CAT’s mission is to work with our community to save the lives of homeless, sick and injured cats and kittens by offering shelter, adoption, foster, hospice, and veterinary services to end needless feline euthanasia in our community.
GOOD NEWS! Cats are living longer. Advances in nutrition, health care, and owner nurturing are moving the life expectancy from 3 to 8 years in 1930 to a long 15 to 17 years now. And it is not surprising to hear of cats living into their 20s.
The pet food industry now formulates food for senior cats (generally 7 years or older). Some may not agree that our 10 year old cats are seniors as we watch them rambunctiously play; however, we all see a decrease in activity and increase in a cat’s favorite pastime of sleeping as they age.
Cat age more rapidly than humans. A kitten reaching the end of his/her first year would, if a human, be asking for a driver’s permit (equivalent age of 15 human years) and when your feline friend reaches the mature age of six, he/she will be experiencing the big “4-0” (equivalent age of 40 human years). If pet food manufacturers ran retirement plans, every human over 44 years would be eligible since most pet foods classify a seven-year-old cat as a senior (7 feline years is equivalent to 44 human years). Click here for complete chart.
November is “National Adopt a Senior Pet Month,” a great time to consider adopting a senior pet, the health concerns for an aging feline, and the extraordinary compassion cat owners are providing to comfort their older cats.
Bob C. adopted Annabelle when she was 10. She is now 15 and, as Bob points out, “still thinks she’s a kitten.” Annabelle is taking an inhaled steroid for Asthma. She’s had cancer tumors removed and is dealing with tooth loss and dental disease that set in before she was adopted. “She’s a loving cat and delights in lap time.”
Commander Grey became a part of the family when Anita Y. rescued him as a stray. At 16, he now has developed hyperthyroidism. Anita gives him medication twice a day. “He is still very loving and energetic,” she reports; adding, “Just a few weeks ago, I found out he is in the early stages of kidney disease. I know this will eventually end his life but with all the love and companionship he’s given my family, he is worth the extra effort to medicate.”
When describing Peanut, her 14-year-old cat, Karen S. claims “he has always been a gentle, sweet cat. As he ages, he has become more affectionate and ‘clingy’.” Recently, Peanut was diagnosed with thyroid problems that are being controlled with medication. “He also has minor arthritis in his front legs so we have ‘cat steps’ to help him get up and down easily.”
Kate is 20 and has become “so much more companionable these last few years.” Shari P. reminds us all that the commitment we made to our cats when they were younger just grows stronger as they get older. “Love and acceptance” are the key. Kate takes medication for blood pressure and thyroid. She is also experiencing kidney problems and drinks more water. Her advanced age makes treatment more difficult so a less invasive path is being taken. “She is amazingly happy and we love her to pieces,” states Shari.
Dharma is just about 15 yrs old. “She’s been with us through thick and thin. She watched over me most 2½ yrs ago, as I was recovering from my second hip replacement. She refused to leave my side during that time and guarded over me on the rented hospital bedside table the whole time,” remembers Charlotte N. She’s had her own medical problems. She was diagnosed with “Mega-Colon” about 8 years ago and bravely faced visits to the vet, and takes the necessary oral medications needed to maintain her health. “What I love about a senior cat is that we’ve shared so much of a lifetime together. We have a history. We know and trust one another,” comments Charlotte. Dharma is somewhat arthritic now, and can’t jump high anymore. “She doesn’t know it yet, but she’s getting a heating pad for her birthday. Shhh. Don’t tell her.”
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