Behavior of the Senior Cat

By: Christian Yost

April 2, 2009

Staying young isn’t an option for any of us. And although aging may not be something that we want to happen, the alternative is worse. But getting old isn’t all bad: It comes accompanied by a wealth of learning and understanding that just isn’t there in the early years. With age comes knowledge, acceptance, inner peace, and serenity, even for cats. But there are some cats for which aging presents some real problems. While some elderly are clear-minded and physically active, others become confused, disorientated, and generally infirm.

If a healthy cat’s life span is 18 years, by definition, geriatric status is attained when 75 percent of that life span has elapsed, that is, after 13 years of age. Some early geriatric cats are still doing very well at the age of 13 or 14 years whereas others are already beginning to show pronounced aging changes.

In time, all slow down but some slip into a noticeable cognitive decline, now dubbed the “Feline Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome” or Feline Alzheimer disease

, all too early.

Normal Aging Changes (Age-related Cognitive Decline)

Like people, older cats become less active mentally and physically. Part of the reason for this is aging changes that take place in the brain, but physical factors, such as joint stiffness, may also play a role. Normal aging changes include:

Being less active

Playing less

Sleeping more

Reacting less to surrounding events

Grooming less

Eating less heartily

All these signs are a result of progressive mental slowing that results from a decreased number of functioning central nerve cells and actual physical shrinkage of the brain.

Cognitive Dysfunction (Unsuccessful Agers)

Some cats, like some people and some dogs, age poorly. In affected individuals, slowing of their mental processes causes them significant impairment in their everyday lives. Although some of the signs of age-related cognitive decline are similar to those of “normal aging,” it is the extent and nature of the deficits that distinguish true cognitive dysfunction from simple age-related slowing down. Typical signs of feline cognitive dysfunction are described by the acronym DISH.

D = disorientation. This means that the cat may wander aimlessly and appear lost or confused at times. He may also fail to recognize family members.

I = reduced social interactions. Affected cats may no longer greet people warmly or seek their attention as often.

S = changes in sleep-wake cycle. The cat may sleep more during the daytime but wander aimlessly at night, perhaps crying out.

H = loss of housetraining. Breakdown of housetraining appears to occur because your kitty forgets where the litter box is or is no longer concerned about personal hygiene.

The prevalence of cognitive dysfunction increases with age so, for example, if at 13 years of age 10 percent of cats may be affected, 50 percent by age 16, and 90 percent (plus) at age 20.

The Mechanism

No one really knows what causes this problem in cats, but extrapolating from what is known about human and canine cognitive dysfunction, the condition probably results from either Alzheimer-like changes in the brain (such as accumulations of beta-amyloid and its formation into plaques) or cerebrovascular disease. In dogs with cognitive dysfunction, the degree of pathological change in the brain correlates closely with the severity of the clinical signs and the same may well hold true in cats.

The condition is progressive but clinical signs may be reversed for a while by treatment with the monoamine oxidase B inhibitor, selegiline hydrochloride (Anipryl®). This drug is not yet approved for feline use but can legitimately be prescribed extra–label, if indicated. This drug prevents the breakdown of a deficient neurotransmitter, dopamine, in the cat’s brain, helping to restore normal function. Although the exact extent of selegiline’s efficacy has not been determined in cats, again by extrapolation from the situation in dogs, about one third of cats should exhibit a dramatic turnaround, to the point of cure, another third should make significant improvements, and about one third will not respond to the treatment.

Cats, like dogs, are now living longer than ever before because of improvements in their management, healthcare, and nutrition. It is because of this changing demographic that age-related cognitive decline and cognitive dysfunction have been recognized and have recently come to the forefront. Owners expect their cats to slow down a bit in old age, and this progression may not constitute a major problem for them or their pet. However, when true cognitive dysfunction (also known as dementia) rears its ugly head, owners know that something really needs to be done if the cat is to continue to have anything like a quality existence. It is good to know that, these days, when cognitive decline threatens a cat’s existence, there is something that can be done to offset the problem, and the likelihood of success is good. If we can extend quality existence for a cat by one year through the use of medication, that’s equivalent to a 5-year extension for a person – well worth having for either the cat or person concerned.

Please visit us at  www.siamese-cattailscattery.com

Behavior of the Senior Cat

By: Christian Yost

March 31, 2009

Staying young isn’t an option for any of us. And although aging may not be something that we want to happen, the alternative is worse. But getting old isn’t all bad: It comes accompanied by a wealth of learning and understanding that just isn’t there in the early years. With age comes elderly knowledge, acceptance, inner peace, and serenity, even for cats. But there are some cats for which aging presents some real problems. While some  are clear-minded and physically active, others become confused, disorientated, and generally infirm.

If a healthy cat’s life span is 18 years, by definition, geriatric status is attained when 75 percent of that life span has elapsed, that is, after 13 years of age. Some early geriatric cats are still doing very well at the age of 13 or 14 years whereas others are already beginning to show pronounced aging changes.

In time, all slow down but some slip into a noticeable cognitive decline, now dubbed the “Feline Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome” or Feline  Alzheimer’s disease all too early.

Normal Aging Changes (Age-related Cognitive Decline)

Like people, older cats become less active mentally and physically. Part of the reason for this is aging changes that take place in the brain, but physical factors, such as joint stiffness, may also play a role. Normal aging changes include:

Being less active

Playing less

Sleeping more

Reacting less to surrounding events

Grooming less

Eating less heartily

All these signs are a result of progressive mental slowing that results from a decreased number of functioning central nerve cells and actual physical shrinkage of the brain.

Cognitive Dysfunction (Unsuccessful Agers)

Some cats, like some people and some dogs, age poorly. In affected individuals, slowing of their mental processes causes them significant impairment in their everyday lives. Although some of the signs of age-related cognitive decline are similar to those of “normal aging,” it is the extent and nature of the deficits that distinguish true cognitive dysfunction from simple age-related slowing down. Typical signs of feline cognitive dysfunction are described by the acronym DISH.

D = disorientation. This means that the cat may wander aimlessly and appear lost or confused at times. He may also fail to recognize family members.

I = reduced social interactions. Affected cats may no longer greet people warmly or seek their attention as often.

S = changes in sleep-wake cycle. The cat may sleep more during the daytime but wander aimlessly at night, perhaps crying out.

H = loss of housetraining. Breakdown of housetraining appears to occur because your kitty forgets where the litter box is or is no longer concerned about personal hygiene.

The prevalence of cognitive dysfunction increases with age so, for example, if at 13 years of age 10 percent of cats may be affected, 50 percent by age 16, and 90 percent (plus) at age 20.

The Mechanism

No one really knows what causes this problem in cats, but extrapolating from what is known about human and canine cognitive dysfunction, the condition probably results from either Alzheimer-like changes in the brain (such as accumulations of beta-amyloid and its formation into plaques) or cerebrovascular disease. In dogs with cognitive dysfunction, the degree of pathological change in the brain correlates closely with the severity of the clinical signs and the same may well hold true in cats.

The condition is progressive but clinical signs may be reversed for a while by treatment with the monoamine oxidase B inhibitor, selegiline hydrochloride (Anipryl®). This drug is not yet approved for feline use but can legitimately be prescribed extra–label, if indicated. This drug prevents the breakdown of a deficient neurotransmitter, dopamine, in the cat’s brain, helping to restore normal function. Although the exact extent of selegiline’s efficacy has not been determined in cats, again by extrapolation from the situation in dogs, about one third of cats should exhibit a dramatic turnaround, to the point of cure, another third should make significant improvements, and about one third will not respond to the treatment.

Cats, like dogs, are now living longer than ever before because of improvements in their management, healthcare, and nutrition. It is because of this changing demographic that age-related cognitive decline and cognitive dysfunction have been recognized and have recently come to the forefront. Owners expect their cats to slow down a bit in old age, and this progression may not constitute a major problem for them or their pet. However, when true cognitive dysfunction (also known as dementia) rears its ugly head, owners know that something really needs to be done if the cat is to continue to have anything like a quality existence. It is good to know that, these days, when cognitive decline threatens a cat’s existence, there is something that can be done to offset the problem, and the likelihood of success is good. If we can extend quality existence for a cat by one year through the use of medication, that’s equivalent to a 5-year extension for a person – well worth having for either the cat or person concerned.

Please visit us at www.siamese-cattailscattery.com

How to Tell if Your Cat is Ill

By: Christian Yost

March 26, 2009

Your cat cannot explain his symptoms, so it’s the responsibility of you and your veterinarian to keep him healthy. Cats are very good at hiding their illness so it is up to you to observe your cat for abnormalities.  indications of a “sick pet” include: lethargy, disorientation, weakness,weight loss, seizure, lack of appetite,vomiting, diarrhea, unproductive retching, straining to urinate, bloody urine, difficulty or inability to walk, bleeding, pale mucous membranes, difficulty breathing and persistent cough. You know your pet best and can often notice subtle early warning signs that someone else may not detect. If you observe any of the mentioned symptoms or other signs that concern you, call your veterinary hospital. The safest approach would be to have your pet examined.

Once your pet is at the hospital, your veternarian may ask additional questions to help localize or diagnose the problem. It may help to be prepared to answer some of the following questions:

How long have you owned your cat?

What is the age of your cat?

Has your cat experienced any previous illnesses?

Is your cat currently under treatment for an illness or disease?

Has your cat ever been tested for Feline Leukemia  or Feline AIDS

Where did you get your cat (adoption center, breeder, previous stray, etc.)?

What preventative medications is your cat currently taking?

Does your cat receive any consistent flea treatment?

Has your cat been vaccinated? When? For what?

What other type of pets do you have?

Are any other pets ill?

Have there been any recent acquisitions?

Have there been any recent activities such as boarding, grooming, etc.?

Is the majority of your cat’s time spent indoors or outdoors?

Have there been any recent changes in diet or eating habits?

What brand of food does your cat eat? How much? How often?

Do you offer your pet table scraps?

How frequently and what type of treats are offered?

How much water does your cat typically drink per day?

Have there been any recent changes in water consumption?

What type of litter do you use and how frequently is the litter box cleaned?

Have you noticed any coughing or sneezing?

Have you noticed any lumps or bumps on your cat?

Is your cat urinating normally?

Is your cat having normal bowel movements?

When is the last time he/she had a bowel movement?

Have you noticed any recent weight loss or weight gain?After answering some general questions, more specific questions need to be answered. A brief cursory exam of your pet at home can help you determine the answers. These questions are also commonly asked when pet owners are seeking help over the phone. Be prepared to answer the following questions, depending on the problem with your pet:

Regarding the eyes

Have you noticed an increase or decrease in tear production?

Do the eyes appear cloudy or red?

Have you noticed any discharge?

Do the eyes appear bloodshot?

Are the pupils the same size in both eyes?

Have you noticed your pet rubbing or pawing at eyes?

Is your cat squinting his/her eyes?

Do the eyes appear to be sunken or excessively protruding?Regarding the ears

Do you notice any swelling or discharge from the ears?

Are the ears drooping when they normally stand erect?

Are the ears red and inflamed?

Do you notice any odor?

Is your cat rubbing or pawing at the ears?

Have you noticed a lot of head shaking?

Have you noticed any pain or crying when you rub or scratch your cat’s ears?Regarding the nose

Have you noticed any congestion,sneezing or coughing?

Have you noticed any blood coming from the nose?

Have you noticed any nasal discharge?Regarding the mouth

Have you noticed any swelling of the lips or tongue?

Have you noticed any bleeding from the mouth?

What color are the gums – tissue just above the teeth?

Is your cat able to open and close the mouth normally?

Is there any pain involved in opening or closing the mouth?

Have you noticed any excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth?

Is your cat able swallow food normally?

Are there any foreign objects such as bones or sticks stuck on the roof of the mouth or around the teeth?Regarding the chest

Is your pet experiencing any difficulty breathing?

Have you noticed panting?

Is there any pain when the chest area is petted?

Have you noticed any recent coughing?

What is the heart rate?

Is the heartbeat steady and consistent?

Place your hand or your ear on the left side of your cat’s chest, just behind the elbow. You should be able to feel or hear the heartbeat. Count how many beats the heart pumps in one minute.Regarding the abdomen/stomach area

Has your cat been having any diarrhea  or vomiting?

Is your cat able to eat and drink normally?

Does the abdomen/stomach area appear swollen or distended?

Does your cat have pain when the stomach area is petted?

Is your cat known to chew on non-food items such as clothing, towels, strings, etc.?Regarding the urinary and reproductive systems

Have you noticed any difference in urinating?

Does your cat seem to strain to urinate or cry in pain?

Does your cat repeatedly try to urinate with no urine produced?

Is there any blood in the urine?

How frequently does your cat urinate?

Is your female cat spayed? At what age? Did she ever have kittens?

If your cat was not spayed, when was her last heat cycle and was she bred?

Is your male cat neutered? At what age?

Do you notice any discharge from the vaginal area?

Do you notice any discharge from the penis?

If your cat is not neutered, do you notice any swelling of the testicles?

Have you noticed your cat excessively licking or grooming the genital area?Regarding the musculoskeletal system – bones and joints

Have you noticed any limping?

Are any legs or joints swollen?

Has your cat been excessively licking at one area of his/her legs?

Does your pet show signs of pain when walking?

Is your cat able to walk normally?

Does your cat walk on his/her knuckles?

Does your cat drag any legs when walking?

Have you noticed signs of pain when petting your pet?

By supplying the answers to these questions, your veterinarian will be in a much better position to help your pet. Additional tests  may be necessary to find out what the problem is but the answers to the above questions can greatly narrow the area of concern.

Please visit us at www.siamese-cattailscattery.com

Grooming Your Senior Cat – Special Concerns

By: Christian Yost

March 26, 2009

Grooming is an important aspect of your pet’s health care throughout his life. As your pet  ages, taking an active role in grooming becomes even more important. Older pets often groom less, may have trouble cleaning those “hard to reach places,” or may develop skin conditions that require extra attention. You will have to take a more active role in keeping your pet clean and monitoring for any changes in skin and coat that may signal medical problems.

Changes in the Skin and Coat

A number of changes are possible in your pet’s skin as they reach their senior years. Skin that has been healthy may become dry and flaky. You may see dander on the surface of the coat. At the opposite end, skin may become excessively oily and feel greasy to the touch. These changes may reflect your pet’s inability to groom properly. Arthritis often makes it hard for some pets to reach certain places.

Mental changes associated with aging may cause a lack of interest in normally fastidious pets. You may need to help out with more frequent brushings, bathings or medicated shampoos.

Diseases of the endocrine system are often first reflected in changes in the skin. A hormonal imbalance may make the skin thin  and fragile. It may tear easily, or be slow to heal. You may see color changes, often light skin becoming dark and thickened in appearance. You may see small bumps that look like blackheads. Any change in the appearance, color or odor of the skin should be investigated by your veterinarian for underlying medical reasons.

Lumps and Bumps

As your pet ages you may notice that you begin to see or feel lumps or bumps both on and underneath the surface of the skin. All new skin growths should be evaluated by your pet’s doctor to determine if any further attention is needed. Some may only be a nuisance, aggravating your pet if they are located in sensitive areas, or may bleed from grooming or other activity. Some may be more serious, including tumors.
Another type of lump/bump you may see is a pressure sore. These sores arise at the points where there is not much cushion between bone and the hard surfaces on which your pet may lie. These are seen with more frequency as your pet ages and loses a bit of protective muscle mass. Common locations for pressure sores are the sides of the knee and hip joints. If you see the beginnings of these types of sores, it is time to provide soft padded surfaces where your pet lies. These types of sores are difficult to treat.

Nails

Most pets dislike nail trims. The bad news is that as your pet ages, it becomes even more important to trim them and even more difficult to do. Nails often become thick and brittle with age. Pets may resent having their paws handled, further delaying the chore. Nails and nail beds may become overgrown. They can grow into the pads and be quite painful, and make walking a chore. Make it a habit to trim a small amount of nail on your cat every two weeks to prevent overgrowth and make walking easier.

Grooming Aids

There are products that help make it easier and more comfortable to groom your senior pet. Look for brushes and combs that have plastic tipped teeth. These types of tools are more comfortable next to the skin. Wire brushes will help get those mats and pick up excess dander. Brushes that are made with the teeth set in a rubber back with foam padding underneath will be more comfortable. If your pet objects to water and needs bathing, check out the variety of waterless shampoos that may make the job easier and less stressful.

If your pet has long hair, keep the area around the rear end clipped short. Feces often mat in the hair causing skin irriations and unpleasant odors. Senior cats often fail to keep this area as clean.

Please visit us at  www.siamese-cattailscattery.com

Geriatric Cat Care

By: Christian Yost

March 25, 2009

Old age happens to the best of us – even our cats. And as our cats enter into the golden age, they may have specific needs or problems that must be addressed. The aging process brings about a gradual decline in a cat’s physical and sometimes mental abilities. Becoming aware of these issues allows an owner to provide the best possible care.

Not all cats age at the same rate. A cat’s biological age depends upon genetic background, the quality of his diet, his general state of health and the quality of his living conditions. Research estimates that old age for cats begins somewhere between the 8th and 9th birthday.

Ideally, caring for the geriatric cat should focus on preventative measures. Whenever possible, it is better to prevent a problem from occurring, rather than to wait for a problem to develop. Detecting diseases in the early stages greatly improves the outcome.

Different cats have specific risk factors that influence the diagnostic approach to geriatric medicine. Risk factors are characteristics of the breed, genetics, environment and life-style of your cat that may put him or her at greater risk of developing a particular disease or other age related changes.

Veterinary Care

Within the last few decades, advancements invetinary medicine have caused a dramatic increase in the longevity of our pets. Today, cats are living longer and healthier lives. If there is a problem with your older cat, don’t assume it is just because of old age, and that nothing can be done. With appropriate treatment, many conditions can improve. Your veterinarian may do the following to assess your cat’s health and to maintain a healthy condition.

A thorough and complete medical history. Your veterinarian will note changes in behavior and physical abilities.

A complete physical examination

Complete blood count (CBC)

Biochemical profile

Urinalysis

Thyroid level

Fecal exam for parasites

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus(FELV) testing

Treatment

All cats should receive routine vaccinations as required by law (rabies) and vaccines that are appropriate for individual needs. Specific vaccines and frequency of administration may vary, and should be discussed with your veterinarian. Treating an older cat depends on the individual requirements or problems of your pet. The most common problems of geriatric cats are:

Nutritional issues – managing obesity or special needs

Dental disease

Kidney disease

Hyperthyroidism

Diabetes

Hypertension

Cardiac disease

Inflammatory bowel disease

Skin tumors

Cancer

Home Care and Prevention

A periodic inspection of your pet, at home, may uncover potential problems. Make sure that your pet has clean, warm and protected living conditions, and provide easy access to clean fresh water.

Feed a good quality cat food that is appropriate for your cat’s specific needs, and do not allow your pet to gain excessive weight. Discuss unexpected wight gain with your veterinarian. Based on a complete geriatric work-up, a prescription cat food might be advised. Groom your pet and, if possible, brush your cat’s teeth regularly. Finally, follow your veterinarian’s recommendations as to exercise, nutrition and any medications that may be needed.

Pets today are living longer and better quality lives than ever before. Many factors are responsible for this increase including improved nutrition, veterinary care and educated owners. This increased longevity means that there are more cats reaching an older age, and that owner’s will be faced with the special demands and problems that become apparent with age.

Understanding the aging process and the most common problems that face the geriatric cat is the first step in providing the best possible care to your older animal. The main focus of geriatric health care is owner education and the early detection and prevention of disease.

It is important to realize that aging itself is not a disease; it is simply a stage of life. Increasing age causes a gradual decline in the body’s ability to repair itself, maintain normal body functions, and adapt to the stresses and changes in the environment.

Many changes occur in cats as they age.

Changes in metabolism occur so they require less food. Cats, in general, have a more sedentary lifestyle, and older cats, specifically, are usually less active. weight gain and obesity are common problems.

The lack of exercise contributes to reduced muscle tone and strength, further adding to the potential of obesity.

Changes in a cat’s environment or routine may actually contribute to behavioral changes or even illness. Trying to minimize severe or sudden changes in the geriatric animal is always a good practice.

With time, cats begin to have a gradual decline in their senses (hearing, smelling, vision, and taste). Decreased taste sensation can contribute to anorexia, especially if your cat becomes ill.

Your pet may not respond to stimuli as rapidly or in the same manner as when he or she was younger. It is not uncommon for older cats to spend more time sleeping and have more difficulty being roused.

The body’s ability to repair itself decreases, and the function of the immune system is compromised with increasing age. Metabolic and endocrine problems, organ dysfunction and cancer are all seen with increased frequency in the aging cat. Some of these problems may be difficult to help, however it is usually possible to improve the quality of your pet’s life significantly by educating yourself, and becoming aware of potential problems.

Most veterinarians recommend more frequent vetinary visits and additional diagnostic tests for geriatric animals in an effort to find the early stages of disease, before they become problems. Practicing prevention is always better than treating a disease already present. In the long run, preventive medicine improves quality of life, and is more cost effective than waiting for problems to appear. A well-educated and proactive owner is the first step in optimal senior cat care

Many of these tests are recommended on geriatric cats even when they are feeling totally normal. The routine geriatric exam and accompanying diagnostic tests are recommended to ensure that the early stages of disease is discovered, and appropriate preventive measures and treatment plans instituted.

The most common diagnostic tests performed by your veterinarian as part of a complete geriatric work-up include:

Please visit us at www.siamese-cattailscattery.com

The Effects of Aging on Cats

By: Christian Yost

March 25, 2009

Like us, cats don’t stay young forever – they age. While some aspects of getting old may not be much fun, getting old is not all bad. Each stage of life has its joys, pleasures and drawbacks. Middle age for a cat, which is between 8 and 10 years of age, is a kind of gray zone during which the cat is busily engaged in the process of life without any particular physical or mental deterioration to hamper him. But somewhere towards the end of middle age, cats start acting and feeling their age.

The effects of the aging process are both physical and mental. Physically, structural and functional changes occur in virtually all organ systems throughout the body, affecting vision, hearing, stamina, susceptibility to drugs and locomotor activity. Mental changes are secondary to decreasing brain size and a reduced number of brain cells. In some cases, feline Alzheimer-like changes hasten deterioration.

Aging does not affect all cats in precisely the same way. Some cat breeds, and some individuals, are more successful agers than others. Some cats, at the age of 14 years, may have no noticeable physical or mental incapacitation. Others of the same age, however, are already handicapped by age-related internal organ failure, failing senses or orthopedic problems.

Age-Related Physical Changes

The Kidneys. Kidney function is often impaired in old age. With advancing age, blood flow to the kidneys decreases, there is a loss of filtering cells (nephrons), and impairment in resorptive processes in the nephrons. The result of all this is a failure of the kidneys to concentrate urine, so that older cats with this type of deterioration will necessarily have to drink more and, consequently, produce a larger amounts of more dilute urine. It is extremely important to make sure that such cats have constant access to water so that they do not go into kidney failure. Some special kidneydiets that contain low quantities of high quality protein can help sustain cats in the borderline kidney failure.

The Liver. Although some tests of liver function show progressive deterioration with age, most cats survive to a ripe old age without this progressive loss affecting them in any noticeable way. However, in some cats, fat accumulation occurs in the liver (sometimes secondary to other diseases such as diabetes) and this can result in an increased size of the liver with increased levels of liver enzymes in the blood. Liver cirrhosis is also a disease of the older cat because of its chronic and progressive nature.

Thyroid Glands. Hyperthyroidism has been reported to be one of the most common endocrine disease in the cat. Hyperthyroidism will cause a dry lusterless coat, weight loss and an increased appetite, to name but a few of the clinical signs.

Adrenal Glands. The adrenal glands, that produce various hormones involved in the regulation of blood sugar, electrolytes, stress regulation, and many other functions, are affected in various ways by the aging process. Adrenal exhaustion has been described in elderly patients undergoing continued stress but the opposite, hyperadrenicorticism, can occur in middle aged and older cats. The latter causes signs such as muscle weakness, potbelly,hair loss, increased thirst, and increased urine production. If hyperadrenocorticism is diagnosed, it can be treated.

Pancreas. Diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes

) is usually a disease of the older cat. Complications associated with this disease include increased thirst and urine output,muscle wasting, and liver disease. This type of diabetes can be controlled using dietary control and insulin.

Musculoskeletal System. While young cats appear strong, well-muscled and can run like the wind, older cats usually show muscle wasting and are often handicapped by arthritis or intervertebral disc disease. Analgesics and, if indicated, various surgical procedures can bring many cats relief

Cardio-respiratory System. As you might expect, both components of the heart and lung system are affected adversely with increasing age. A particularly common cardiac disease of older cats is one in which the heart walls thicken (cardiomyopathy). This condition leads to cardiac murmurs and, functionally, to cardiac insufficiency. Meanwhile, aging changes in the lungs, such as thickening of the walls of the small airways, leads to reduced efficiency of gaseous exchange.

Special Senses. Cats’ eyesight becomes poorer as they get older, due to age-related changes in the eye itself and in the processing of visual images centrally. The most common ocular aging change of all, lenticular sclerosis, in which the pupil of the eye appears grayish, does not significantly affect vision at all. Cataracts, however, which are also more common in elderly cats, do impair vision, particularly when the cat is in bright light and his pupils are constricted.

Cats’ hearing deteriorates progressively with age so that many older cats appear not to hear you and they do not respond to outside sounds that formerly would have aroused them. Loss of hearing can be either peripheral, due to changes in the ear itself or, as with failure of vision, related to changes in central processing.

Central Nervous System . Cats’ brain weight decreases with age primarily because of neuronal death in the cerebral hemispheres. Functionally, there is decreased production and increased destruction of central neurotransmitters.

Behavioral Changes. Because of general central nervous system changes mentioned above, cats progressively slow down mentally as they age. They become less interested in things around them, less reactive to things going on, spend more time sleeping, and tend to walk whereas before they might have run. “Normal” aging changes in cats are not usually incapacitating but merely produce a gradual decline in mental function, which can seem quite appropriate.

Please visit us at www.siamese-cattailscattery.com