Common Behavioral Changes In Older Cats, And What They Might Mean
Posted on: 26 February 2016
When a cat is 8 years old, this is equivalent to a human being 48 years old. When your cat reaches the age of 10, this is comparable to a 56-year-old human. As your cat ages, his or her behavior is likely to change. It is normal for older cats to be less energetic and a little slower-moving than young ones. Other behavioral changes that are seen in older cats, however, are often indicators of disease or health conditions. Here's a look at three behavioral changes that frequently occur in older cats, and what they might indicate.
Urinating outside the litter box.
When your older cat starts urinating outside the litter box, it's probably not just because he or she has decided to be a pain. Urinating outside the box can indicate a urinary tract infection. Your cat simply might be losing control over his or her bladder function as a result of the UTI. It can also indicate kidney stones, which may make it painful for your cat to jump into the litter box or cause him to accidentally urinate. Both of these conditions will require treatment by a vet. The UTI will require antibiotics, and the kidney stones may require laser surgery to remove them.
Sudden weight loss.
If your older cat suddenly begins looking a bit bony, this is a sign of diabetes. When the body stops making enough insulin, sugar cannot make its way into the cat's cells. Instead of fueling the body, the sugar is excreted in the urine – and the cat is forced to live off its body fat stores. This causes rapid weight loss. Diabetes in cats is not as hard to manage as you might imagine. After confirming that your cat is suffering from diabetes, your vet can teach you how to administer insulin injections – which you'll need to do every day or every couple of days. Your cat will also need to switch to a low-carbohydrate food made for diabetic cats.
Struggling to jump onto furniture.
If your cat becomes unable to jump off the ground onto furniture, this could be a sign of arthritis. Stiff, inflexible joints make it tough for your cat to jump. While there is no cure for arthritis, there are ways to manage it and make your cat more comfortable. Your vet may be able to prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs. You can also invest in a heating pad for your cat to sleep on. The warmth will ease the pain and help keep the joints loose.
If you notice any other changes in your aging cat's behavior, talk to your vet or take your cat to an animal hospital. He or she can let you know if the changes are related to normal aging, or if they are a sign of disease.
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