Hervey Foundation

Aging

It is always wonderful to introduce a new kitten into your household. They are full of energy, curiosity, and love. However as time passes, the spunkiness of the kitten years start to subside and your cat begins to mature.

Between the ages of 3 and 9, your cat settles into its routine, and often can start to put on a bit of weight. This is the time that we need to be very diligent with nutrition to prevent your cat from becoming obese. Overweight cats are predisposed to many diseases (i.e. Diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, joint and back problems, liver disease, etc.), and studies have shown that “Fat cats die first.” Nutrition is the most important, controllable factor in your cat’s life during his/her adult years. Please be advised to contact your veterinarian to ensure that your cat is fed the best diet possible for his/her individual needs.

As your cat approaches 7 years old, an annual health check is advised. During these annual visits, a complete physical examination should be performed, any dietary issues addressed, and blood and urine samples analyzed. These laboratory tests are vital in identifying disease processes in the early stages. It is much easier to recommend preventative health care changes to address any concerns, than wait until your cat is afflicted with disease or organ failure. The top three diseases that cause death in cats are: 1. cancer, 2. kidney disease, 3. cardiovascular disease.

With early intervention, even these diseases can be treated, controlled, and in some cases cured. Cats initially age exponentially faster in the first few years, and then reach a somewhat steadier aging rate.

As our furry friends reach and pass middle age, one “human” year becomes equivalent to about 4 “cat” years. This difference reinforces the importance of annual, or more ideally, semi-annual physical examination, blood and urine tests. Although these tests provide ample information about the current status of the body function, we know that the body’s physiology is always changing. Repeated analysis of these factors allows us to provide the best preventative health care for your best friend.

Your cat has provided you with years of unconditional love and friendship. He/she has grown from a small bundle of energy, to a customary companion greeting you at the door after a long day’s work. Regrettably we start to notice outward signs of aging. Rather than ignoring these apparent signs, we need to aggressively diagnose and treat any potential problems before they progress beyond repair.

Prevention is the key.

Dr. Tammy Wilde
Tudor Glen Vet Clinic

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