Cats are the most common pets in America today, with nearly 86 million in U.S. households. However, nearly 45 percent fail to receive veterinary care, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Cats hide signs of disease, so symptoms can easily be missed by owners. This is one of the most important reasons every cat should be regularly seen by a veterinarian, who will assess lifestyle issues, vaccination status, nutrition and other health concerns.
With numerous more of today’s cat owners being conscientious and cautious — keeping them vaccinated, indoors and at a healthy weight — cats are now living much longer. It’s not uncommon for a cat to live 20 years. Regarding lifespan, animals (and humans) are genetically predisposed to certain disease based upon their breed and the mixture of genes that they inherit. However, there are numerous lifestyle aspects owners can control and monitor closely.
As noted above, cats are, by instinct, masters at concealing symptoms of illness, as it is their nature to do so in the wild. Therefore, it is important to recognize what is normal and what is abnormal for your individual pet. Subtle changes in your pet’s lifestyle may yield important clues to underlying conditions, which may become more serious over time. To help your cat live a longer life, pay attention to the following things:
Monitor your cat’s weight and dietary intake
We know through decades of science and research that obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and multiple other illnesses in humans. The same is true for our four-legged friends. Studies have proven overweight pets have shorter lifespans. Proper nutrition and exercise from the kitten stage through the geriatric years can have a considerable impact on your cat’s longevity. It is essential to be cautious about weight loss in cats, as they are prone to developing a serious liver condition if weight loss occurs too quickly. Conversely, if your cat is losing weight rapidly, it may indicate thyroid disease, diabetes, intestinal disease, parasites or cancer. Therefore, any considerable change in body weight should be investigated by your veterinarian. Regarding body condition, you should be able to feel (but not visualize) your cat’s ribs and backbone under a slight amount of padding. If you have any question as to whether your pet is overweight or underweight, consult with your veterinarian.
Watch your cat eat and drink
Is your cat eating more than normal? Drinking more than normal? These can be signs of hyperthyroidism, diabetes or kidney disease. Eating or drinking less could indicate dental disease, digestive disease, organ failure or cancer, to name a few. Current feeding recommendations for cats include a portion of canned food every day. These foods are beneficial for most cats as they provide the higher protein, higher moisture diet they require as carnivores and aid in normal functioning of the urinary tract and digestive tract.
Monitor the litter box closely
Is there more or less urine in the box? Is your cat straining to urinate, going more frequently, or vocalizing while urinating? These signs could be indications of a urinary tract infection, stones in the urinary tract or inflammation of the bladder, all of which are serious problems that require an immediate visit to the veterinarian. Is your cat having diarrhea or constipated? These problems also should be addressed. Remember cats prefer a clean box and that you should have one more box than the number of cats in the household, placed in a quiet area away from traffic and food and water bowls.
Is your cat vomiting frequently?
Occasional vomiting of food or hair may be normal, or a dietary change may be in order. A cat that is vomiting frequently, including bile, food and water may indicate a more serious digestive system disorder including pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, internal parasites, cancer or other organ disease. Frequent vomiting should be investigated by your veterinarian.
Is the appearance of your cat’s coat changing?
A healthy cat’s coat should look shiny and thick due to frequent self-grooming. When a cat is sick, it will often stop grooming, causing the coat to appear dull, dry and flaky. The hair may also come out in patches, or become matted. Other symptoms of disease may include itching, scabbing, odor or discharge from the skin. Watch for changes in your cat’s hair coat and skin as a signal that something more considerable may be going on.
Watch your cat move
Is your cat showing any signs of lameness or reluctance to jump? Is there any loss of balance? Is your cat avoiding going up or down stairs, or going into the litter box? All of these symptoms may indicate pain from arthritis and joint disease, or from injuries. A visit to the veterinarian may reveal underlying pain or instability in your pet. Fortunately, there are now numerous treatment options available for cats, ranging from joint protectants to pain medications to laser therapy and acupuncture.
Look in your cat’s mouth and check its breath
Is there a bad odor from the mouth? Is there a discharge or increased drooling? Is your cat chattering its teeth or shaking its head while eating? All of these signs can indicate periodontal disease and mouth pain. More than 75 percent of pets older than 3 have some degree of dental disease, so do not overlook these important symptoms. Poor oral health has actually been linked to heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease and blood infections as bacteria from infected teeth and gums enter the bloodstream. Check with your veterinarian to see if a dental cleaning is in order. Residence dental care may help, especially after a professional cleaning, utilizing special diets or treats, tooth brushing with pet-safe enzymatic toothpaste and oral rinses or water additives.
Do not be afraid to consult with your veterinarian if you are seeing any of the above issues in your cat. Often problems that are addressed early are simpler, less costly and much more rewarding to treat. Waiting may allow a problem to get worse, the cost of fixing it will be generally greater and your beloved cat will have to suffer in the meantime. We all want our pets to live long, happy and healthy lives. Be proactive and work with your veterinarian to take control of the factors that make the biggest impact on their well-being.
— Debra Singleton is a veterinarian practicing in northern Colorado. She is a graduate of Colorado State University specializing in the treatment of dogs, cats and exotic animals. You can e-mail her at dsingletondvm@yahoo.com
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