My cat has a large enclosure and has enjoyed living in my home for many years now. She is starting to show very obvious signs of aging although to be perfectly honest at first I didn't really know what to look for or what to expect. My veterinarian told me that as cats get older and begin to reach their "golden years" it is very important for you to keep a closer eye on them, especially their health and behavior. Now while many of these signs are just the results of your cat getting older some of them could be the early warnings of a physical or mental disease. The things you would want to pay close attention to and get checked out if they become evident problems are: Sleeping for excessive amounts of time (cats normally will sleep for between 13 to 20 hours a day). Walking constantly and in a noticeable state of discomfort. Meowing constantly and for no clear or apparent reason. Defecating more frequ ently than normal and in unusual places. Not responding when you call its name. Biting and/or scratching for no obvious reason or behaving more aggressively than normal. Drastic change of appetite. If your cat presents any of these symptoms it is a good idea to have it checked by your veterinarian as soon as possible.By checking your cat's eyes, ears, coat, paws and mouth regularly you should also be able to catch any problems before they become to serious. Even if your older cat appears in perfect health it is still good to have it checked by the veterinarian on a regular basis as there are many illnesses associated with old age that only a veterinarian can spot. Making sure your cat is comfortable in its enclosure and eating well will help to make its last years more enjoyable and easier to bear. |
