Page 73 - Complete Cat Care: How To Keep Your Cat Healthy and Happy

◁ Visiting the garden
A less active cat may still enjoy time in the
garden on fine days. It may help to accompany
your cat outside to keep away intruders.

usual, and start drinking from
odd places, such as ponds and
bathtub faucets. An elderly cat may
also become dehydrated. Check by
grasping the scruff of the neck and
letting go. The skin should fall back
instantly; if it does not, the cat may
not be getting enough liquid.
Alert your vet if your cat is
straining or crying when he passes
feces or urine, or if he starts having
“accidents” in the home.
Stiff joints or arthritis can cause
Senior cat clinics identify problems such as kidney difficulty with running and 71
As your cat grows older he will disease. There are many jumping, and your cat may become
need more frequent health checks. treatments now available to help unable to groom his back and rear
Many veterinary practices now manage chronic conditions—even end. As he ages, your cat may lose
offer clinics for older cats, to senility. The vet or practice nurse his vision, causing him to bump
detect and deal with age-related can also help with tasks such into things or misjudge heights.
health problems. as clipping claws. A cat that is feeling very ill or
Your vet will be able to advise showing signs of dementia may Caring for an elderly cat
you on your cat’s ideal body Warning signs become more withdrawn or
weight, and on diet and nutritional You will need to keep a closer aggressive, hide away, or meow
supplements. Let the vet know if eye on your cat to detect any more than usual.
you have noticed any changes in alterations in his normal habits.
your cat’s normal activities, as In particular, you should let your
these could signal the start of vet know if you notice any of the
health problems. following changes. Euthanasia
The vet may carry out basic tests Watch for any increase in For a very old or sick cat,
such as urine and blood tests, to appetite, with your cat seeming sometimes the kindest thing to do
ravenously hungry but losing is to give him a dignified, peaceful
weight even with regular meals. ending. Euthanasia is usually
carried out in a veterinary practice,
In contrast, if your cat is obviously but it can be done at home (you
hungry but turns away from will need to book in advance).
certain foods (especially hard The vet will give an injection of
foods), or paws at his mouth, he anesthetic—in effect, an overdose
may have problems with his teeth —into a front leg vein. The cat
will become unconscious before
or with swallowing. passing away. There may be
Increased thirst may cause your involuntary movements, and the
cat to use the litter tray more than bladder or bowels may empty.
You can ask for your cat to be
cremated, or take the body home.
◁ Unusual drinking habits You may wish to bury your cat
Let your vet know if your cat is drinking more in your garden, another favorite
water than usual, including from strange places place outdoors, or a pet cemetery.
such as ponds, faucets, or the bathtub.

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