Health Advisory for Elderly Cats

This is a very important issue for owners of elderly cats. If you have a cat that is in their elderly years, which is generally classified as older than 9 - 10 years of age, then you need to keep this information in mind. When cats get to this age they
tend to have more health challenges, just like we do when we get
up there as well. This article is focused towards one particular issue. The issue is called Feline Hyperthyroidism and it can be a very serious problem for the cat if it is not caught in the early stages.

If you have had the cat for sometime and you are well aware of it's overall diet and activities then this will be easier to see if there is a problem early on. One of the most noticable signs
of a thyroid problem is weight loss. In the average feline a
weight loss issue would be classified as a loss of no more than
2.5 - 3 lbs over a period of 6 months to one (1) year. When a
feline does experience weight loss it should fairly noticable.
Generally you will notice it when petting or cuddling them, you
will start to feel more of their bones and will feel lighter as well.

Other classical physical signs of Thyroid problems are increased vomitting which can be mistaken for hairball issues. Hyperactivity and increase or decrease in normal appetite can also be indicators.

If any of these signs or symptoms show up you need to make sure to get the cat to your vetrinarian for a check up and possible testing.

This is not generally a fatal issue for cats. It is usually treated very successfully. Testing is very simple to have done and treatment is usually very simple but can range from as little as a perscription to surgery. The key is to get it diagnosed
early and treated immediately.

There is more information available in the Online Pet
Encyclopedia at http://www.canadianpetcare.com/encyclopedia.html
and look under Pet Health. There is are also some other excellent
articles with more details on geriatrics and your feline in our
article section on the site as well
http://www.canadianpetcare.com

As always these articles are for information and general guidance purposes. These articles are not in any way intended to eliminate
or replace your regular checkups or the professinal advise of your local vetrinarian for any of your pets health issues.