Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
seven human years, and the later years are equivalent to fewer.The table
on page 114 compares the age of a cat with that of a human.
Owners want to know what the life expectancy is for their cat, and
in general I tell them it is between 13 and 15 years, especially if the cat
stays indoors. However, we have many 19- and 20-year-old patients,
and our oldest is 24! If a cat goes outside, her life expectancy is short-
ened because of the increased risks outdoor cats face. She is exposed to
more diseases and dangers, such as poisons and cars.
There are many different opinions on when a cat is “old.”There is no
consensus on the age at which a cat becomes a senior, but a Panel Report
on Feline Senior Care published in 1999 by the AAFP recommends
beginning a senior preventative health care program by 7 to 11 years of
age. By 12 years almost all cats start experiencing the effects of aging.
There are certain diseases and conditions that occur in cats due to
degenerative processes. Each cell in an animal's body is programmed to
last a certain amount of time, and this programming is different for each
individual animal. Some animals look and act old at 10 years, while oth-
ers are fit and spry at 15 years. Certain organs seem to age at a faster
rate than others, and this is perhaps why certain health problems are
more common in older cats.
SENIOR HEALTH CARE PROGRAM
Cats need the most veterinary and owner care when they are kittens
and when they are seniors. Middle-aged cats are usually healthy and
take pretty good care of themselves and can get by with once-a-year
visits to the vet for their physical exams.
SENIOR CARE PROTOCOLS
The Panel Report on Feline Senior Care published by the AAFP
recommends health care protocols based on a cat's age and clinical
signs. For cats 7 to 11 years and up, twice a year physical examina-
tions and annual diagnostics are recommended. Other issues that are
addressed in the report are behavioral changes, pain relief, anesthesia
concerns, nutrition, dentistry and coping with the death of a pet.
An awareness of all of these issues is essential to providing optimal
care to senior cats.
