Cat Age, Physiological Changes in Cats
The physiological changes in the aging cat are not unlike those encountered in a person who is getting along in years. An early sign of age in the cat is the graying of the hair around the nose or muzzle. The hair also loses its gloss and soft texture and becomes dull and dry. It may also fall out in bunch, leaving bald spots, especially on the abdomen. There is a noticeable change in the skin texture also. It tends to thicken with age and become drier, often scaly. This happens because the skin glands, which normally keep the skin and hair soft and pliable, lose their customary activity.
SKIN TUMOURS
When the cat reaches old age, skin tumors make their appearance.Tumours may be localized or may show up on various parts of the body. Callosities may form on the hocks, elbows and other body parts which come into contact with floors and other hard surfaces.
EYES
Old cats are subject to cataracts, which appear as cloudy spots seen through the pupils of the eyes. Not all old cats develop cataracts, butte condition is more or less associated with old age. Cataracts impair the vision and, if neglected, can lead to blindness. Surgical techniques for the removal of cataracts have been greatly improved over the past few years, and you should consult the veterinary surgeon when cateracts first appear.
Other eye conditions may appear in old age, but none is as damaging as cataracts. Degenerative changes in the eyes are to be expected with advancing years.
Some cats become totally blind, but nature compensates for the loss of sight by sharpening other senses, especially those of scent and hearIng. It is truly remarkable the way a blind cat makes its way around aroma or yard. It walks with caution, but rarely bumps into obstacles, so keen are its other senses. Although the blind cat can find its way around, it is wise to take precautions, it should not be allowed outside alone. Should it wander out on to a busy street, it may become con-fused and expose itself to danger. Always keep an eye on the blind cat.
TEETH
Old cats often have tooth trouble. Decayed teeth interfere with chewing and digestion and should be removed by a vet. Avoid giving the old cat with bad teeth hard toys, bones or other objects which may break its teeth. Accumulations of tartar should be scaled off the teeth by the veterinary surgeon.
EARS
Old cats often suffer from ear infections. Some become deaf, while others retain their hearing to a ripe old age.
DEAFNESS
Deafness may be caused by disease, injury or atrophy of the hearing mechanism. If an examination by the vet reveals no disease or injury, the deafness can be attributed to old age and there is little that can be done about it. Although a deaf cat manages to get along very well without its hearing, you should recognize that it is handicapped and treat it accordingly. Avoid surprising it by moving slowly until it sees you.
OTITIS
Otitis are an acute or chronic inflammation of the external, middle and inner ear. The condition can be very painful and often makes an old cat irritable. A cat with obits may also refuse to eat. Upon examination, the ear will be found to be inflamed and there may be a discharge. The cat continually paws or scratches at its ears. Do not try to treat this condition yourself, as it can lead to deafness. Take the cat to the vet.
NEPHRITIS
Nephritis, or inflammation of the kidneys, is a common ailment in older cats. Some degree of nephritis is almost always present after a camas passed its prime. The condition may range from the non-uraemitype of nephritis, characterized by excessive thirst and frequent urination, to the more dangerous uremic form. Both types of nephritis require veterinary attention. A cat with chronic nephritis requires special diet for the rest of its life.
DIABETES
Diabetes, a chronic disorder involving the function of the pancreas, sometimes occurs in older cats. Diabetes mellitus is the form common in cats. The symptoms include excessive thirst, heavy and fre4quent urination, weakness, emaciation and eventually coma. Diabetes requires veterinary attention. The usual treatment consists of injections’ of insulin and a special diet.
PANCREATITIS
Old cats sometimes have an inflammation of the pancreas. The symptoms include pain in the abdomen, little or no appetite, a rise in temperature and possibly emaciation. The condition should be treated by the vet. Old cats with pancreatitis should be fed a low-starch diet.
METRITIS
Merits are an acute or chronic inflammation of the uterus. It may result from injury or infection during the delivery of kittens. The dies-ease is sometimes seen in cats of more than five years of age. It may also be a symptom of another disease. Merits is characterized by virginal discharge (which may contain blood or pus), increased thirst; vomiting, abdominal pain and little or no appetite. The cat should receive immediate veterinary attention.
PYOMETRA
Pyrometer is another disease of the older female. It is caused by an accumulation of pus in the uterus. The symptoms are loss of appetite, increased thirst, vomiting after drinking water, distended abdomen and pain in the abdominal region. There is a rise in temperature during the early stage of the disease, then a drop as the disease progresses. A cat with pyometra has a peculiar sweetish odor. The cat should be treated by the veterinary surgeon.
ASCITES, OR DROPSY
Dropsy, or ascites, is another ailment of old cats.