Senior cats need regular checkups at your veterinarian's at least twice per year. Klima Small Animal Clinic recommends every 6 months, as adult cats can age as much as 4 years within one calendar year. As well as the usual complete physical examination, Klima Small Animal Veterinarians may recommend and conduct a urine and fecal analysis in addition to blood work. Other tests may be recommended by our veterinarians to detect any early onset of feline leukemia or immunodeficiency virus.

As your cat gets older he or she will gradually experience changes, which are very similar to that of humans. Their hair turns gray, their bodies are not as flexible as early in their lives, their reflexes are not as sharp, eyesight, and hearing and sense of smell may deteriorate as well as their energy level. In reality, the first real signs of aging you may notice would be a decrease in activity, combined with tendencies for your pet to sleep longer and more soundly. These symptoms may appear as early as 7 years of age. Nevertheless, a healthy cat will remain youthful longer if he or she has not been affected by diseases or adverse environmental problems and has been neutered or spayed. While wild or feral tomcats have an average life expectancy of 3 years, a castrated male house cat life span can  range from the late teens to early twenties. Klima Small Animal Clinic veterinarians will provide assistance and sound medical advice for you and your pet family member as they get older.

Most important, you as your pet's main source of information to his or her veterinarian should note any changes in their condition or behavior. Any problems,  that may be treatable medically, that you may simply relate to your cat getting older should be relayed to his or her veterinarian. For example, an lack of interest in exercise or play may not be from just getting older, but from the onset of arthritis; which can be managed through medication. Semi-annual checkups can aid your veterinarian in working out a defensive health curriculum for your pet and hopefully spot any medical problems early enough to ensure your pet family member's senior years will be healthy and blissful.

Top Senior Cat Health Tips

Feed the best food you can afford and consider smaller meals instead of one large one per day.

Don't overfeed-overweight cats have many health issues and may shorten your pet's life.

Your senior cat still needs exercise to preserve muscle tone, preserve bone and joint strength and fight obesity.

Take your cat for semi-annual visits with Klima Small Animal Clinic.

Get informed on conditions and diseases that are common to senior cats, be watchful of symptoms, and if they arise, call Klima Small Animal Clinic without delay.

Have your senior cat vaccinated at regular intervals. Have Klima Small Animal Clinic Veterinarians perform a risk assessment to determine an suitable vaccination protocol for your cat.

Dental Health is very important, brush your senior's teeth daily and have them cleaned professionally at the intervals your veterinarian advises.

External parasites do carry diseases; controlling ticks and fleas in your pet's  environment and sleeping areas will properly protect your senior pet from these pests.

Check your cat's nails weekly and trim them as often as necessary, as senior cats may not use their scratching posts as often as they did when younger.

Give your senior cat a lot of love and attention and do all you can to keep him interested, active, happy and comfortable.