Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Coronado Veterinary Hospital

619-435-6281

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Meet Our Doctors
    • Meet Our Team
    • Meet Our Resident Cats
    • Hospital Tour
    • Payment Options
  • Services
    • Examinations & Housecalls
      • Pet Wellness Exam FAQ
    • Vaccination
      • Pet Vaccinations FAQ
    • Surgery
    • Dental Care
      • Pet Dental FAQ
    • Boarding
      • Pet Boarding FAQ
    • Ultrasound
    • Radiology
    • Puppy & Kitten Care
    • Parasite Prevention
    • K-Laser Therapy
    • Senior Pet Care
  • Adoptions
    • CVH Pets for Adoption
    • Community Pets For Adoption
    • Adopted
  • Patient Center
    • Online Forms
    • Military Pets
    • Pet Travel
    • Veterinary Resources
    • Petsimonials
    • Pet Memorials
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
  • Community Content
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Choosing Your Pet
      • Dogs
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
      • Cats
      • Rabbits
      • Birds
      • Ferrets
    • Feline
    • Pets4Kids
    • Client Survey
    • Video Newsroom
      • Technology and Science
      • Other Interests
      • Health Topics
    • We Help Your Pet With
      • Diseases and Viruses
      • Orthopedics
      • Pests and Parasites
      • Digestive and Oral Health
      • Chronic Conditions
    • Living With Your Pet
      • Saying Goodbye
      • Providing Care
      • Bringing Your Pet Home
      • Travel
    • Today's Veterinarian
    • Newsletter Library
      • Seasonal Topics
      • Pet Dangers
      • Unbelievable Pets
      • Visiting the Vet
      • Equine
      • Nutrition & Food
      • Recognizing Illness
      • Tips for Pet Owners
      • Cats
      • Behavior & Training
      • Fleas & Parasites
      • Fun with Pets
      • Keeping Pets Healthy
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Feline >
  • Caring for Senior Cats

Caring for Senior Cats

  • Created in Feline
image of a senior cat.

Thanks to advancements in veterinary care, today’s cats can live well into their teen years. It is not uncommon for cats to live to be 18 or even older. However, in order for cats to live a long full life, they need proactive veterinary care to stay healthy.

As cats age, they are at greater risk for chronic diseases and health complications. However, cats are also masters at hiding illness. Semi-annual veterinary appointments are the best way to monitor a cat’s well being. For a senior cat, six months can be the equivalent of two years – a number of health changes can happen during this period.

During a wellness exam, a veterinarian will check a cat’s weight and body condition, skin and coat quality, eyes, ears, thyroid, heart, lungs, joints, mouth and abdomen. A veterinarian may also conduct diagnostic blood work and parasite screenings. While physical changes are easily noticed (e.g., weight loss or change in coat quality), internal changes are more difficult to detect. Diagnostic tests provide an important snapshot of a cat’s internal health and can detect problems such as hyperthyroidism and kidney disease.

Feline hyperthyroidism and kidney problems are the most common health conditions affecting older cats. Hyperthyroidism affects many organs in the body, including the heart. Hyperthyroidism can lead to secondary heart disease as well as hypertension (high blood pressure). Kidney disease can also cause hypertension. Your veterinarian can check for this during your cat's exam. Blood tests during a semi-annual wellness screening are the best way to detect hyperthyroidism and kidney problems. With early diagnosis, medical treatments can be very successful in managing these disease. These are examples of why proactive veterinary care is so important for senior cats.

Wellness exams are also an opportunity to evaluate a cat’s dietary needs. As cats age, their nutritional needs change. For example, cats with kidney problems should have a diet low in protein and phosphorus. Less active cats may need to be fed less in order to prevent weight gain and obesity. Other cats may become disinterested in food, resulting in weight loss. Cats that lose their sense of taste and smell may also lose interest in eating. Unfortunately, gradual weight loss can also go unnoticed, especially for longhaired cats. This is why nutrition evaluations and regular weigh-ins are so important.

Just like humans, cats will have different wellness needs as they age. Some cats may need a special diet while other cats may need medication to manage a chronic disease. Your veterinarian will make specific recommendations based on your cat’s wellness needs.

Sources:

American Association of Feline Practitioners. Friends for Life, Caring for your Older Cat.

Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Hyperthyroidism in Cats.

  • Finding Your Pet
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Dogs
    • Reptiles
      • Lizards
      • Turtles
    • Cats
    • Rabbits
    • Birds
    • Ferrets
  • Feline
  • Pets4Kids
  • Client Survey
  • Video Newsroom
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
    • Health Topics
  • We Help Your Pet With
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Orthopedics
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Chronic Conditions
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Saying Goodbye
    • Providing Care
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Travel
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Newsletter Library
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Pet Dangers
    • Unbelievable Pets
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Equine
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Cats
    • Behavior & Training
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Fun with Pets
    • Keeping Pets Healthy

Welcome New Patients!

Featured Links

Click to find out more

  • Pharmacy & Pet Store

    Refill medications and shop for pet supplies. Shop our online pet store today!!

  • Make An Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!

  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-7:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-7:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-7:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am-2:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

Client Comments

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "I was nervous about Bon Jovi receiving anesthesia. You kept me informed throughout the process and took great care of him. Thank you. His teeth look fabulous"
    Julie Moss, Coronado Resident
  • "This was my first time having a puppy and looking for a vet and I truly believe I found the perfect place! Everyone was so friendly and so kind to myself and my puppy! I got a lot of information and all of my questions were answered!"
    New Puppy Mom and Coronado Resident
  • "You squeezed us in on short notice and I GREATLY appreciate it! you made our vacation a little less stressful, and Bernie is getting much better! Thank you thank you thank you!!"
    Kelly Mulvany, Coronado Vacationer

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

  • 6 Questions to Ask At Your Senior Pet's Next Check Up

    Want to keep your senior pet healthy and happy? Ask these six questions at your pet's next check up. ...

    Read More
  • Why the Controversy About Pet Vaccinations?

    As with anything, pet vaccinations can be too much of a good thing. Similar to parents who are learning more about vaccinations for children, veterinarians and pet owners alike are beginning to question some of the standard wisdom when it comes to protecting pets. There are certain fatal diseases against ...

    Read More
  • Pet Clothes: A Fashion Statement or a Necessity?

    There is nothing cuter than a pet in a colorful sweater, but do our furry friends really need to wear clothing? Although clothing is not a necessity for every pet, some animals benefit from a little extra protection during cold or damp days. Others enjoy wearing festive clothing during holidays or other ...

    Read More
  • Introducing a New Pet to Your Current Ones

    Pet Proofing Your Home Introducing your new pet to your current one is only a single part of the equation relating to taking a new pet home. You also have to make sure your new pet is comfortable in your home, which is a foreign environment to the animal. Like humans, animals can experience high levels ...

    Read More
  • Put Some Teeth Into Your Pet’s Dental Care

    According to the American Animal Hospital Association, nearly two-thirds of pets suffer from dental problems because their owners do not provide dental care for them. Imagine what would happen to your own teeth if they were never brushed or examined by a dentist. The same thing can happen with your pet’s ...

    Read More
  • Managing Pet Allergies in Kids

    Are you concerned that your child's allergies may mean that you will have to give up your pet? Although rehoming a pet may be necessary if allergies are severe, most children can live with pets if you are willing to make a few changes. The Problem About three in 10 people who have allergies are allergic ...

    Read More
  • Euthanasia: Saying Goodbye

    It's not easy to say goodbye to cherished pets, even those that have lived long, happy lives. Although you may hate the thought of life without your pet, euthanasia can be the kindest decision you can make when your friend is suffering. Making the Decision If your pet has been seriously injured in a ...

    Read More
  • Is a Wet Nose a Sign of a Healthy Pet?

    Have you ever heard that a wet nose is a sign that your pet is healthy? Although that's often the case, it's not always true. A moist nose can benefit your pet in several ways, but it doesn't necessarily guarantee good health. How Does a Wet Nose Help My Pet? Have you ever been woken at 5 a.m. by a cold, ...

    Read More
  • Obesity and Diabetes in Pets

    Think diabetes only affect people? Overweight pets may be at risk too. ...

    Read More
  • Does Your Cat Have a Grooming Problem?

    Noticed a sudden change in your cat's grooming habits? Over- or under-grooming can be a sign of trouble. ...

    Read More

Newsletter Signup

Sign up for more articles

Connect With Us

  • Copyright © 2019 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
  • Site Map