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Phil Zeltzman, DVM, DACVS
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How often should senior cats see the vet?
Aug 26, 2009 05:29AM
- 4 comments
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What is a senior cat (or a senior dog for that matter)?
There is no specific age at which a cat suddenly becomes senior. Every pet, every body system ages at different rates. One convenient way to view older cats is to classify them as “mature or middle aged” (7-10 years), “senior” (11-14 years), and "geriatric” (over 15 years). The word “senior” can be simply used as a broad category for all older cats.
How often should senior cats (and dogs) see the vet?
The frequency of exams should increase as cats age. Although there is some controversy regarding frequency of exams in younger cats, a report by the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) suggests that senior cats should be examined every 6 months. Why? Because:
. Many diseases begin to develop in middle aged cats.
. Health changes occur quickly; cats age faster than humans.
. Weight gain or weight loss can be detected and addressed earlier.
. Cats may appear healthy, but may have a serious underlying disease and “compensate” until they can no longer do so. Then they present very sick. We see this all the time. A senior cat appears healthy, never misses a meal, acts playful, and suddenly become sick. Sometimes, we discover very advanced diseases such as cancer.
. Early detection of disease often results in easier treatment and better quality of life. It is less costly and more successful than crisis management.
. The frequency of behavior problems increases with age. One study found 28% of cats aged 11–14 years develop at least one behavior problem, increasing to more than 50% for cats over 15 years of age.
What's the moral of the story?
Senior cats (and dogs) should be examined every 6 months.
Phil Zeltzman, DVM, DACVS
Pet surgeon and author of a free, weekly newsletter for true pet lovers, available at DrPhilZeltzman.com
There is no specific age at which a cat suddenly becomes senior. Every pet, every body system ages at different rates. One convenient way to view older cats is to classify them as “mature or middle aged” (7-10 years), “senior” (11-14 years), and "geriatric” (over 15 years). The word “senior” can be simply used as a broad category for all older cats.
How often should senior cats (and dogs) see the vet?
The frequency of exams should increase as cats age. Although there is some controversy regarding frequency of exams in younger cats, a report by the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) suggests that senior cats should be examined every 6 months. Why? Because:
. Many diseases begin to develop in middle aged cats.
. Health changes occur quickly; cats age faster than humans.
. Weight gain or weight loss can be detected and addressed earlier.
. Cats may appear healthy, but may have a serious underlying disease and “compensate” until they can no longer do so. Then they present very sick. We see this all the time. A senior cat appears healthy, never misses a meal, acts playful, and suddenly become sick. Sometimes, we discover very advanced diseases such as cancer.
. Early detection of disease often results in easier treatment and better quality of life. It is less costly and more successful than crisis management.
. The frequency of behavior problems increases with age. One study found 28% of cats aged 11–14 years develop at least one behavior problem, increasing to more than 50% for cats over 15 years of age.
What's the moral of the story?
Senior cats (and dogs) should be examined every 6 months.
Phil Zeltzman, DVM, DACVS
Pet surgeon and author of a free, weekly newsletter for true pet lovers, available at DrPhilZeltzman.com
Great posting Dr. Zeltzman!! In these days of tough fnances, people might consider foregoing trips to the veterinarian for preventive care, but those few dollars spent now can save a lot down the road. As you mentioned, finding problems earlier usually makes it easier to diagnose and treat (and usually ends up being less expensive as well).
Thanks Tom.
Cats are very good at hiding their signs, even better than dogs, and sometimes the problem is very advanced by the time we find it.
As a reminder, pets are genetically programmed that way. If a wild animal acts sick, they get eaten.
Unfortunately, sometimes pets have this ability as well. Cats are notorious for that. It may take a very observant owner to notice subtle changes...
Phil Zeltzman, DVM, DACVS
Pet surgeon and author of a free, weekly newsletter for true pet lovers, available at DrPhilZeltzman.com
Cats are very good at hiding their signs, even better than dogs, and sometimes the problem is very advanced by the time we find it.
As a reminder, pets are genetically programmed that way. If a wild animal acts sick, they get eaten.
Unfortunately, sometimes pets have this ability as well. Cats are notorious for that. It may take a very observant owner to notice subtle changes...
Phil Zeltzman, DVM, DACVS
Pet surgeon and author of a free, weekly newsletter for true pet lovers, available at DrPhilZeltzman.com
I take on a slightly different view for my one particular cat (however what Dr Zeltzman is saying is that best for most animals).
I have a 17 year old cat that we got as a stray at 2-3 years so she might be a bit older since she has awesome teeth and didn't have any tartar/plaque until she was 6 years old (I'm very lucky). We did do basic blood/urine last May (my clinic calls it a senior screen), and everything is completely normal, midrange values. I refuse to take her to the vet every six months because it stresses her out so much and that can't be good for her health either.
Because she is so healthy, at this point I believe she is fine with still only going to the vet once a year.
I have a 17 year old cat that we got as a stray at 2-3 years so she might be a bit older since she has awesome teeth and didn't have any tartar/plaque until she was 6 years old (I'm very lucky). We did do basic blood/urine last May (my clinic calls it a senior screen), and everything is completely normal, midrange values. I refuse to take her to the vet every six months because it stresses her out so much and that can't be good for her health either.
Because she is so healthy, at this point I believe she is fine with still only going to the vet once a year.
That's not unreasonable at all.
Every patient is different.
Phil Zeltzman, DVM, DACVS
Pet surgeon and author of a free, weekly newsletter for true pet lovers, available at DrPhilZeltzman.com
Every patient is different.
Phil Zeltzman, DVM, DACVS
Pet surgeon and author of a free, weekly newsletter for true pet lovers, available at DrPhilZeltzman.com
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