Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
CAT YEARS
HUMAN YEARS
CAT YEARS
HUMAN YEARS
1
16
11
58
2
21
12
62
3
26
13
66
4
30
14
70
5
34
15
74
6
38
16
78
7
42
17
82
8
46
18
86
9
50
19
90
10
54
20
94
Regular veterinary examinations will objectively note small, grad-
ual changes, which can add up to significant changes over a period of
time. Even if you've lived with your cat for years, you may not notice
subtle changes that occur in her conformation and health as she ages.
A preventative health care program for healthy animals may include
a complete history and physical exam and some diagnostic testing,
including a CBC, blood chemistries, viral testing, urinalysis and meas-
uring blood pressure. I think it's beneficial to start a program like this
around nine years of age.
By establishing baseline values on body condition and organ func-
tion, you can detect changes as the animal ages. If a cat has an illness,
she should be monitored at least every six months.
WHAT MAY CAUSE YOUR KITTY'S DEMISE?
Although you may not like to think about it, it's a good idea to be
familiar with the kinds of problems a senior cat can develop. As with
any disease, early identification and treatment can help slow the progress
of the disease and prevent related maladies. There are six diseases that
are particularly common in senior cats:
1.
Hyperthyroidism
2.
Chronic renal failure
3.
Hypertension
4.
Cancer
5.
Diabetes mellitus
6.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
