Care of the Elderly Cat

Cats are living longer than ever before, in part because of advances in disease control through vaccination, and in part because so many cats live safely indoors.

In feline veterinary medicine, medical conditions associated with old age have increased in frequency. Older cats need special care.

Tooth and gum disease remains the most common reason for seeking veterinary attention and routines such as tooth brushing and feeding may need to be altered.

With age, many cats fail to groom themselves as well as they once did, leading to a greater likelihood of parasites. Take extra care of your elderly cat's skin and coat.

Old skin loses its elasticity, so you will need to be careful not to damage it accidentally when grooming. Clean the ears more routinely for wax, discharge, or debris.

Small benign tumors called ceruminomas are fairly common in the ears of elderly cats.