Case Story: Heidi, a senior kitty
This is the story of Heidi, a sweet, elderly cat who visited us for her Senior Pet Package and now has a more comfortable life.
Meet Heidi, a 16-year-old rescue kitty who loves eating, sleeping and cuddles!
As cats get older, their behaviour may change. For example, they may start slowing down, sleeping more and becoming cuddlier! Whilst these changes can be due to the natural ageing process, some changes may be the subtle signs of early disease.
Three of the most common conditions we see in older cats are Osteoarthritis (OA), chronic kidney disease (CKD) and Hyperthyroidism. Unfortunately, these conditions are seen relatively frequently, but early detection and intervention can really help our feline friends.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Commonly mistaken for ‘slowing down’ and ‘getting older’, this condition is a progressive disease that causes pain and inflammation in the joints. This condition is very similar in dogs too. Signs to look out for are:
- Stiffness- Often more noticeable after a period of rest and then can progressively improve once ‘loosened up’ again.
- Hesitation- Cats love to jump up and down from things. If your cat is hesitating more than usual, puts their paws up then decides against it, or is not as keen to be naughty and jump on the kitchen counter anymore, this may be a sign of OA.
- Difficulty climbing in and out of litter box.
- Changes in temperament. May be becoming more grumpy or reluctant for strokes, especially over their spine.
- Being unable to groom back end, often seen as ‘spikey’ or matted fur.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
As cats age, their kidneys do too. CKD is often due to age related damage but can be for other reasons. Unfortunately, signs of CKD we can detect are only usually noticeable once kidney damage has reached approximately 65-70%. Signs include:
- Drinking and/or urinating more than usual.
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Poor coat condition
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Generally, ‘slowing down’
- Bad breath
Often, it is only possible to manage CKD rather than cure it. Kidney transplants are not an option in cats, which is why early detection and diagnosis is so important. The earlier we catch it, the earlier we can start management and therefore slow the disease process down. A blood and urine test can detect signs of kidney damage at as early as 25%, which is why we recommend this yearly in our senior clinic for cats of 9+ years old.
Hyperthyroidism
When the Thyroid gland becomes overactive for various reasons, resulting in the excess production of thyroid hormones. This is a common condition in older cats with signs including:
- Increased activity
- Drinking and urinating more
- Increased vocalisation
- Vomiting
- Increased appetite but losing weight
We can detect a few other clinical signs when examining the patient such as heart rate, along with a blood test to measure their Thyroid hormone levels. There are various treatment options available but early detection and treatment is key.
Senior Pet Packages
Even if your pet is showing none of these signs, we still recommend a Senior Pet Package yearly as often signs are subtle and early detection and management is so important. Heidi comes in once a year for her full ‘MOT’, allowing us to maintain control of her arthritis with a Solensia pain relief injection once a month, and monitor her early signs of renal disease. She lives a happy peaceful life with her owners and even jumps up for cuddles now her arthritis is controlled.
