{"id":1360,"date":"2019-07-24T10:44:49","date_gmt":"2019-07-24T17:44:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rocklinranchvet.com\/blog\/?p=1360"},"modified":"2019-07-24T10:44:49","modified_gmt":"2019-07-24T17:44:49","slug":"hitting-the-jackpot-through-loving-senior-cat-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rocklinranchvet.com\/blog\/hitting-the-jackpot-through-loving-senior-cat-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Hitting the Jackpot Through Loving Senior Cat Care"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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If you\u2019ve had your cat since they were a kitten, you might look back at those early years with nostalgia. Yet, there\u2019s really nothing like living in syncopation with an older cat. They might be set in their ways, sure, but they are also carefully attuned with the rhythms and patterns of the household. 
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However familiar they may be, senior cat care isn\u2019t anything to take for granted. Your aging or senior cat\u2019s ongoing good health stems from your continual assessment and staying in front of any age-related issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Keep Your Senior Cat Care Appointments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Senior cats should be examined every 6 months. This frequency allows for more opportunities to get to know your cat (if we\u2019re not already close friends) and note any changes to their appearance, such as weight loss\/gain or coat quality, and behavior. 
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Cats are famous for masking any signs of illness or injury. Many symptoms of age-related diseases are incredibly subtle. When we\u2019re given the chance to detect even the slightest changes (typically revealed through blood work, urinalysis and other diagnostics), we can manage conditions proactively. This approach can make a big difference to lifelong health<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sinking Our Teeth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Senior cat care isn\u2019t always complicated but when their teeth and gums hurt, they\u2019re lust for life is significantly diminished. An oral exam<\/a> is part of their routine wellness visit. If we see any gum inflammation or evidence of an infected, broken or missing tooth, it\u2019s time to pursue dental treatment under anesthesia. 
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Full diagnostics<\/a> are necessary prior to the dental procedure. Results can decide whether or not an older kitty can withstand the anesthetic and be able to flush it from their liver and kidneys afterwards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hungry, Not Hungry<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The nutritional needs of senior cats<\/a> are very different from adults or kittens. As they grow older, their metabolism slows down and they can become more sedentary. If portion sizes aren\u2019t closely monitored, this combination can lead to weight gain<\/a>. 
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Feline obesity is on the rise. Known for leading to or exacerbating diabetes, liver problems and osteoarthritis, obesity should be avoided at all costs. A balanced senior diet can result in a healthy weight, and a longer life.
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Weight loss in an aging cat is also a cause for concern. Hyperthyroidism, intestinal disease, and other health conditions can cause a pet to shed pounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Making Your Own Changes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At home you can adjust certain things to support senior cat care, such as:
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