The number of elderly cats in the feline population continues to grow. Of the 8.2 million cats in France, slightly more than 30% are over 8 years old, and 900,000 (11% of France's total feline population) are over 11 years old. Just like in humans, old age is a separate stage in a cat's life. Aging is a natural, unavoidable phenomenon in cats as in other species. It appears in a number of ways: decreased energy, a tendency toward lethargy, difficulty walking, lack of appetite, and a greater frequency of various illnesses including cardiac problems (ventricular hypertrophy), particularly due to the decreased elasticity of the arterial walls, respiratory difficulties due to the decline in pulmonary functioning, susceptibility to infection due to a weakened immune system, frequent kidney disease, tumors, and endocrine problems such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes, etc.The majority of overweight cats are between 6 and 10 years old, with older cats tending instead to be thin. Obesity is a risk factor in a large number of diseases, such as diabetes, skin problems, etc., but thinness should not be favored for this reason. Indeed, a cat that does not consume enough calories will lose weight, but if the cat does not consume enough protein, it will lose muscle, and its immune system will become weaker.
The Cat's Appetite
It may decrease with age, both because of frequent mouth problems (gingivitis, ulcers, tumors) and because of a decline in digestive capacities. The quality and quantity of the diet should therefore be monitored for cats over 10 years old. Elderly cats tend also to drink less and can quickly become dehydrated, so the amount of water in their diet and their water consumption must be monitored as well.
In addition, many illnesses occur more often in elderly cats than in young cats. For example, kidney failure is more common in older cats, in part because of the slow onset of this illness. Elderly cats should be monitored by a veterinarian so that any illness can be treated as soon as possible. One veterinary examination per year is recommended throughout a cat's life, for example at the time of vaccination. One examination every six months is strongly advised for cats over 12 years old.
From Birth to Old Age
The cat is primarily a carnivore and a hunter, independent and proud. From a very early age, cats are drawn to moving objects. As adults, they love petting just as much as roaming in the great outdoors. Whatever the breed, and at all stages of life, cats are fascinating animals to observe and live with.
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