Assessing Your Cat’s Health
When faced with a possible surgery for your senior cat, it’s important to start by carefully reviewing your vet’s assessment of your cat’s overall health status. At 16 years old, your cat is considered a senior, so pre-existing conditions or age-related health issues are common (Vetwest). Have an open discussion with your vet about any chronic conditions your cat has, like kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, arthritis, or heart disease. Also consider acute issues like dental disease or injuries. Understanding the full picture of your cat’s health will help you evaluate risks, recovery prospects, and potential impacts on quality of life if the condition needing surgery remains untreated.
Risks of Anesthesia
Anesthesia risks increase substantially with age in cats due to reduced organ function. According to studies, senior cats are 2.4 times more likely to experience anesthesia complications compared to younger cats (Hughes, 2008). Common risks include aspiration pneumonia, breathing difficulties, irregular heart rhythms, and low blood pressure.
However, risks can be minimized through careful anesthesia protocol tailored to your senior cat. Work closely with your veterinarian to run pre-operative bloodwork and determine the optimal sedation, pain control, intubation, and monitoring procedures. Your vet may adjust anesthesia dosage for your cat’s slowed metabolism and recommend IV fluids during surgery. Following your vet’s recommendations provides the safest anesthesia plan for your aging pet.
Recovery Prospects
Older cats often take longer to recover from surgery compared to younger cats. As cats age, their organs and tissues lose function, which can slow the healing process. Recovery time will depend on your cat’s health status and the type of surgery performed. Abdominal and orthopedic surgeries tend to require longer recovery periods. Your veterinarian can provide a more accurate timeframe based on your cat’s individual health profile.
It’s important to discuss aftercare needs with your veterinarian. They can advise you on medications, activity restrictions, wound care, appetite stimulation, and other care required during recovery. Providing excellent at-home nursing can help your senior cat heal as quickly as possible after surgery. Work closely with your vet to monitor your cat’s progress and watch for any signs of complications. With proper aftercare, many older cats can fully recover from surgery and enjoy their golden years.
Surgery Costs
Surgery and aftercare costs may be higher for senior cats due to the increased risks and complications that can arise. According to one source, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500–$5,000 for cat surgery depending on the procedure needed [1]. More complex surgeries like mass removal or fixing a broken leg will be on the higher end of that range.
Since senior cats are more prone to post-operative complications like infections, the overall costs associated with surgery and recovery tend to be greater as well. Their slower healing may also require more intensive aftercare and medication.
It’s important to discuss all costs upfront with your veterinarian and explore financing options if needed. Providing an estimate for surgery, hospitalization, medications, and follow-up appointments can help you make an informed decision [2].
Quality of Life
When determining if surgery is right for an older cat, it’s important to carefully consider your cat’s current quality of life and daily functioning. Quality of life assessments like the Feline Quality of Life Scale can help objectively evaluate factors like mobility, hygiene, hunger, hydration, happiness, and pain level on a scale to identify declines.
Think about your cat’s typical day – are they still able to get around comfortably and engage in activities they enjoy? Do they seem content and interested in their surroundings? Or has their activity level declined, are they withdrawn or vocalizing/showing signs of pain regularly? Understanding their current baseline will help determine if surgery is likely to improve or worsen their quality of life.
Also consider how surgery and the recovery process could impact their daily functioning and comfort. While surgery may fix an underlying issue, it also introduces new stressors and risks. Recovery may involve reduced mobility, appetite changes, or other struggles. For a senior cat, the post-surgical period could significantly impair their quality of life. Weigh the pros and cons objectively.
Putting your cat through surgery and recovery is only justified if you reasonably expect their quality of life to improve as a result. Be realistic about their prognosis and the challenges ahead before moving forward.
Supportive Care
Before deciding on surgery, it’s important to consider supportive care options that may help manage your cat’s condition without an invasive procedure. According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, “A better alternative is to have the older cat cared for at home by a neighbor, friend, or relative. Introducing a new pet may be a traumatic experience for an older cat” (source). Some options for supportive care include:
- Pain management medication prescribed by your vet
- Joint supplements like glucosamine to improve mobility
- Changes to diet, environment, and routine to reduce stress
- Physical therapy techniques like gentle range-of-motion exercises
- Alternative treatments like acupuncture or laser therapy for pain relief
- Heating pads, steps, and ramps to make moving around easier
While surgery may still be necessary in some cases, supportive care can go a long way in improving quality of life and allowing your senior cat to age comfortably at home. Discuss all options thoroughly with your veterinarian before making a decision.
Your Ability to Provide Care
Consider your ability to provide aftercare needed for your cat’s recovery. This may involve administering medications, changing bandages, monitoring the incision site, and providing assistance with eating, grooming, and using the litterbox. Be prepared to follow all your veterinarian’s at-home care instructions diligently.
You’ll need reliable transportation for follow-up vet visits to monitor your cat’s progress, check for infection, and remove any sutures or staples. These visits are crucial for ensuring proper healing. If getting your cat to the vet will be difficult, consider asking a friend or family member for help with transportation.
Providing attentive postoperative care requires time and energy. If your schedule or physical ability makes this challenging, talk to your vet about alternatives like boarding your cat at the hospital for more care. The most important factor is your cat’s wellbeing, so be realistic about the level of care you can provide.
When to Say Goodbye
Surgery may not always be the best choice if your cat’s quality of life is already poor. As cats age, chronic health issues like kidney disease, cancer, and arthritis often develop. These conditions can cause constant pain, inappetence, nausea, weakness, and other symptoms that significantly diminish your pet’s wellbeing. At some point, treatment options become limited and the humane path may be euthanasia.
It’s important to discuss euthanasia openly with your veterinarian if you feel it may be the most caring option for your cat. According to the Blue Cross, signs it may be time to say goodbye include not eating or drinking, difficulty breathing, avoiding physical contact, excessive vocalizing, and other indicators of poor quality of life. While the decision is difficult, euthanasia can be an act of love and kindness to prevent further suffering.
Focus on maximizing the joy and comfort you provide in your cat’s final days. Saying goodbye is never easy, but take peace in knowing you gave your companion a lifetime of care and affection.
Making a Decision
Have an open discussion with your vet about all factors when deciding if surgery is right for your senior cat. Get input from your family and loved ones as well. There is often no ‘right’ answer, just the best choice for your situation.
As the ASPCA advises, “Do what’s best for both you and your pet. Don’t let anyone — including yourself — guilt you into making a decision that doesn’t feel right.” [1]
Some key questions to go over with your vet: [2]
- What are the chances my cat will recover well after surgery?
- What will my cat’s quality of life be if we opt for or decline surgery?
- What types of aftercare will my cat need?
- What is a reasonable prognosis for surgical and non-surgical options?
Your vet can help paint a full picture to make an informed decision. But the final choice depends on your cat’s needs as well as your own ability to provide care.
Caring for Your Senior Cat
Whether or not you decide surgery is right for your senior cat, the most important thing is maximizing their quality of life every day. As cats age, their needs change. It’s important to adapt to these changing needs to keep your cat happy and comfortable.
For example, you may need to switch to a senior diet that is easier for them to digest. Small, frequent meals can also help older cats digest food better than one or two large meals. Keeping food, water, and litter boxes easily accessible is important as mobility decreases. You may need to give medications for conditions like arthritis. Providing steps or ramps can help your cat access furniture and beds.
Mental stimulation through playtime and environmental enrichment is also key. Rotating toys to keep things interesting and spending quality one-on-one time together each day maintains that important cat-human bond. Your veterinarian can provide additional recommendations to maximize your senior cat’s quality of life. With attentive, loving care, senior cats can continue to lead happy, fulfilling lives.