Pets

Some common issues in old cats...

by Lynn Broom Longmead Veterinary Practice

Cats are independent and this makes them very good at hiding signs of ill health. Old cats will be less active and old age itself is not an illness but watching out for subtle changes can help identify any underlying signs of illness.

A common condition in old cats is having an overactive thyroid gland – hyperthyroidism – which typically causes weight loss despite a good or excessive appetite. It can cause heart failure and the weight loss will eventually lead to severe weakness. It is identified using a blood test and is often very treatable.

Dementia can also be a side-effect of hyperthyroidism but age itself can lead to brain deterioration and the development of strange behaviours. In combination with deafness, cats may start to yowl loudly and randomly. Loss of litter training can be dementia-related but may also be due to underlying physical causes. Some supplements or medications may help these symptoms.

Chronic kidney failure becomes more common in old age, leading to irreversible loss of kidney function. Early signs include drinking more but, as many cats choose to drink outside, this may go unnoticed. This will progress until the cat has a reduced appetite and may vomit intermittently. Affected cats are hungry but feel nauseous, so don’t actually eat. A blood/urine test can diagnose this and, in the earlier stages, diet changes and medications can improve symptoms.

Arthritis is also common but frequently under diagnosed. If a cat is sore from arthritis it will stop jumping up on to raised surfaces and will be generally less active. It may become more grumpy due to the ongoing pain and may over-groom in areas of sore joints. Various options are available for pain relief, either orally or by injection.

The reduced activity of older cats can lead to overgrown claws. The claws on the front feet particularly curl round as they grow and will embed themselves in the cat’s food pads causing pain and infection. Regular clipping can prevent this.

Old age often causes hearing and sight loss. Cats with high blood pressure, often secondary to kidney or heart problems, can go blind because of the pressure effects due to retina damage. Blind cats can cope well in their own environment and their blindness may go unnoticed. If identified early through blood pressure testing medication can prevent eye damage.

Cancers also become more common with age. Nonpigmented skin on the ears and face can develop skin cancers which start off as a non-healing or recurring scab and can progress to large ulcers. Using sun block from an early age can prevent this. Surgical removal where possible is usually curative.

Cats can live happily into old age with very little to ail them. However, many are showing subtle signs of illness which will be affecting their quality of life and noticing these can help them get the help they will benefit from.

Old cats will be less active but owners should watch out for subtle changes which can help identify any underlying signs of illness. PHOTO: Alexas Fotos

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These are just some of the cats at Blandford and Sturminster Newton Branch Cats Protection looking for new homes…

Felix (13) and Patch (ten). Timid pair who need a home together. Stanley (one). Lovely boy learning to trust again.

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Hattie, Simba and Nero (right) are beautiful black and white kittens of about eight months of age.

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by Helen Taylor Tip# 16. Jumping up.

Teach your puppy how you want him to greet people. Sitting is ideal as it is impossible to sit and jump at the same time.

Always keep him on a lead in any situation he may jump on visitors or strangers, so you can prevent him practising this.

With strangers or visitors who want to greet him, ask him to sit – having taught this previously – and reward and praise him for choosing to sit.

If he is calm, allow him to approach – still on lead – and ask him to sit again to greet – and give him a treat.

If his front paws come off the ground, immediately lead him out of range so the interaction is ended – do not jerk or drag him.

Practice this until he starts to realise that sitting is rewarding but jumping up is fruitless.

At home, focus on pre-empting jumping situations by asking for a sit for reward – or distracting him with something else – before he jumps.

If he does jump, turn and walk away without saying or doing anything.

There is no need for a cue word for something you never want your dog to do! Just train a default behaviour! Helen Taylor is a qualified, accredited behaviourist, a Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist, a Registered Practitioner with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council and is a member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (no 881). help@helentaylordorset.co.uk www.helentaylordorset.co.uk

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