Listed are the primary centers to be observant about for changes in feline wellness:
Appetite, Gums and Tooth Decay Deafness and Ear Infections Fur Irregularities and Skin Disorders Blindness and Eye Infections Urinary Problems, Kidney and Wetting Disorders Lack of Movement and Reduced Flexibility in the Back Hip and Legs Blood Sugar Disease, Diabetes
It is not uncommon that symptoms are very similar for a variety of conditions. Just as in us humans, where dizziness or nausea can be symptom of a multitude of different diseases, so it is in cats. A refusal to take in food or water can point to a variety of problem areas, for example, so your smartest trip is always to your local and trusted veterinary or pet clinic.
Appetite, Gums and Tooth Decay
This is a sore subject. For sure the best thing is to brush them, starting from early kitty care so they get used to it, but truth is I always thought baby cat breath was fresh and sweet smelling and I was resisting making my cats uncomfortable in any way. And it is a time consuming little chore!
But teeth do require attention or they will go south same as in people. For home care use a thin washcloth or a baby size soft toothbrush, but do not use toothpaste! Rub or brush very gently so as not to injure the gums, and you will have to be patient as this is not a natural grooming procedure for your young kitty.
Your local pet clinic will be happy to schedule for regular cleanings and there they can also take away the plaque buildup which, if not removed, eventually will lead to sore and loose teeth as your cats gets older.
Dirty teeth with tartar on them will make the teeth tender, is a site for infections, and can produce red and bleeding gums, even before the actual tooth falls out. If your Senior cat is already there you must give it only soft and mushy food, stay away from dry kibbles as it only will increase thirst, and also change to only soft toys.
Deafness and Ear Infections
Signs that your senior cat may have become hard of hearing are when it does not turn its head when you come into a room or doesn’t come when called. Your c
at may not arrive as punctually when the food is dished out, with its inevitable sounds of cans being opened or dry pebbles hitting the bowl.
Nothing can really be done for this medically, but you can help out by being careful not to touch it without showing yourself first, and also make a special effort to go and pet it often during the day for assurance and to give some stimuli, remember that Seniors world is now comparatively dull without one of his senses.
Use caution, and at best supervision, for outside visits as there are dangers in the form of cars, other animals and even people and the early warning signal, hearing, is now on low.
Your cats ear is a prime area for disease, open to the world, but also warm and further inside disease can take root, otitis. Without seeing any outer changes to the ear such as brown film or discharge, you may notice behavioral changes like repeated scratching and licking of ears or not wanting to eat.
This is the time for a professional visit for a proper diagnosis and medicine. I have noticed that sometimes inner ear infections result in a less sure-footed cat with balance problems. This is when the distance from one place to another seems to be misjudged, or walking on a narrow ledge becomes swaying.
Fur Irregularities and Skin Disorders
I personally do not believe in special shine shampoos as they have chemicals and perfumes that may irritate the skin further and I prefer not to bathe my older cats that often. Look for a dull fur or skin with sores as a symptom, a signal for help sent out by the body, and as always see an expert if there is no improvement.
Older felines are not as good cleaning themselves as when they were younger, it takes a lot of energy and effort, so help your aging cat out by doing a daily comb through. This will be a bonding experience for your cat and you can also check for pests and fleas, sores or dry skin, visit the ears, eyes teeth and toes to
About the Author:
My name is Catman and in my http://livingwitholdercats.blogspot.com I talk about events and situations from my cat history, and also give my home remedies and cat health experiences, especially regarding the changes that happen when a cat grows older
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