December 12, 2007

How To Care For An Elderly Or Sick Kitty

As cats age, they require more and more attention and loving care from their owners. Though cats tend to lead uneventful, happy lives, disease and discomfort increase as they age. Listed here are a few conditions and diseases to keep an eye out for that are common in elderly cats, in addition to a few tips in caring for your cat to aid in their graceful and comfortable aging.
Like humans and dogs, as cats age, they begin to show signs of degeneration. One of the most common signs of aging felines is their loss of litter box training. Some elderly cats acquire conditions such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or decreased proper kidney function. These health issues can in turn lead to irregular urination and elimination processes. You may find your cat relieving him or herself outside the litter box. If this becomes a common practice, it is a good idea to buy one of or two more litter boxes and place them in various locations throughout your home. This will make litter boxes more accessible to your cat and will aid in their proper elimination practices.
A common feline condition is arthritis. Arthritis is a condition in which inflammation of joints occurs. […]