10 Common Diseases Often Found in Senior Cats and How to Overcome Them How to Effectively Cure Common Health Issues in Senior Cats?

Your cat may be aging, but that doesn't mean they can't still be happy and healthy. However, as your feline friend ages, they will likely develop some common diseases affecting their health and well-being. The good news is you can do things to help keep your senior cat feeling young at heart. Here are ten common diseases often found in senior cats and how to overcome them:

1. Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is the leading cause of death in cats, and it's important to be aware of the symptoms so you can help your cat as soon as possible.

Symptoms include increased thirst and urination, weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea. Your cat may also appear tired or lethargic all the time. If you notice any of these symptoms in your senior feline friend, then make sure they see a vet immediately to start treatment options such as medication and diet changes. Vets usually prescribe Furosemide for dogs and cats for common kidney diseases in pets.

It's important not to punish or isolate your cat from social interaction because they are going through something very serious health-wise. Instead, give your cat plenty of attention while ensuring it gets what it needs. For example, you can introduce Hill’s Prescription Diet for kidney care for your feline friend for faster recovery from kidney issues.

2. Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease where the body does not produce enough insulin, or the insulin produced does not work properly. Diabetes can cause serious health problems in cats, including kidney failure and blindness. It's a serious disease that requires lifelong treatment. However, if your pet has a higher level of diabetes, then your vet might start insulin for dogs or cats with immediate effect. It helps balance the insulin shortage that your pet cannot develop themselves.

If your cat has diabetes, monitoring their food intake closely and feeding them specific food types tested to help manage blood glucose levels is important. Specialized diets for diabetic cats can be an ideal option to introduce to their meals.

3. Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is one of the most common health problems in older cats. It's caused by an overactive thyroid gland, which can be hereditary or caused by a benign tumor. Symptoms include weight loss, increased appetite, thirst, and urination. Hyperthyroidism isn't contagious, but it's still important to get your cat tested if you notice any changes in their behavior or appearance. Veterinarians usually recommend methimazole for cats as it effectively fights hyperthyroidism. It is a known tablet that reduces and balances the thyroid hormone levels in cats.

4. Cancer in Older Cats

Cancer is the number one killer of cats, so you should be aware of your cat's risks and how to deal with them. Cancer can affect all organs in the body and can show up at any age, but it's most common in older cats.

Cancer is caused by genetic predisposition, environmental factors, diet, or lifestyle. To help prevent cancer from developing in your pet:

• Get him neutered. Neutering helps lower Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) transmission rates by lowering hormone levels that promote these infections' development. Additionally, this procedure also reduces aggression and territorial behavior, which can promote injuries to other animals or humans;

• Keep your cat indoors. Exposure to pesticides increases cancer risks for outdoor cats;

• Provide nutritious food or a balanced science diet. Avoid processed foods high in carbohydrates such as corn syrup solids or starches. Instead, mix whole grains like barley flakes with a little chicken broth.

5. Dental Disease

Dental disease is, in fact, the most common disease in cats. In this condition, plaque and tartar build-up on your cat's teeth. It can lead to pain, infection, and heart problems. Regularly brush your cat's teeth with specially formulated pet toothpaste or other products to prevent it. Metronidazole for cats is also an effective medicine for gum diseases like stomatitis or gingivitis.

6. Heart Disease in Older Cats

Heart disease is the number one killer of older cats. Heart disease often results in high blood pressure, leading to a heart condition called cardiomyopathy. This condition causes damage to your cat's heart muscles and can lead to heart failure. Vets usually recommend administering Acepromazine to stabilize the heart rate and lower the blood pressure quickly in cats.

The signs of heart disease include coughing, difficulty breathing, weakness, and lethargy.

7. IBD or Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is not a specific disease but a group of diseases that cause inflammation in the digestive tract. The most common form of IBD is feline inflammatory bowel disease, which affects cats and causes vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. The condition is usually diagnosed when cats are between 4 and 8 years old.

Although you do not need to be a veterinary professional to recognize signs of IBD in your cat, vomiting large amounts at once, followed by normal behavior for up to 24 hours after, would be indicative. You must take them to the vet immediately if you suspect something more serious than food poisoning because it could lead to other health problems later. Alternatively, switch your cat's diet to Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Stomach Cat Food, which can relax your feline's stomach with an ideal formalized diet.

8. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a common medical condition affecting cats that a variety of factors can cause, including:

• Urinary obstruction

• Bladder stones

• Kidney problems.

If left untreated or your cat does not respond well to treatment, FLUTD can lead to additional health issues like kidney failure and even death. Ursodiol for dogs and cats is an effective medicine that dissolves gallstones.

9. Liver Disease

Liver disease is common in older cats, and viruses or bacteria can cause it. Symptoms of liver disease include jaundice, vomiting, weight loss, and lethargy. Your veterinarian will perform blood tests to determine whether your cat has liver disease and then prescribe antibiotics if needed. If you want to prevent this condition from occurring in your older kitty's future, ensure he gets all recommended vaccines as a kitten before age one.

10. Osteoarthritis in Cats

Osteoarthritis in cats, or OA for short, is one of the most common diseases in older cats. Up to 80 percent of all senior cats are estimated to suffer from this condition.

The cause of OA is not completely understood, but it's thought to be cartilage degeneration within a joint. Cartilage is an essential shock absorber during movement and is therefore, crucial for maintaining healthy joints.

Older cats are more prone to developing OA because their bodies produce fewer glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) than younger animals, GAGs being a key component in keeping joints healthy. Additionally, as we age, we lose muscle mass, reducing mobility and flexibility, which can further contribute to increased risk factors associated with this condition.

How to Differentiate Between Signs of Aging and Illness in Senior Cats

If you want to keep your senior cat happy and healthy, you’ll have to learn how to differentiate between the normal signs of aging and signs of diseases so you can take appropriate action. To make your job easier, we’ll now discuss 12 signs shown by senior cats, 4 of which are normal signs of aging and 8 that can indicate an ailment. However, these are just indicative, and you should speak to a veterinary professional to discuss any symptoms related to your cat’s health. 

Normal Signs of Aging in Senior Cats

Most cats live between 15-17 years, while some may live as long as 20 years. Cats are usually considered seniors once they cross 10 years. They undergo several physical changes, and you should take them to the vet at least twice a year for checkups instead of once a year once they cross 10 years. That way, any developing illnesses can be caught early to increase the efficacy of treatments. These are some of the normal signs of aging in cats that should raise any concerns unless the vet says differently. 

Reduced Energy

The energy levels of your cat will start declining with age, and you’ll notice them getting slower in their regular activities. You’ll also start to notice that they are sleeping more than before, which is partially caused by the decline of their sensory responses. 

Hearing and Vision Problems

Just like human beings, a cat's senses start to dull out as they age. They may not be able to hear or see as well as they did before. However, you may not be able to notice this decline at first. Cats have a natural tendency to hide their vulnerabilities due to their predatory nature, so you might notice signs of their sensory decline once they start bumping into walls or furniture frequently. 

Reduced Self-Grooming

Cats tend to reduce their self-grooming as they grow old, so you may need to pay more attention to their grooming needs. Older cats need to be brushed frequently to maintain their skin and coat. There’s also an increase in their ear wax buildup in their senior years, so you’ll also have to take care of their ear cleaning. 

Less Patience

Some cats become less patient as they grow older, so you may have to endure hisses and scratches if you try to wake them from their naps. You’ll also find they have less patience to play with toys or other cats, especially kittens. They would also want to end unwanted encounters faster, which might not be good for kittens, so it’s best to keep the two away. 

Common Signs of Illness in Senior Cats

While some signs are shown by senior cats that you need not fret about, others can be quite concerning and warrant an immediate check-up by a veterinary professional. These signs can indicate the presence of one or more of the most prevalent diseases in your senior cat, and you may need to start the treatment as soon as possible. These are some of those signs you should look for.

Yowling and Restlessness

Senior cats who’ve started experiencing the symptoms of hypothyroidism can become restless. Some cats might also show signs of aggression towards you or other animals in the household. They often have problems settling down in one place and sometimes act disoriented. You may also notice other abnormal behaviors, such as defecation or urination outside the litter, loss of memory, and increased activities at night. 

Increased Water Intake

Older cats generally drink more water, so their bodily functions can be carried out without problems. However, diseases like diabetes or urinary problems can also force them to drink more water than usual. If your senior cat has chronic kidney disease (CKD), you’ll also notice additional symptoms, such as sudden weight loss, gastrointestinal problems, and a strong bad breath. 

Loss of Vision

As we mentioned earlier, senior cats would start experiencing problems with their vision as they age. However, sudden vision loss can indicate bigger problems like kidney or thyroid-related diseases. Thyroid or kidney ailments can cause spikes in blood pressure, leading to sudden vision loss. 

Movement Issues

Senior cats may not be as as agile as before, with signs usually restricted to reduced movements and lack of grooming. However, if you notice additional symptoms like painful or swollen joints, it might indicate arthritis, and you should schedule a visit to the vet soon. You may also notice some limping; their joints will be tender when touched, often leading to aggression. 

Abnormal Weight Loss

Senior cats usually have a tendency to reach and maintain an appropriate weight for their age. That would neither gain nor lose weight and since they experience changes in their metabolism, they might change the amount of food they eat. However, sudden and excessive weight loss can be caused by several diseases, such as:

• Cancer

• Hyperthyroidism

• Diabetes

• Renal diseases

• Dental issue

• Heart diseases
  
  

Abnormal Change in Appetite

As we said earlier, cats adjust their food intake to match their metabolism in their senior years. However, several diseases can also affect their appetite. Cars with hyperthyroidism may eat more food and yet lose more weight. They also show signs of restlessness, increase their water consumption, and find it difficult to fall asleep. Some types of cancer can also have varied effects on cats, increasing or decreasing their appetite. 

Cats with dental problems also have difficulty eating food, leading to reduced appetite and sudden weight loss. They would prefer wet food to dry food and have trouble keeping the food in their mouth. 

Inappropriate Eliminations 

Older cats might start urinating or defecating in inappropriate places for several reasons. Those with arthritis may not go to the litter, especially if it’s far away or located on a different floor. They may also find it difficult to go over the high sides of a litter box due to painful or inflamed joints. 

Renal diseases, overactive thyroid, and high blood sugar increase the frequency of urination in senior cats, so they tend to have accidents before reaching their litter box. Older cats also suffer from occasional urinary tract infections, which might lead to accidental urination outside the litter box. 

Purrfect Products for your senior cat

As you can see, you’ll face unique challenges to provide the best care possible for your senior cat. Thankfully, some specialized pet products can help you address some of these problems that require specialized attention, including tailored nutrition, gentle grooming, and accommodating their changing physical abilities.

Joint Health Supplements

As cats age, their joints can become less flexible, and they may develop arthritis or other joint-related conditions. Joint health supplements contain ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, which are known to support joint health by lubricating joints and promoting cartilage health. Arthritis is a common condition in senior cats, characterized by inflammation and degeneration of the joints. It can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. 

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, the key ingredients in these supplements, have been shown to help alleviate symptoms of arthritis by promoting the repair and maintenance of cartilage, the tissue that cushions the joints. Glucosamine helps to stimulate the production of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which are essential for maintaining the integrity and elasticity of cartilage. 

Joint supplements often contain additional ingredients like MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) and omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate help to maintain optimal joint lubrication by promoting the synthesis of synovial fluid, a viscous fluid that nourishes and lubricates the cartilage surfaces. 

Orthopedic Bedding

As cats age, they are prone to various musculoskeletal issues, including arthritis, the most common cause of chronic pain in older cats. Orthopedic beds are typically made from memory foam or similar materials that conform to the cat's body shape, distributing their weight evenly. This reduces pressure on the joints, alleviating pain and discomfort. 

Orthopedic beds promote better circulation by minimizing pressure points. Enhanced circulation can aid in reducing inflammation and promoting healing in arthritic joints. Senior cats may have reduced mobility and spend more time lying down, increasing the risk of developing pressure sores. Orthopedic beds with supportive padding help prevent the formation of pressure sores by distributing weight evenly and reducing friction on bony prominences. 

Senior Cat Food

Senior cats have specific nutritional needs that may differ from younger cats. High-quality protein sources are essential for senior cats to maintain muscle mass and support organ function. Omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in fish oils, benefit senior cats' joint health and cognitive function. Senior cat foods should contain adequate taurine levels to support cardiac function and prevent vision problems.  Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are commonly added to senior cat foods to support joint health and mobility. 

Hill's Science Diet Senior Age 11+ Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food features a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support immune health and vitality in older cats. 

Royal Canin Veterinary Care Nutrition Feline Renal Support Early Consult Dry Cat Food is specifically formulated to support cats with early stages of kidney disease. Lowering phosphorus intake can help alleviate the kidney workload, which may be struggling to efficiently filter waste products from the bloodstream in cats with kidney issues. While protein is essential for cats, excessive protein intake can strain the kidneys more. Royal Canin Veterinary Care Nutrition Feline Renal Support Early Consult Dry Cat Food contains moderate levels of high-quality proteins to meet your cat's nutritional needs while still being gentle on their kidneys. 

Purina Pro Plan Prime Plus Adult 7+ supports kidney health, cognitive function, and a healthy immune system in senior cats. It contains high-quality protein sources and omega-3 fatty acids to support overall wellness. 

Blue Buffalo is known for its natural and grain-free pet foods. 

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Mature Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food has deboned chicken as the primary ingredient with added LifeSource Bits, a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support immune system health. 

Easily Accessible Litter Box

As cats age, they may experience arthritis or other mobility issues that make it difficult to climb into or out of high-sided litter boxes or navigate through enclosed spaces. A box with a large opening or low sides allows them to enter and exit more easily. Older cats may develop incontinence issues or have more frequent urination needs due to conditions such as kidney disease or diabetes. 

An easily accessible litter box ensures they can quickly reach it when they need to relieve themselves, reducing accidents around the house. Senior cats may also experience cognitive decline, which can affect their ability to remember where the litter box is or how to use it. Placing easily accessible litter boxes in various locations throughout the home can help them find them more easily.

Soft Brushes

Senior cats may have arthritis or other mobility issues that make it difficult for them to groom themselves effectively. Using a soft brush helps remove loose fur and prevents matting. Older cats may develop dry or flaky skin, and regular brushing can help distribute natural oils throughout their coat, keeping their skin healthy and moisturized. 

As cats age, their digestive system may become less efficient, increasing the risk of hairballs. Brushing helps to remove loose fur that would otherwise be ingested during grooming, reducing the likelihood of hairball formation. Regular brushing allows you to monitor your senior cat's skin and coat for any signs of health problems like lumps, bumps, or parasites. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common disease in older cats?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most common diseases in older cats. As cats age, their kidneys undergo varied levels of wear and tear, leading to decreased kidney function over time. It can lead to several symptoms, like an increase in water intake and urination, abnormal weight loss, a decrease in appetite, and lethargy. CKD is usually progressive but can be managed with proper veterinary care, medications, special diets, and fluid therapy. That’s why we recommend biannual check-ups for early detection and management of the disease in older cats. Apart from CKD, diabetes and hyperthyroidism are the two other most commonly found diseases in older cats. 

What is the most common cause of death in senior cats?

As we mentioned earlier, CKD is often found in older cats and can lead to complications like kidney failure, ultimately resulting in death. Several forms of cancer, including lymphoma, leukemia, and tumors that affect vital organs like the liver, kidneys, and intestines, can be common causes of death in senior cats. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (thickening of the heart muscle) and congestive heart failure affect senior cats often, leading to heart-related complications and eventual death. 

Why is my elderly cat always sick?

Parasitic infestations like intestinal worms or fleas can affect your cat's health, especially if left untreated, and can cause symptoms like vomiting. CKD affects the kidneys' ability to function properly, leading to a buildup of toxins and waste products in the body, which causes them to throw up. Hyperthyroidism can also lead to symptoms like weight loss, increased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, and poor coat condition. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract with symptoms like vomiting. 

How do I know if my senior cat is suffering?

If you notice your senior cat becoming more lethargic, sedentary, and refusing to move, it could be a sign that they are suffering. Weakness, particularly in the hind legs, can also indicate discomfort or pain. Additionally, if your cat starts sleeping a lot more than usual, they are probably not feeling well. Apart from physical symptoms, changes in behavior can also indicate that your senior cat is unwell. For example, your cat might be distressed if it acts withdrawn, stops grooming, or shows reduced interest in their surroundings or favorite activities.

What is the average life expectancy of an indoor cat?

Indoor cats enjoy a safer environment, so they can live anywhere from 10 to 20 years. Most of them reach their late teens or even early twenties in good health and comfort. On the other hand, outdoor cats are exposed to risks like traffic accidents, predation, exposure to toxins, fights with other animals, and the spread of infectious diseases. That’s why the average lifespan of outdoor cats is relatively shorter, ranging from 2 to 5 years.

What do cats do when they are dying of old age?

Some cats become more affectionate towards the end of their lives. They may seek your attention, want to be close to you, and cuddle more often. They might also become more vocal, meowing for attention or comfort. On the other hand, some cats may become less active and more withdrawn towards the last part of their lives. They would sleep more than usual and show no interest in playtime or interactions with you or other pets.

Our Ageing Pets are Just as Susceptible to Health Problems as Humans

As our pets age, they are just as susceptible to health problems as we are. Some diseases of aging affect them more than we do because their bodies cannot cope with the same hurdles humans face. In addition to age-related disorders and common pet illnesses, senior cats may also suffer from arthritis and kidney failure.

Cat owners and animal lovers need to understand what causes these conditions and how they can be prevented or treated to ensure your pet enjoys a long and happy life.

The key to keeping your aging cat healthy is to keep up with regular veterinary exams and take them to the vet immediately if you notice any sudden changes in their behavior or appearance. In addition, pet owners must be proactive about their pets' health by feeding them a diet that meets all nutritional requirements for senior cats and providing adequate exercise opportunities when possible.

Lastly, it may be helpful for pet owners with chronic conditions such as kidney disease or diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) because they understand what they are dealing with better than those without a similar experience or knowledge base.