Tips for Bringing Your Senior Cat to the Vet

Cats usually hit their senior years when they reach about 11 years old. Our feline friends tend to age pretty gracefully, so you’ll probably notice slow, gradual changes in how they look and act rather than anything happening suddenly. Just like older humans, kitties also need to visit their doctors more frequently as they age. Below, a local Holly Springs, MS vet shares some useful tips for taking your older cat in for a checkup.

What’s the Best Way to Transport an Older Cat?

It’s important to keep your pet secured in a crate or carrier when traveling. This helps ensure safety for both you and your furry friend. It’s pretty normal for older cats to feel a bit stiff and sore, particularly if they’re dealing with arthritis or other health problems. Fluffy might not feel too comfy when being picked up and held. 

We think a hardshell carrier is the best choice to keep your pet safe from bumps and jostles while you’re moving her in and out of the house, car, and clinic. Throw in some cozy bedding to the carrier to make it feel more welcoming. Adding a favorite toy or giving your pet some catnip could be fun as well. Just be careful when you’re handling Fluffy. When you hold her, be sure to support her weight properly. When you’re ready to place her back on the floor, be gentle about it, and hold on until her paws are touching the ground.

How Can I Tell if My Older Cat is in Pain?

As mentioned earlier, cats usually hit their senior years when they’re around 11 years old. Nowadays, it’s pretty typical for cats to stick around into their teens or even hit their twenties. An 11-year-old cat can still be quite lively and playful and might have plenty of years filled with purrs and pounces ahead of them. When your pet hits around 15, she’ll be seen as a senior. She may start having some health problems around this time. Not all of our furry companions age in the same way. Some kitties might look totally fine and then just take a turn out of nowhere. For others, it may be more gradual. Your Holly Springs, MS vet should be the go-to resource for this. It’s really important to keep an eye on Fluffy and watch for any signs that she might be feeling a bit off. This might be a bit tricky, so make sure to pay attention.

How Can I Tell if My Senior Cat is Feeling Unwell?

There are a few telltale signs you might want to keep an eye out for, including sudden weight loss, needing to urinate more frequently, stiffness, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, difficulty eliminating, and breathing issues. Keep in mind, however, that some signs that could indicate a cat is sick might not be big concerns in older kitties. Keep an eye out for any changes in behavior. Some cats really let you know when they’re not feeling great by meowing a lot, while others just go super quiet. Fluffy might show varying levels of affection that deviate from the norm.

While sleeping a ton might raise some eyebrows in certain animals, it’s totally normal for older cats. Did you know that Fluffy can actually snooze for up to 20 hours a day? Your pet might also be looking a bit scruffy lately. Older cats can struggle a bit with grooming their bodies.

How Often Should I Take My Senior Cat to the Vet?

There really isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer here. It all comes down to Fluffy’s age, health, and lifestyle. It’s a good idea to bring your older cats in at least once a year. If your pet has any medical issues, she’ll need to visit the vet more often. Stick to what your Holly Springs, MS vet recommends.

What Are Some Common Health Issues that Senior Cats Face?

As cats get older, they can start facing a lot of the same health issues that we see in aging humans. Kidney disease is pretty common and is actually the leading cause of death in cats. We often come across a few other common conditions in our elderly patients, like diabetes, hyperthyroidism, cancer, heart disease, liver disease, osteoarthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Another common issue is feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD). It can lead to urinary obstruction, bladder stones, and even kidney problems. Aging cats may also show signs of cognitive decline as well.

Bear in mind that while any cat can run into these issues, some breeds are more likely to face certain problems. If you know what breed your furry friend is, take some time to look into it! If that’s not the case, you may want to consider getting a cat DNA test.

How Can I Make Appointments Easier for My Senior Cat?

Fluffy really loves her cozy time at home, so she might not be too happy about anything that messes with her napping routine. She probably isn’t into car rides either. Cats can really get scared when they’re taken out of their comfort zones. You can do a few little things to make the experience go smoother. Besides making sure you have a safe, comfortable carrier, it might be a good idea to schedule your appointment when the clinic won’t be too crowded. There’s no way to promise that any day will be calm since emergencies can pop up at any moment, but generally speaking, some days and times tend to be busier than others. Check with the front desk about this when you’re scheduling.

Is it a Good Idea to Take an Older Cat to the Vet?

Taking an older cat to the doctor can be pretty nerve-wracking, especially when you’re unsure about what might happen next. Just remember, the most important thing is to keep Fluffy happy and comfy for as long as you can. If you notice something seems off, putting off that visit could end up making things tougher for both you and your kitty. Just remember, a lot of medical issues can be treated or at least managed with medication. The sooner we figure out what’s going on, the better chance we have of achieving a good result.

What Goes Down During a Vet Visit for Senior Cats?

If Fluffy is just coming in for an exam and some wellness care, the appointment will probably look a lot like her regular visits. Your vet will take a look at her body condition and check important signs like her pulse and breathing. They’ll also chat with you about any vaccines or boosters that Fluffy might need. Your kitty might need some additional tests or panels, especially based on her age and any symptoms she’s exhibiting. If you’re bringing your pet in for an urgent care visit, what happens will really depend on what’s going on with them.

What Are Some Ways To Keep My Senior Cat Comfortable?

You can do a few things at home to keep your kitty happy, healthy, and purring away. Good food, a cozy space, and a tidy litterbox really make a difference. There are some other relatively easy ways to make your home a little more comfortable for senior cats. For instance, pet ramps or steps make it easier for your feline friend to reach her favorite spots. And putting out some night lights can help her navigate after dark. Regularly playing with Fluffy is another great way to keep her fit and give her some mental stimulation. Talk to your Holly Springs, MS vet for tailored advice.

Of course, don’t forget to show Fluffy some love and make sure she feels safe. As the time to say goodbye approaches, this becomes especially important. That moment can feel really sad and bittersweet, but that grief is just part of the unconditional love we receive from our furry friends. 

Partner with Your Vet in Holly Springs, MS for More Assistance

Got any questions about taking care of a senior cat? Need to set up an appointment for your aging kitty? Reach out to us, your trusted Holly Springs, MS animal clinic. We’re here to help!