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The Golden Years: A Little More Care Goes a Long Way for Senior Cats
 With advancements in veterinary medicine and nutrition, pets are living longer than ever before. Like people, as pets age they become more susceptible to illness and disease and need extra attention to help keep them vibrant and healthy.
Exams twice a year are important for older animals … so we have a chance to intervene early should we detect any serious problems. Geriatric patients also need more extensive evaluations than their younger counterparts, such as additional blood tests and blood pressure checks. These tests are age-specific and we customize tests to each animal’s breed and health history.
Symptoms of age-related health problems might be nothing more than subtle behavior changes, so we may look to you for additional information. Something as seemingly insignificant as a change in the way your cat chews or sits can signal a problem. Because you know your pet’s daily patterns and behavior best, sharing your observations is essential. Some symptoms creep up so slowly you may not notice them.
To get a better idea if your cat is feeling under the weather, take a look at the 10 subtle signs of illness. Should you notice any of these symptoms, call us immediately so we can intervene before a disease or illness can get worse. Consider keeping a list of your pet’s behavior changes or physical abnormalities as they occur. Note any changes in coat and skin; gait; posture; oral health, such as bad breath or difficulty eating hard foods; weight; sleep patterns; and hearing or sight. Signs that your pet needs to be seen by us immediately include increased water consumption, inability to urinate or excessive or inappropriate urination, staring, and disorientation, to name only a few. | 
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