of aging cat are often overgrown, thick and brittle and will need to be clipped more often.
Aging changes the brain which contributes to memory loss and alterations in personality commonly referred to as senility. Signs seen in elderly cats are: wandering, excessive meowing, apparent disorientation, and avoidance of social interaction.
For various reasons, hearing loss is common in cats of advanced age.
Aging is also accompanied by many changes in the eyes. A slight haziness of the lens is a common age-related change and in most cases does not decrease a cat's vision to any appreciable extent. However, several diseases, especially those associated with high blood pressure, can seriously and irreversibly harm a cat's ability to see.
Dental disease is extremely common in older cats and can hinder eating and cause significant pain as well as other problems within the body.
Although many different diseases can cause a loss of appetite, in healthy senior cats, a decreased sense of smell may be partially responsible for a loss of interest in eating. However, the discomfort associated with dental disease is a more likely cause of reluctance to eat.
Feline kidneys undergo a number of age-related changes that may ultimately lead to impaired function; kidney failure is a common disease in older cats, and its signs are extremely varied. Picking up changes in the kidneys early, will provide a better quality of life.
Degenerative joint disease, or arthritis, is common in older cats. Although most arthritic cats don't become overly lame, they may have difficulty gaining access to litter boxes and food and water dishes, particularly if they have to jump or climb stairs to get to them. Cats with arthritis or joint disease may groom less and are less inclined to appreciate a pat over the back or tail area.
Hyperthyroidism (often resulting in over activity); hypertension (high blood pressure, usually a result of either kidney failure or hyperthyroidism): diabetes mellitus; inflammatory bowel disease; and cancer are all examples of conditions that, though sometimes seen in younger cats, become more prevalent in cats as they age.
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