|
Extremely old cats may become forgetful,
suffering "senior moments", staying
outdoors in bad weather or wandering and becoming
lost. These are signs of senility though the cat
may enjoy several more months of reasonable health
if senile behavior can be managed. Cats which
wander and become lost should be confined indoors
for their own safety. If you have an escape-proof
garden they can venture out in good weather or
they may go out on a harness and lead. A senile
cat which house-soils should have a veterinary
check-ups to determine whether this us a physical
problem or senility. Providing several litter
trays around the house may help for a while, but
when age-related problems become too acute you
must review the cat's quality of life and consider
euthanasia.
If it is any reassurance, a cat which lives
long enough to become senile has survived far
beyond the life-span of a wild-living cat. Few
feral cats or wild animals reach senility; as a
wild animal loses its faculties it becomes prey
for something else, dies through self-neglect or
through misadventure. A cat which lives long
enough to become senile has probably had a
comfortable, nurtured life and this fact may
comfort you if you choose euthanasia because of
senility and related problems.
Do Old Cats
Become Disabled?
Although the senses
decline, old age doesn't always mean disability.
In cats, the disability usually occurs gradually
enough for it to compensate. Even sudden
disabilities (amputation, stroke) are less drastic
than you might think because an older cat is
generally less active and notices his limitations
less than an active, younger cat. As a cat ages,
sight and hearing deteriorate, often so gradually
that you don't notice anything until the loss is
total.
Your cat compensates by relying more on
remaining senses, especially smell, to guide him
through his daily routine. Because older cats have
a more relaxed approach to life, most appear
unperturbed by failing hearing or sight. The
problems of deafness and failing sight can be
counteracted by a caring owner. Failing sense of
smell is more problematical as it causes loss of
appetite. Though there is no need to become
over-protective, it is worthwhile being aware of
some disabilities which may afflict cats.
Amputation
The loss of a leg through injury may sound
catastrophic but 3 legged cats adapt well. A
recent amputee needs time to adjust, but once
recovered is as agile and active as any 4 legged
cat and soon resumes previous activities with
little sign of being handicapped. He needs help
grooming areas that were groomed by the
now-missing leg, but will otherwise be as active
and independent as before. The fact that an older
cat is generally less active means he is less
troubled by the limitation of 3 legs.
|
