Senior cats are susceptible to diseases that target older humans — like diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, and cancer.
Chronic renal failure is extremely common in older cats. Over a period of months or years, kidney function deteriorates. When the kidneys are functioning at less than twenty-five percent of original capability, this is considered kidney failure. Toxins that are normally secreted in waste begin to build up in the blood.
Symptoms include weight loss, excessive thirst, excessive urination, loss of appetite, vomiting, difficulty in urination, and poor grooming. Cats with chronic renal failure may need to be hospitalized for rehydration. Your veterinarian may suggest diet changes, medication, or appetite stimulants. Kidney transplant is an option, but an expensive one — the operation can cost upwards of five thousand dollars.
Hyperthyroidism is frequently seen in older cats. An enlarged thyroid gland causes rapid weight loss, increased thirst and appetite, vomiting, increased urination, diarrhea, and hyperactivity. Hyperthyroidism often comes with heart disease or kidney disease. Your vet may choose medication to treat cats who also have kidney disease. Radioactive iodine treatments may be used where kidney disease is not present. Surgical removal of the thyroid is an option for cats who do not have kidney disease.
High blood pressure in cats almost always comes with kidney disease, heart disease, or hyperthyroidism. Symptoms include rapid heart rate, heart murmur, dilated pupils that do not respond to light, and sudden blindness. If your senior cat is diagnosed with kidney disease or hyperthyroidism, you should also have their blood pressure checked. High blood pressure can usually be managed with medication and diet.
Cancer is the number one killer of senior cats. The most common forms of cancer in cats are leukemia, sarcomas, and breast cancer. Early diagnosis increases your cat’s chance of survival. Spaying or neutering can decrease the risk of certain kinds of cancer, including breast cancer in female cats.
Symptoms include development of lumps or swellings, redness on the ears or nose, sores on the ears or nose, and associated symptoms like lethargy, weight change, and weakness. Just like in humans, cancer in cats can be treated with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, or a combination of the three.