Congratulations - you have a new kitten!
You’ve anticipated the new arrival by ‘kittenproofing’
your home and had lots of fun choosing the carrier, bed, blanket, toys and other
supplies he or she will need. This adorable little bundle of fluff is sure to
bring you much joy. In return, you can make a major contribution to your pet’s
longevity, happiness and quality of life by providing him or her with good
nutrition, loving attention in a safe, sanitary environment and regular checkups
at your veterinarian’s.
Spaying or Neutering your kitten
Many veterinarians believe that spaying or neutering
not only helps solve the serious problem of a burgeoning population of unwanted
cats, but also makes for friendlier, easier-to-live-with pets. Spayed female
cats are more relaxed, playful and affectionate, while neutered males are calmer
and less likely to ‘spray’ or urine-mark their territory, wander away from their
home or fight. Plus, sterilization has health benefits - it minimizes the risk
for breast cancer in females and enlarged or tumorous prostate in males.
Spaying removes the uterus and ovaries of a female cat, usually around the
age of 4-6 months. A major surgical procedure, it is performed under general
anesthesia and most often involves an overnight stay at an animal hospital.
Complications are rare and recovery is normally complete within ten days.
Neutering, also carried out under general anesthesia, removes the testicles
of a male cat. The small wounds that result usually heal in about a week. Less
complicated than spaying, it is often performed on a ‘day surgery’ basis when
the cat is 4 to 12 months old.
Your kitten’s basic health check
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Your new kitten should visit a veterinarian as soon as possible. The first
visit will probably include:
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Make your new kitten feel at home
With sensitive handling and friendly contact for at
least an hour a day, your new kitten should soon be very comfortable with you
and his new home. Be sure if there are also young children in the home that they
are taught that a kitten is not a toy but a living creature who must be treated
with gentleness and respect. Also provide your pet with lots of opportunities
for interesting, challenging play that will satisfy his natural instincts. Toys
that he can pretend to 'hunt' and capture and special posts that he can scratch
(instead of your carpets and furniture) will help make your kitten a joy to live
with.
Your Geriatric Cat
When is the best time to start caring for your aging
pet? When he's a kitten. Starting off your cat's life with good nutrition,
scheduled veterinary appointments and a happy home life sets the blueprint for a
high quality of life in his older years. Most cats are considered geriatric by
the age of 8 to 10. Much like humans, time takes its toll on vital organ
functions as your cat ages. Cats are more subtle than dogs in showing you when
they are sick or in pain. Paying attention to your cat's behavior will make
detecting problems easier and help them live healthy lives well into their
teens.
What you can do at home
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Check your cat’s mouth, eyes
or ears regularly. Watch for loose teeth, redness, swelling or discharges.
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Keep your pet’s sleeping
area clean and warm.
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Make fresh water available
at all times.
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Maintain a regime of proper nutrition and loving attention. |
How old is your cat?
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If your cat is...
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In human terms, that's |
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1 month
2 months 3 months 4 months 5 months 6 months 7 months 8 months 1 year 2 years 3 years 4 years 5 years 6 years 7 years 8 years 9 years 10 years 11 years 12 years 13 years 14 years 15 years 16 years 17 years |
5-6 months 9-10 months 2-3 years 5-6 years 8-9 years 14 years 15 years 16 years 18 years 25 years 30 years 35 years 38-40 years 42-44 years 45 years 48 years 55 years 60 years 62 years 65 years 68 years 72 years 74 years 76 years 78 years |
Common Problems
Obesity is a big health
risk. An older cat is a less active cat, so adjustments to your pet’s diet to
reduce caloric intake are imperative. This will relieve pressure on his joints
as well as manage the risks of heart failure, kidney or liver disease, digestive
problems and more. Other changes to his nutrition should include increasing
fiber, fatty acids and vitamins while decreasing phosphorus, sodium, protein and
fat.
Arthritis’ severity
can range from slight stiffness to debilitation. You may detect this problem
when he becomes less attentive about his grooming and litter box habits. These
signs may also indicate the slowing down of his cognitive functions.
Anti-inflammatory medication can help relieve the pain. Your veterinarian will
prescribe any necessary medication.
Intolerance to hot and cold temperatures
occurs because your cat produces less of the hormones
which regulate the body’s normal temperature. Move his bed closer to a heat
source. If he is an outdoor cat, avoid letting him out on cold days.
Tooth loss or decay
not only makes it harder to chew but also increases the likelihood of infection
or tumors. Cats are very sensitive to oral pain. Brushing and cleaning the teeth
will keep tartar, gum disease and gingivitis at bay.
Constipation may point
to colon problems or hair balls. A diet that is easily digestible and rich in
nutrients is essential.
Skin or coat problems in
aging cats means the skin loses elasticity, making your pet more susceptible to
injury while the coat’s hair thins and dulls over time. Regular grooming to
maintain the coat’s luster and fatty acid supplements are highly beneficial.
Frequent colds and infections
may indicate an impaired immune system. Bring your cat
in for a check-up. Your veterinarian may suggest a test for Feline Leukemia
Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus.
Increased thirst is
a possible sign of diabetes, kidney failure or hyperthyroidism. Your
veterinarian will determine this and prescribe the appropriate medication.
Decreased sense of smell
may drastically reduce your cat’s appetite. Try serving
smaller portions more often throughout the day. Ask your veterinarian about
foods formulated for geriatric cats. They may have a stronger concentration of
aromas.