Seniors

Like humans, today's cats, if well cared for are living longer. The way of equating their lives to human years has changed too. It used to be a year for every seven human years. Now, a one year old cat is the equivalent to a sixteen year old and a two year old cat is the equivalent of a twenty-one year old. Makes sense doesn't it? After that tack one four human years for each cat year and get your equivalent. For instance, a three year old cat is equivalent to a twenty-five year old in human years, etc.Senior cats face many of the same problems we do. They deal with senility, loss of hearing, problems grooming, dental disease, kidney failure, thyroid issues, arthritis, and even lack of elasticity in their skin.

What can you do to help your kitty?

Senility can take the form of 'yollowing' for no apparent reason, aimless wandering and social aloofness. About all you can do is be patient.

As far as grooming: None of us enjoy being dirty. Try to brush kitty daily and periodically run a damp washcloth over her/him. Your cat will appreciate it.

Just like cavities in people, when animals get cavities it is extremely painful. Your vet can take care of this. You can also brush your pet's teeth to insure good oral hygiene. Products can be purchased at pet stores.

Thyroid problems can be diagnosed by a simple blood test. Be warned though, the test is pricey. I plan on getting, Pitty Pat aka Granny tested next month because she is so thin and seems continually hungry even though she eats well. I was told the test will be a hundred dollars. The thyroid pills themselves are relatively inexpensive and effective.

We have two seniors that have arthritis and stiff joints. One of my cats had limped for years, drawing his hind leg up and walking on three legs. He was in extreme discomfort. I tried many different products including laser heat treatments. I finally put him on Zoom, which the dog was on. Zoom is a joint support soft chew made up of Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate, MSM, Rimoxen and other products. The results were miraculous. He walks on all fours now even in cold damp weather. We pay about forty dollars for sixty soft chews. Both the cat and the dog are on this product.

And the list goes on.

Our most senior cat Pitty Pat above is seventeen. Maggie the dog, thirteen.How old are yours?

Icon Pics from: www.i-love-cat.com