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Ageing is a natural process. The
body processes wind down and some functions
(reproductive ability) and faculties (hearing,
cognition) diminish or are lost. The metabolic
rate declines and everything slows down. This
makes an older cat less tolerant of anesthesia and
certain drugs and less able to regulate body
temperature. It feels the cold more and suffers
more in extreme heat. Its calorie needs decreases
but the need for easily digested protein increases
because its digestive processes are less
efficient.
Older cats have less immunity to disease and
their injuries heal slower. Hormone-producing
organs no longer regulate themselves efficiently
making older cats more prone to conditions related
to malfunctioning glands. The senses gradually
become less acute though cats adjust their
lifestyles to compensate. Progressive deafness is
the most commonly observed change. Sight becomes
less acute. Senses of taste and smell may diminish
and the cat may become faddy. Reflexes are less
acute and the body is slower to repair injury
damage.
What Are the
Signs of Ageing?
Physical signs include: cloudy eyes, hearing
loss; thinning fur; feels the cold; loose skin;
prominent spine, shoulders and hips; loss of
muscle tone; stiff joints or lameness and gray
hairs around the muzzle and in coat. Behavioral
signs include: less tolerance of environmental
changes; sleeping more deeply and more often and
generally being less active. Some older cats
become more irritable or cantankerous due to
deafness and/or joint pain, while others mellow
with age. Most become more laid back and sociable
with those they regard as friends. These are all
age-related changes, but sudden mood changes may
indicate illness or injury. A cat which starts
hiding, becomes unsociable or which seeks constant
reassurance may be unwell, so ask your vet to
check that all is well.
Although old cats are usually laid back with
visitors, they dislike major disturbances in their
home environment. If you are holding a noisy
party, put Puss a in warm, quiet "safe
room" with his bed, food, water and litter
tray. He can avoid the noise and disturbance and
feel safe, secure and relaxed. There are notable
exceptions and some cats - old or young - regard
parties as prime lap-hunting, attention-seeking
time, but even these require a safe place to
retreat to when they tire of socializing
Many older cats remain active in their teens or
twenties, though ageing cats tire more easily and
start to take things easy. They should be
encouraged to take moderate exercise to keep them
healthy, but play sessions are shorter and more
sedate with little of the athleticism of youth.
Reduced exercise means you must trim his claws
more often (see later).
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