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Cats mature much
faster than people and as they age their needs change, with most cats
showing clinically significant changes by 10-12 years of age. We want
to help you recognize the changing needs of your senior and keep your
cat healthy and happy for many years to come with our senior care
program. The goals of a senior care program are to:
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Improve quality and
length of life by recognizing and controlling health risk factors
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Detect disease
during the preclinical phase
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Correct or delay
the progression of existing disorders
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Improve or maintain
residual function
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Preventive
Health Care
Changes associated with aging and disease progression in the senior
cat can occur in short period of time and cats with significant
disease often appear healthy. Semiannual office visits aid in the
early detection of disease in these rapidly changing individuals. You
should discuss with your veterinarian any inappropriate elimination
behavior, changes in activity and personality, or alteration in
eating, drinking or grooming habits. Bring a list of all prescription
and non-prescription medications as well as all foods being fed,
including nutritional supplements and treats. Most importantly, do not
wait to schedule an examination if you notice abnormal behavior or
weight loss.
Nutrition
Diets for senior cats should be highly palatable, potassium replete,
non-acidifying, easily digestible, and contain protein of high
biologic value. Special attention should be paid to fluid intake since
many disorders of older cats can lead to dehydration.
Grooming
Senior cats groom themselves less effectively than younger cats and
often have overgrown, thick, and brittle claws. Daily brushing and
nail trims every 2 weeks at home will make you feline more
comfortable.
Diagnostic Testing
Selected diagnostic tests performed at appropriate intervals may aid
in the detection of disease in a pre-clinical stage, allowing for
early medical intervention that may delay disease progression. The
frequency of testing and choice of tests will vary depending on the
individual needs and disease(s) of each cat.
Therapeutic decisions in senior cats should not be made on the basis
of age alone, but rather on the basis of the cat’s general state of
health, expected length of life, and anticipated quality of life with
therapy.
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Healthy
Senior Cat with
No Clinical Signs of Disease |
Senior Cat
with Clinical
Signs of Disease |
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Physical
Exam: |
Every 6
months |
Every 6
months (at least) |
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Vaccinations: |
Yearly:
Rabies (Felv if outdoor)
FVRCP every 3 years |
Yearly
rabies: (Felv if outdoor)
FVRCP every 3 years |
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Metabolic
Profile: |
Yearly |
Every 6
months |
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Thyroid
Testing: |
Yearly |
Every 6
months |
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Complete
Blood Count: |
Yearly |
Every 6
months |
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Urinalysis: |
Yearly |
Every 6
months |
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Blood
Pressure Check: |
Yearly |
Every 6
months |
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This information
was taken directly from the AAFP/AFM Panel Report on Feline Senior
Care
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Also see Geriatric Kitties
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