Assessing Your Cat’s Health
As cats get older, it’s important to keep a close eye on any changes in their health or behavior. Look for changes in their activity levels, appetite, litter box habits, sleep patterns, social interactions, grooming, and cognitive function. According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, you should monitor your senior cat closely and report any significant changes to your veterinarian right away (Source). Sudden changes like decreased appetite, increased vocalizing, or change in litter box habits may indicate an underlying medical issue that needs attention.
Get into the habit of doing a quick health check on your senior cat every day – look in their ears, check their coat, observe their breathing, feel for lumps/bumps, etc. Keeping a symptom log to track changes over time can be helpful. And don’t forget annual vet visits for a full senior wellness check – early detection leads to better outcomes.
Importance of Preventative Care
Taking your senior cat to the vet for regular checkups and bloodwork is crucial for catching any health issues early when they are more treatable. According to Hill’s Pet Nutrition, getting your 17 year old cat checked every 6 months provides the best chance for early detection of illness. The vet can look for signs of common age-related conditions like kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and cancer. Bloodwork allows the vet to see abnormalities that aren’t yet showing physical symptoms.
As noted in a Cornell University article, 6 month senior cat checkups and yearly geriatric exams with bloodwork and x-rays are recommended to catch issues early. The importance of preventative vet care is being able to diagnose and treat conditions before they progress too far. This gives your senior cat the best chance of responding well to treatment and maintaining a good quality of life.
Common Age-Related Conditions
Some of the most common diseases that affect senior cats include:
Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease is very prevalent in older cats, with more than half of cats over 15 years old experiencing some level of kidney dysfunction (1). Kidney disease causes toxins to build up in the bloodstream and often leads to symptoms like increased thirst, weight loss, poor appetite, and vomiting.
Thyroid Disease
Hyperthyroidism, characterized by an overactive thyroid gland, is another very common condition in senior cats. It speeds up the body’s metabolism, leading to unexplained weight loss as well as increased appetite and thirst (2).
Dental Disease
Periodontal disease affects up to 80% of cats over 3 years old. It can lead to tooth loss, infections, and even more serious systemic effects (3). Regular dental care is important for senior cats.
Cancer
Cancer is unfortunately common in older cats, with lymphoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and mammary tumors being some of the most frequently seen types. Catching cancer early greatly improves treatment outcomes.
(1) https://www.coxwellvet.com/senior-catsthe-big-three-diseases/
(2) https://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/lhuston/2013/july/seven-most-common-illnesses-in-senior-cats-30574
(3) https://www.thewildest.com/cat-health/common-diseases-senior-cats
Quality of Life Considerations
As a cat ages, their quality of life can start to deteriorate, and pet owners face difficult choices about what treatments to pursue and when it may be time to discuss euthanasia with a veterinarian. Some key considerations around quality of life for an elderly cat include:
Mobility and activity levels – Is your cat still able to jump, climb stairs, and get around comfortably, or does it seem to struggle with mobility and mostly stay in one spot?
Appetite and weight loss – Has your cat stopped eating or lost significant weight despite attempts to tempt their appetite? Unexplained weight loss can indicate failing health.
Grooming and hygiene – Does your cat still groom itself regularly? Lack of grooming can lead to skin conditions, parasites, and general discomfort.
Interactions and disposition – Does your cat still seem interested in human interaction and surroundings? Withdrawal can signal depression or pain.
Chronic conditions – Managing arthritis, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, etc. often involves regular medication. At some point, quality of life may be better served by opting for palliative care instead of invasive treatments. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/loving-care-older-cats
Sleep and discomfort – Does your cat seem restless, unable to get comfortable, or cry out in pain? This can indicate deteriorating health.
When assessing your elderly cat’s quality of life, focus on their comfort and dignity. Invasive treatments that cause stress may no longer be the best option. Discuss options like palliative medication and euthanasia with your veterinarian.
Affording Vet Care
As pets get older, their healthcare costs tend to increase. Routine vet visits, medications, and procedures can quickly add up. Here are some options to help manage the costs of caring for an elderly cat:
Consider pet insurance. Policies like those from Petinsurance.com can offset major expenses like surgeries and hospitalizations. Read the fine print to understand coverage limits and exclusions.
Ask your vet about payment plans. Many veterinary clinics offer flexible monthly payment options to break up large bills over time. CareCredit is a popular healthcare credit card accepted at many vet offices.
Look into nonprofit clinics. Organizations like the ASPCA and Pets of the Homeless provide free or discounted services based on financial need.
Explore government and nonprofit assistance programs. Groups like the Humane Society offer grants and resources for pet owners facing financial challenges. This can offset vet costs when budget is a major concern.
At-Home Care
As cats get older, their needs change and their care routine may need some adjustments. Here are some tips for providing the best at-home care for your aging feline:
Adjust their diet as needed. Senior cats may have dental issues or difficulty chewing, so switch to soft, canned food or add water to kibble to make it easier to eat. Stick to a routine feeding schedule and monitor their appetite and weight. Check with your vet about supplements or prescription food for kidney/digestive issues (source).
Keep the litter box clean and accessible. Older cats may have mobility issues getting in and out of the box. Use low-sided boxes and place them in easy-to-access areas. Clean regularly and watch for signs they are having accidents outside the box.
Stick to a routine. Senior cats thrive on regular schedules for feeding, playtime, brushing, etc. Make any changes gradually to avoid stress. Give them a quiet, comfortable sleeping area away from household chaos.
Brush frequently. Gently brush their coat to remove mats and distribute skin oils. Check for any lumps, sore spots, or fleas during brushing. Nail trims may be needed more often if they are not scratching as much.
Adapt playtime. Engage them in gentle play with toys that are easy to chase and catch. Laser pointers and wand toys allow them to get exercise without much exertion. Play encourages mobility and cognitive stimulation.
Saying Goodbye
Knowing when it’s time to say goodbye to your cat can be difficult. As a loving cat owner, you want to avoid prolonging suffering while also not rushing to euthanasia too soon. There are some signs to look for that can help determine when quality of life is too poor to continue:
- Not eating or drinking for several days
- Excessive vomiting/diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing or panting
- Inability to stand, walk, or move normally
- No interest in physical contact or surroundings
- Uncontrolled pain
According to the Blue Cross, “If your cat is unable to stand, cannot walk at all, and has not responded to medication, euthanasia may be the kindest option.”
When you feel it is time, consider in-home euthanasia. This allows your cat to pass away peacefully at home, avoiding the stress of a trip to the vet. A veterinarian will come to your home and gently administer the euthanasia drugs as you comfort your cat in a favorite spot. Many find this to be a more peaceful ending. See source for a detailed checklist on signs it may be time.
Coping With Loss
Losing a beloved pet can be extremely painful. While there’s no right or wrong way to grieve, there are healthy ways to cope with your loss according to this source. Grieving is a personal process, but support from friends, family, and support groups can help. Consider joining a pet loss support group to connect with others going through similar experiences.
Memorializing your pet can also help with the grieving process. Ideas include creating a photo album or collage of your pet, planting a tree in their memory, making a donation to an animal shelter in their name, or having a special object like an engraved urn or plaque made. Holding a memorial service with close family and friends can provide closure. Remember, there’s no timeline for grief – take all the time you need to mourn the loss of your beloved companion.
Adopting Another Cat
Adopting a new cat after losing your beloved 17-year-old can feel bittersweet. While a new kitty cannot replace the one you lost, welcoming another cat into your home and heart can provide comfort. It’s important to balance honoring your past pet while also giving your new cat a chance to thrive.
Many cat owners wonder how long to wait before adopting again. There is no set timeframe—go at your own pace and adopt when it feels right for you. Some people adopt right away, while others wait weeks or months. Take time to grieve and process the loss. When you’re ready, consider adopting an older cat, as kittens require more training and stimulation.
Before adopting, make sure you’re ready for a new commitment. Prepare your home by cleaning thoroughly and removing reminders of your previous cat, like food bowls and toys. This helps create space for your new companion. When you bring your new cat home, give them their own safe area to get acclimated.
While your new cat can’t replace the one you lost, they can bring joy back into your life. Shower them with love while respecting their unique personality. With time, patience, and care, your new furry friend can help heal your heart.
Sources:
https://www.catster.com/guides/adopting-after-losing-a-cat/
https://www.reddit.com/r/Pets/comments/16e6ml0/how_soon_is_too_soon_to_get_another_cat_after/
Takeaways
Taking an elderly cat to the vet can be a difficult decision, but regular checkups and preventative care are important for their health and quality of life. Look for changes in behavior, appetite, activity levels, and other signs that something may be wrong. Prioritize addressing conditions that are impacting their comfort and wellbeing. Evaluate whether treatment options are affordable and worthwhile given their age. Be prepared for discussions about quality of life and end-of-life care. Saying goodbye is painful, but take comfort knowing you provided the best life possible. Adopting another cat in need of a home can help with the grieving process. The most important thing is to appreciate every moment you have together.