Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
usually see better in daylight than at night. She will do better if impor-
tant items such as food bowls and the litter box are always kept in the
same areas where she can easily find them.
Although it is best to keep all cats indoors, it is extremely impor-
tant to do so if your cat is deaf. Complete deafness occurs occasionally
in older cats. You should not let a deaf cat outside alone, because she
will not hear noises that would normally alert her to danger, such as the
sound of approaching cars.
The Importance of Water
Because kidney disease is so common in older cats, maintaining good
hydration can make a big difference in how an older cat feels. At my
clinic, we teach many owners how to give their cats fluid injections
under the skin at home to help maintain or improve their pet's hydra-
tion. This process is called
subcutaneous administration
of fluids. (The
word subcutaneous is derived from
sub
, meaning below, and
cutaneous,
meaning related to the skin. Instead of going directly into a vein,
fluids injected in this manner are absorbed by the blood vessels under
the skin.)
It is difficult to make a cat drink under the best of circumstances,
but it is even harder when the animal is dehydrated and weak.
Depending on the cat and the owner, giving subcutaneous fluid injec-
tions can be easy. If this is something you would be willing to try, you
should discuss the procedure with your veterinarian.
Senior Nutrition
Because they are not building muscle and are less active than younger
cats, senior cats need less protein and fewer calories. As a cat ages, the
digestive and absorptive processes of the gastrointestinal system can
become less efficient. Many companies produce “senior” or “geriatric”
diets formulated for these situations. However, an active, healthy senior
cat does not automatically need to be eating a senior diet. Discuss your
cat's condition with your veterinarian before you switch her diet.
Dental disease is common in older cats and can affect how much and
what a cat will eat. Dental health should be assessed at each veterinary
visit, and the diet changed to accommodate the cat's dental function.
Softer foods that require little or no chewing may help an older cat.
For a cat with a poor appetite, dense foods that provide a lot of nutri-
tion in a small quantity can be appropriate. It is always important for a
senior cat to eat and at least maintain her body weight.
