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Senior Cats.
Living with a senior cat has rewards as well as challenges that are a bit different than those encountered when living with a younger cat. Pain is, of course, something we don't want to see in any of our pets. However, senior cats are more likely to develop conditions and illnesses that create pain and discomfort. Arthritis is a common but often unrecognized disorder in older cats. In one study, 90 percent of cats over 12 years of age showed radiographic (X-ray) evidence of arthritis. Unfortunately, recognizing arthritis in cats is challenging at best. Many of our cats hide their pain very effectively. While we may sometimes see our older cat limping or favoring one leg or another, ...
I've written previously about cognitive dysfunction in dogs, and while we don't see cats suffering from this age-associated condition to the same degree, it is still common and severe enough to be worthy of our attention. Studies have shown that 28 percent of cats between the ages of 11 and 15 and 50 percent of cats over the age of 15 show some signs of cognitive dysfunction. The exact causes of declining mental function in older cats cannot always be identified. An increase in the breakdown rate of neurotransmitters and the build-up of damaging free radicals in the brain may be to blame in some cases. Whatever the cause, there are identifiable physical and physiological differences ...
theqspeaks, Flickr When November rolls around each year we take time to celebrate the many blessings we've enjoyed. Pet people of course give thanks for their animal companions. This time of year, the holidays can prompt yearnings to adopt a new furry wonder. Nothing beats puppies and kittens for fun. But senior citizen pets offer many advantages. Remember that small dogs and cats often live into their mid- to late-teens or early twenties, while larger dogs remain happy and vital at least a decade. Old fogey pets often have lots of love to share, so think about it. November is Adopt A Senior Pet Month, so what better time to discuss the eight benefits of mature pets? 1. Less Initial ...
Watch videos from Paw Nation Jared Seymour Cute Pet Name: Meeko Location: Gainesville, Fla. Age: 14 years Cat Breed: Mixed breed Favorite Toy: Anything crinkly (like paper), and also string. Favorite Treat: Whiskas Temptations Likes: An open lap, drinking out of the sink, and sleeping. Dislikes: Having her tummy rubbed. Weird Quirk: Likes to drink out of your water glass, wherever it might be. Fun Fact: If you lift her tail, she has a perfect Mickey Mouse-shape pattern in a very unusual place. She prefers it not be seen, like an ill-advised tattoo. Congratulations to our submitter, Jared Seymour. If you'd like to submit your pet, upload your favorite pet photos to our Flickr ...
If your cat is becoming gray around the whiskers, a number of products can help him adjust to the physical changes that come with getting older. Whether your senior cat needs a cozier napping spot or a gentler grooming routine, a few basics can keep him active and content. To smooth your cat's transition to senior status, our friends at Zootoo rounded up some of their favorite products to comfort aging cats. Petco If your aging cat shies away from his regular brush during grooming sessions, try the Bristle Finishing Brush from Petco as an alternative. The plastic bristles of this brush are easier on sensitive scalps than wire bristles, and the product's design helps distribute ...
Corbis Amy D. Shojai, a certified animal behavior consultant and the award-winning author of 23 pet care books, including "Complete Care for Your Aging Cat" and "Complete Care for Your Aging Dog," shares with Paw Nation her advice on caring for a senior cat. Does your heart belong to a feline old fogy? You're not alone. Half of all pet owners have an animal aged 7 or older. Modern veterinary care means cats often live into their late teens or early twenties. But living longer increases the chance they'll develop common "old cat" conditions. Medical help is important, of course, but here are nine common issues with simple and/or inexpensive ways owners can help keep their aging cats happy ...
