[主題] Cornell Feline Health Center-The Special Needs of the Senior Cat (家中有老貓的飼主必看2)

這篇文章被編輯了 1 次. 最近一次更新是在 2/8/20 11:47 PM

原文網址: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/special-needs-senior-cat

The Special Needs of the Senior Cat

Just as people are living longer than they did in the past, cats are living longer too, and there is every reason to expect that the "graying" cat population will continue to grow.

How old is my cat in human years?
Cats are individuals and, like people, they experience advancing years in their own unique ways. Many cats begin to encounter age-related physical changes between seven and ten years of age, and most do so by the time they are 12. The commonly held belief that every "cat year" is worth seven "human years" is not entirely accurate. In reality, a one-year-old cat is physiologically similar to a 16-year-old human, and a two-year-old cat is like a person of 21. For every year thereafter, each cat year is worth about four human years. Using this formula, a ten-year-old cat is similar age wise to a 53-year-old person, a 12-year-old cat to a 61-year-old person, and a 15-year-old cat to a person of 73.

Advancing age is not a disease
Aging is a natural process. Although many complex physical changes accompany advancing years, age in and of itself is not a disease. Even though many conditions that affect older cats are not correctable, they can often be controlled. The key to making sure your senior cat has the healthiest and highest quality of life possible is to recognize and reduce factors that may be health risks, detect disease as early as possible, correct or delay the progression of disease, and improve or maintain the health of the body's systems.

What happens as my cat ages?
The aging process is accompanied by many physical and behavioral changes:

Compared to younger cats, the immune system of older cats is less able to fend off foreign invaders. Chronic diseases often associated with aging can impair immune function even further.
Dehydration, a consequence of many diseases common to older cats, further diminishes blood circulation and immunity.
The skin of an older cat is thinner and less elastic, has reduced blood circulation, and is more prone to infection.
Older cats groom themselves less effectively than do younger cats, sometimes resulting in hair matting, skin odor, and inflammation.
The claws of aging felines are often overgrown, thick, and brittle.
In humans, aging changes in the brain contribute to a loss of memory and alterations in personality commonly referred to as senility. Similar symptoms may be seen in elderly cats: wandering, excessive meowing, apparent disorientation, and avoidance of social interaction.
For various reasons, hearing loss is common in cats of advanced age.
Changes in the eyes. A slight haziness of the lens and a lacy appearance to the iris (the colored part of the eye) are both common age-related changes, but neither seems to decrease a cat's vision to any appreciable extent. However, several diseases, especially those associated with high blood pressure, can seriously and irreversibly impair a cat's ability to see.
Dental disease is extremely common in older cats and can hinder eating and cause significant pain.
Although many different diseases can cause a loss of appetite, in healthy senior cats, a decreased sense of smell may be partially responsible for a loss of interest in eating. However, the discomfort associated with dental disease is a more likely cause of reluctance to eat.
Feline kidneys undergo a number of age-related changes that may ultimately lead to impaired function; kidney failure is a common disease in older cats, and its symptoms are extremely varied.
Degenerative joint disease, or arthritis, is common in older cats. Although most arthritic cats don't become overtly lame, they may have difficulty gaining access to litter boxes and food and water dishes, particularly if they have to jump or climb stairs to get to them.
Hyperthyroidism (often resulting in overactivity); hypertension (high blood pressure, usually a result of either kidney failure or hyperthyroidism), diabetes mellitus; inflammatory bowel disease; and cancer are all examples of conditions that, though sometimes seen in younger cats, become more prevalent in cats as they age.

Is my cat sick, or is it just old age?
Never assume that changes you see in your older cat are simply due to old age, and are therefore untreatable. Owners of older cats often notice changes in their cat's behavior, but consider these changes an inevitable and untreatable result of aging. However, any alteration in your cat's behavior or physical condition should alert you to contact your veterinarian.

Disease of virtually any organ system, or any condition that causes pain or impairs mobility can contribute to changes in behavior. For example:

A fearful cat may not become aggressive until it is in pain (e.g., from dental disease) or less mobile (e.g., from arthritis).
The increased urine production that often results from diseases common to aging cats (e.g., kidney failure, diabetes mellitus, or hyperthyroidism) may cause the litter box to become soiled more quickly than expected. The increased soil and odor may prompt cats to eliminate in inappropriate areas. .
Many cats that do not mark their territory with urine may begin to do so if a condition like hyperthyroidism develops.
Cats with painful arthritis may have difficulty gaining access to a litter box, especially if negotiating stairs is required. Even climbing into the box may be painful for such cats, prompting them to eliminate in inappropriate areas.
Older cats may be more sensitive to changes in the household since their ability to adapt to unfamiliar situations diminishes with age.

How can I help keep my senior cat healthy?
Close observation is one of the most important tools you have to help keep your senior cat healthy. You may wish to perform a basic physical examination on a weekly basis. Ask your veterinarian to show you how to do it and what to look for. You will find it easier if you just make the examination an extension of the way you normally interact with your cat. For example, while you are rubbing your cat's head or scratching its chin, gently raise the upper lips with your thumb or forefinger so you can examine the teeth and gums. In the same way, you can lift the ear flaps and examine the ear canals. While you are stroking your cat's fur, you can check for abnormal lumps or bumps, and evaluate the health of the skin and coat.

Daily Brushing
Daily brushing or combing removes loose hairs, preventing them from being swallowed and forming hairballs. Brushing also stimulates blood circulation and sebaceous gland secretions, resulting in a healthier skin and coat. Older cats may not use scratching posts as frequently as they did when they were younger; therefore, nails should be checked weekly and trimmed if necessary.

Daily Tooth Brushing
Brushing your cat's teeth with a pet-specific toothpaste or powser is the single most effective way to prevent dental disease. Dental disease is more common in older cats and can lead to other health problems, so maintaining oral health is important. Most cats will allow their teeth to be brushed, although it may be necessary to gradually introduce your cat to tooth brushing over several weeks to months. Watch this video for instructions on how to brush your cat's teeth.

Proper Nutrition
Many cats get heavier or even obese as they age. If your cat is overweight, you should ask your veterinarian to help you modify the diet so that a normal body condition can be restored. Other cats actually become too thin as they get older. Weight loss can be caused by a variety of medical problems such as kidney failure, and special diets may be helpful in managing these problems.

Reducing Stress
Reducing environmental stress whenever possible is very important since older cats are usually less adaptable to change. Special provisions should be made for older cats that must be boarded for a period of time. Having a familiar object, such as a blanket or toy, may prevent the cat from becoming too distraught in a strange environment. A better alternative is to have the older cat cared for at home by a neighbor, friend, or relative. Introducing a new pet may be a traumatic experience for older cats, and should be avoided whenever possible. Moving to a new home can be equally stressful, however, stress can be alleviated by giving the older cat more affection and attention during times of emotional upheaval.

Cats are experts at hiding illness, and elderly cats are no exception. It is common for a cat to have a serious medical problem, yet not show any sign of it until the condition is quite advanced. Since most diseases can be managed more successfully when detected and treated early in their course, it is important for owners of senior cats to carefully monitor their behavior and health.

How can my veterinarian help?
Just as your observations can help detect disease in the early stages, so too can regular veterinary examinations. Your veterinarian may suggest evaluating your healthy senior cat more frequently than a younger cat. If your cat has a medical condition, more frequent evaluations may also be necessary. During your cat's examination, the veterinarian will gather a complete medical and behavioral history, perform a thorough physical examination in order to evaluate every organ system, check your cat's weight and body condition, and compare them to previous evaluations. At least once a year, certain tests, including blood tests, fecal examination, and urine analysis, may be suggested. In this way, disorders can be found and treated early, and ongoing medical conditions can be appraised. Both are necessary to keep your senior cat in the best possible health.

Should I adopt an older cat?
A special group of senior cats that deserves particular attention is older cats in shelters. While young cats and kittens are attractive to most potential adopters due to their cuteness and playfulness, senior cats are often overlooked by people considering adopting a cat. If people keep their minds open, they will find that there are countless older cats that would make excellent pets and would brighten up any home. Older cats in shelters are often more calm, are more likely to be litter trained, and can provide wonderful companionship to anyone kind enough to take them into their home. The next time you are at the shelter, take some time to check out these mature felines. Taking them home can make both of your lives richer, happier, and more satisfying.

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年老貓的特殊需求

就像人們比過去壽命更長一樣，貓的壽命也更長，並且有充分的理由期望“可喜的”貓數量會繼續增長。

我的貓幾歲了？
貓是個人，就像人一樣，它們以自己獨特的方式經歷了數年的前進。許多貓開始經歷與年齡相關的身體變化，年齡在7至10歲之間，大多數情況是在它們12歲時就發生了。人們普遍認為，每個“貓年”都值7個“人類年”並不完全準確。。實際上，一歲的貓在生理上類似於16歲的人，而兩歲的貓就像21歲的人。此後每年，每隻貓的年值約為4個人年份。使用此公式，十歲的貓在年齡上與53歲的人相似，十二歲的貓與61歲的人相似，而15歲的貓與15歲的貓相似。 73歲的人。

年齡增長不是疾病
衰老是自然過程。儘管隨著年齡的增長，許多複雜的身體變化也隨之而來，但年齡本身並不是疾病。即使許多影響年老貓的病情無法糾正，但通常可以控制它們。確保您的高級貓擁有最健康和最高生活質量的關鍵是識別和減少可能存在健康風險的因素，儘早發現疾病，糾正或延遲疾病進展以及改善或維持健康的身體系統。

我的貓老了怎麼辦？
衰老過程伴隨著許多身體和行為的變化：

與年幼的貓相比，年長的貓的免疫系統抵禦外來入侵者的能力較弱。經常與衰老相關的慢性疾病會進一步削弱免疫功能。
脫水是老年貓常見的許多疾病的結果，進一步降低了血液循環和免疫力。
一隻年長的貓的皮膚較薄，彈性較小，血液循環減少，更容易感染。
年長的貓對自己的修飾效果不如年幼的貓，有時會導致毛髮消沉，皮膚異味和發炎。
衰老的貓科動物的爪子通常長滿，粗壯且易碎。
在人類中，大腦的衰老變化會導致記憶力喪失和性格改變，通常被稱為衰老。在老年貓中可能會出現類似的症狀：徘徊，過度喵喵，明顯的迷失方向和避免社交互動。
由於各種原因，聽力損失在高齡貓中很常見。
改變眼睛。晶狀體的輕微模糊和虹膜（眼睛的有色部分）的花邊外觀都是與年齡相關的常見變化，但似乎都不會在任何程度上降低貓的視力。但是，某些疾病，尤其是與高血壓相關的疾病，會嚴重且不可逆轉地損害貓的視力。
牙齒疾病在年長的貓中極為常見，會阻礙進食並引起嚴重的疼痛。
儘管許多不同的疾病都可能導致食慾不振，但在健康的老年貓中，嗅覺的下降可能部分歸因於他們對飲食的興趣降低。然而，與牙齒疾病相關的不適更可能是不願進食的原因。
貓腎臟會經歷許多與年齡相關的變化，這些變化最終可能導致功能受損。腎衰竭是成年貓的常見疾病，其症狀差異極大。
退化性關節疾病或關節炎在年長的貓中很常見。儘管大多數關節炎貓不會變得很la腳，但它們可能很難接觸到垃圾箱以及食物和水碗，特別是在必須跳或爬樓梯才能到達的情況下。
甲狀腺功能亢進（通常導致活動過度）；高血壓（高血壓，通常是腎功能衰竭或甲狀腺功能亢進所致），糖尿病；炎症性腸病; 癌症和癌症都是所有疾病的例證，儘管有時會在年輕的貓中見到，但隨著年齡的增長，它們在貓中變得更加普遍。

我的貓病了嗎，還是年紀大了？
永遠不要以為您在年長的貓身上看到的變化僅僅是由於年老而導致的，因此無法治愈。年長的貓的主人經常注意到它們的行為發生變化，但認為這些變化是不可避免的衰老結果。但是，如果貓的行為或身體狀況發生任何變化，都應提醒您與獸醫聯繫。

幾乎任何器官系統的疾病，或引起疼痛或損害行動能力的任何疾病，都可能導致行為改變。例如：

恐懼的貓只有在疼痛（例如，由於牙齒疾病引起）或活動性降低（例如，由於關節炎引起）之前可能不會變得具有攻擊性。
通常由衰老的貓常見的疾病（例如，腎衰竭，糖尿病或甲狀腺功能亢進）導致的尿液分泌增加，可能會導致垃圾箱被弄髒的速度比預期的更快。增加的土壤和氣味可能會促使貓在不適當的地方消滅。。
如果出現甲亢等病症，許多沒有用尿液標記其領土的貓可能會開始這樣做。
患有關節炎的貓可能很難進入貓砂盆，尤其是在需要談判樓梯的情況下。甚至爬入盒子對於這些貓來說可能都是痛苦的，促使它們在不適當的地方消滅。
年長的貓可能對家庭的變化更為敏感，因為它們適應陌生情況的能力會隨著年齡的增長而降低。

我怎樣才能幫助我的年老貓保持健康？
密切觀察是保持老年貓健康的最重要工具之一。您可能希望每週進行一次基本身體檢查。請您的獸醫告訴您如何做以及尋找什麼。如果您只是將檢查作為通常與貓互動方式的擴展，您會發現比較容易。例如，當您摩擦貓的頭部或撓其下巴時，請用拇指或食指輕輕抬起上唇，以便檢查牙齒和牙齦。同樣，您可以提起耳瓣並檢查耳道。撫摸貓的皮毛時，可以檢查是否有異常腫塊或腫塊，並評估皮膚和被毛的健康狀況。

每天刷牙
每天刷牙或梳理會除去散亂的頭髮，防止其被吞下並形成毛團。刷牙還可以刺激血液循環和皮脂腺分泌，從而使皮膚和外套更健康。年齡較大的貓可能不會像年輕時那樣頻繁地使用撓痒的貓。因此，應該每週檢查一次指甲，並在必要時進行修剪。

每日刷牙
用寵物專用的牙膏或粉撲刷貓的牙齒是預防牙齒疾病的最有效方法。牙齒疾病在年長的貓中更為常見，並且可能導致其他健康問題，因此保持口腔健康很重要。大多數貓會允許刷牙，儘管可能需要在幾周到幾個月的時間內逐步將您的貓刷牙。觀看此視頻，獲取有關如何刷貓的指導。

適當的營養
許多貓隨著年齡增長會變得更重甚至肥胖。如果您的貓超重，則應請獸醫幫助您調整飲食，以使身體恢復正常狀態。其他貓實際上隨著年齡的增長變得太瘦。體重減輕可能是由諸如腎臟衰竭等各種醫學問題引起的，特殊飲食可能有助於解決這些問題。

減少壓力
盡可能減少環境壓力非常重要，因為大齡的貓通常不易適應變化。應為必須上一段時間的成年貓做出特殊規定。擁有諸如毯子或玩具之類的熟悉物體，可以防止貓在陌生環境中變得過於煩躁。更好的選擇是讓鄰居，朋友或親戚在家照顧年長的貓。引進一隻新寵物可能會對年長的貓造成傷害，因此應盡可能避免。搬到新家可能同樣有壓力，但是，可以通過在情緒劇變時給予年長的貓更多的感情和注意力來緩解壓力。

貓是隱藏疾病的專家，老年貓也不例外。貓患有嚴重的醫學問題是很常見的，但直到病情很嚴重才表現出任何症狀。由於大多數疾病在病程中儘早發現和治療後可以更成功地進行管理，因此對於高級貓的主人來說，仔細監測其行為和健康狀況非常重要。

我的獸醫可以如何幫助您？
正如您的觀察可以幫助您在早期發現疾病一樣，定期的獸醫檢查也可以。您的獸醫可能建議對您的健康年老貓的評估要比對年輕貓的評估更為頻繁。如果您的貓患病，可能還需要更頻繁地進行評估。在貓的檢查過程中，獸醫將收集完整的醫學和行為史，進行徹底的身體檢查，以評估每個器官系統，檢查貓的體重和身體狀況，並將其與以前的評估進行比較。建議至少每年一次，包括血液檢查，糞便檢查和尿液分析在內的某些檢查。以這種方式，可以及早發現疾病並進行治療，並且可以評估正在進行的醫療狀況。

我應該養大一點的貓嗎？
一群需要特別注意的年老貓是收容所中的老貓。儘管幼貓和小貓因其可愛和俏皮而吸引了大多數潛在的領養者，但考慮領養貓的人常常忽略了年老貓。如果人們保持開放的態度，他們會發現有成千上萬隻成年貓，它們可以養成很好的寵物，照亮任何家。收容所中的大齡貓通常更加鎮靜，更容易接受貓砂訓練，並且可以與任何善良的陪伴者帶回家。下次您在庇護所時，花一些時間檢查這些成熟的貓科動物。帶他們回家可以使您的生活更加豐富，快樂和令人滿意。