If your cat is getting older, you may be concerned about any health problems that lie ahead. Even if you take excellent care of your cats, including taking your cats to the vet and feeding them high-quality cat food, your cat can still suffer from health issues. Here are a few of the most common health issues that can occur in senior cats.

Kidney Disease and Failure

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for a cat's kidneys to become damaged as they age. When this occurs, your cat cannot filter waste properly, leading to kidney disease or even total kidney failure. Symptoms of kidney problems in an older cat include vomiting, increased thirst, increased urination, and loss of appetite.

Avoid kidney issues by monitoring your cat's water intake. Switching to wet cat food can also help ensure your cat remains well-hydrated.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammation of the digestive tract can often occur as cats age. Diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease is tricky. Watch for signs your cat is having trouble digesting its food, such as excessive vomiting. Contact your vet right away if your cat vomits continuously for several hours or more.

Switching to cat food formulated for sensitive stomachs or IBD is a great solution. Also, ensure your cat gets enough water, especially if they are vomiting, to prevent dehydration.

Oral Health Issues

Gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss are common in older cats. Veterinarians sometimes recommend tooth removal if the decay is severe. Prevent oral health problems later in your cat's life by brushing your cat's teeth daily and switching to dry cat food. However, if your cat must have its teeth removed, you will need to switch to wet cat food.

Diabetes

As cats age, they often become less active. This combined with overeating can lead to a weight problem. Unfortunately, in turn, excessive weight on a cat can also lead to diabetes. Diabetes occurs when there is an excess of glucose, or blood sugar, in the body. Luckily, several tactics are available to help you prevent your cat from developing diabetes.

Play with your cat often and make sure your cat stays active. Maintain your cat's weight. This can be done by reducing the amount your cat eats or by switching to lower-calorie cat food. Talk to your vet about other ways you can prevent feline diabetes.

From oral health issues to kidney disease, senior cats are at risk for several common illnesses and conditions. Visit a pet hospital such as Indian Creek Veterinary Hospital to learn more.

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