This article ran on Oct. 19, 2017. Ginger is on vacation.

This month I am going to talk about changes that occur as our kitty cats get older.

Older cats experience bodily changes, nutritional variations, behavior may change and at some point you may be faced with end of life decisions.

As you see it’s not just about treating your cat but also about helping you as your cat’s guardian and friend to help them age gracefully.

In cats, just as with people, the rate of decline can be highly variable. One year in your cat’s life may not always equal 7 “human years.”

One thing that does seem to remain consistent is your cat’s response to vaccinations.

That’s a good thing as your cat may have a decreased white blood count with aging and could be more susceptible to infection.

Their skin and coat will change as there is a decrease in collagen and elastin leading to thinner, less elastic skin.

Blood flow will diminish to the skin and your cat may develop areas of focal hair loss. The nails become thicker and they do not shed the caps as frequently.

Often they are not scratching as much on the scratching post which can lead to overgrown nails.

They may need to have their nails clipped every 3-4 months.

Your cat may no longer be grooming as they once did leading to an unkempt hair coat. Normally, cats spend 25% of their day grooming. The grooming can be decreased because of mouth pain, weakness, arthritis, and pain.

The eyes may develop age related changes or even cataracts. You may see pigmentary changes in the iris.

Orange colored cats will develop more freckles, but this is not a problem.

The incidence of kidney disease is up to 80% in cats greater than 15 years of age.

Ideally it is best to do blood work every 6 months in your senior cat.

The earlier your vet detects kidney disease, the more proactive they can be with treatment.

As your cat ages they tend to lose muscle mass and develop degenerative joint disease, better known as arthritis.

Radiographs may not always show arthritic changes. Take note if your cat becomes unwilling to jump or shows difficulty climbing in and out of the litter box.

Older cats are at an increased risk and severity of periodontal disease. Like people, they have greater risks of trouble with their teeth and mouths.

Their sense of tastes will often begin to decrease which can be one cause of a decreased appetite.

They can develop finicky appetites. To encourage eating, try increasing the number of meals they get each day. Offer fresh favorites and familiar foods.

Try warming their food or adding some liquid to soften it. Use wide, shallow food and water bowls. Feed them in a quiet, stress free environment; and use encouragement such as petting and praise during mealtime.

Older cats may also have a decreased sensitivity to thirst. You should use large water bowls that are easy to get to. Have bowls in multiple locations, and feed more canned food. You can even add water to the canned food.

You ideally want to use a food designed for your mature or senior cat. This is because around the age of eleven your cat’s energy requirements stop declining and actually begin increasing.

Cats will sleep 15 or more hours a day, but you may see your senior cat sleeping more than normal.

Arthritis and pain can sometimes cause them to stay in one spot.

Your veterinarian can help with pain management.

Some cats will begin vocalizing or yowling more.

Causes of this behavior can include increased blood pressure (hypertension), an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), pain, decreased vision or hearing, and cognitive dysfunction.

Cognitive dysfunction is often diagnosed when other causes of changes have been eliminated. You may notice changes in sleep patterns, appetite, family interactions, litter box habits, vocalization, response to stimuli, grooming habits, and activity level. There is no real treatment for feline cognitive dysfunction but there may be some things that can help.

You should discuss your concerns with your vet.

None of us live forever, but you can certainly try to make things easier for your aging cat.

You can provide a safe environment.

You may need more water bowls and litter boxes.

Keep your cat active and mentally engaged with family and other pets in the home.

Our pets have an instinct to stay alive. It is up to us to help them enjoy their golden years.