Let’s explore some typical questions about cat health and answer them. For example, will cats have eye problems like people? They sure will. In fact, when cats get older, they get many of the same degenerative conditions that people get, such as their eyesight “stopping out.”
Your hearing can “go” too, along with just about everything else. It’s hard to see, but cats, like people, will get old and start to break down. To keep your aging cat as healthy as possible, it’s important to do the following: take him to the vet for checkups, make sure he gets some exercise (probably play time), and feed him a proper diet.
Brushing your teeth will also help, if you allow it. We know they often won’t let us, but it’s good for their teeth and gums, just like it is for us: cats and people are very similar physiologically.
Indoor cats live longer than outdoor cats. So we can avoid many health problems simply by keeping our cats indoors. When they go outside a lot, they are exposed to the elements, other (possibly sick) cats, and maybe dirty, toxic water. If you want your cat to live long and be healthier, keep it indoors.
Now, if the cat is an “outdoor cat”, maybe this won’t work in a million years; if they have been outdoor cats all their lives, it will be nearly impossible to keep them happy indoors. But, for city folks who have indoor cats, keeping them inside will keep them healthy and also offer longevity.
According to studies, neutered cats also live longer, healthier lives. But, if your cat has been neutered, you must reduce the caloric content of their diets. It’s actually pretty simple math, since they don’t need extra calories to fuel their sexual energy, they’ll need fewer calories overall for their bodies.
If your cat is becoming obese you will notice it in the ribcage area, if you notice the pounds piling up on the ribs start cutting back on the food bowl right away.
If your cat is losing weight and is still eating the exact same diet, then as gross as that sounds, she may have worms; Take your cat to the vet if he starts to lose weight and you can’t find a good reason for it. Taking proper care of your cat’s health is your responsibility, so take it seriously, we know most people will.
If your cat starts walking slower and even limping, this could be a sign of arthritis; arthritis and diabetes are quite common in older cats. We hope we have answered most of your questions about your cat’s health here. If you have a very specific question, your vet is your best bet to get the answer.
