Healthcare for Cats and Their Quirky Habits

If you are a cat owner, then you know that cats are quirky characters. Sometimes they can act very aloof while at other times they can seem very affectionate and playful. Cats’ personalities can be as varied as humans; some are more social while others are more introverted. As cats age, however, it’s important to know how their behaviors can change and when that behavioral change may signal there’s something wrong.

IS IT JUST A HABIT OR IS IT A HEALTH NEED?

Cats tend to live a long time, in fact it’s not unusual for cats to live up to 20 years. Most vets will tell you that once a cat has reached the age of 10 or above, he is considered older. Once cats move into that “older” phase of life, the signs of aging can begin to set in, however, many of them may not be noticeable right away. The list below highlights some behavioral changes you may notice in your cat and whether or not that change is just a new habit or if it is health-related.

• Arthritis- Cats are naturally very light on their feet but as they get older, arthritis can become a real issue for them, although it tends to come on very subtly. You may notice that they don’t jump onto high places any more or they may have trouble accessing their litter box if it is a tall one. What may initially be passed off as just quirky behavior may actually be arthritis that needs the attention of your vet.
• They may pull away from petting- Some cats tend to avoid human interaction as they get older. Sometimes they may cry at night or even seem confused. Is this just old age? It could be, but if you start to see this behavior with regularity, get them into the vet. There could be something else wrong such as diabetes, a thyroid issue or some other health complication.
• Staying hydrated-It is not uncommon for cats to drink less water as they get older; yes, this is just a quirky habit with cats. The best way to combat this and help them stay hydrated is to feed them moist cat food.

TIPS FOR HELPING

What can you do as cat owner to keep them healthy? We advise regular vet visits, in fact twice-yearly vet visits are a good rule of thumb for your pets as they age. Cats, and all pets for that matter, become more susceptible to ailments as they age and getting twice-yearly vet check-ups can be a great way to head off health issues that can become more complicated for your cat and more expensive for you.

Also, if you notice your cat has a harder time getting around, provide ramps or steps that will make it easier for them.

Yes, cats are quirky animals but sometimes that quirkiness can be a sign of a health issue that needs attention. Know what those signs are and if you’re not sure, get them into your vet. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.