Pamper your old pet

Press, 10 November 1986, Page 16

Pamper your old pet

ROY BAILEY,

veterinarian, concludes

his three-part series oh caring for an ageing cat.

As cats get older, they can develop health problems.'Here are some common ailments pet owners should watch for, and ways they can help the process of growing. Eye and ear disorders Eye discoloration in old cats is often a normal part of the ageing process. Usually it does not interfere with vision and does not need treatment. Some cats develop cataracts, but these are relatively uncommon. If your pet’s eyes are red and watery the problem could be conjunctivitis, so if the condition persists call your veterinarian. Seeing arid hearing diminish with age — one more reason you should not allow your old cat to roam, especially after sunset. Teeth and gum disease Since an old cat’s teeth cannot be replaced, it’s important to watch out for the health of his teeth and gums. Tartar build-up and enamel erosion are the main causes of serious gum infections. You can discourage tartar build up by feeding a daily portion of dry food. Many United States veterinarians recommend frequent massaging of your pet’s gums with your thumb and forefinger as an effective aid trolling tartar buildup.

r If Puss is tolerant, you . can try a child’s soft bris- . tie toothbrush using milk ; of magnesia or baking i soda as a cleanser. i If your cat begins to favour one side or if he suddenly stops eating as if his mouth is sore, have your veterinarian take a look. Arthritis Pain from this disorder is usually seen as lameness after sleeping. The condition often improves with exercise. Because aspirin can be extremely toxic to cats it should not be used except under the care of your veterinarian. Keeping your pet’s weight down will reduce pressure on his joints, and so alleviate some of the pain. Eliminating cold temperatures and drafts from his environment will also help. Tumors Tumors can occur in nearly every part of a cat’s body. You should pay special attention to persistent swellings or inflammation in mammary glands, particularly in unspayed females. Tumors — malignant or not — can usually be treated or removed surgically, if they are detected early. . Kidney disease If your cat begins to drink excessively and urinate frequently he may be suffering from kidney disease, a common disorder among old cats.

There may even be occasional accidents outside the litter box. Don’t label Old Puss as naughty as he may be under extreme pressure and unable to hold his urine. See to it he gets all the water he needs and report the symptoms to your veterinarian. Constipation Constipation in ageing cats can be caused by insufficient roughage in the diet, and by weakened muscle tone because of lack of exercise. Occasional constipation can be helped by adding paraffin oil in your cat’s food. Most cats will tolerate 1 teaspoon with their main meal. Home care for your sick cat If your cat has a serious illness, you may have to make the choice between home care and hospitalisation. Before deciding, discuss your pet’s condition with your veterinarian and be sure you understand the medical procedures required and how to administer them. Be clear about what home nursing entails, and whether or not you are temperamentally suited for it.

cared for at home, surrounded by support and love. However, if the procedures and emotional drain are going to be too difficult for you your cat may be’better off in the hospital. Don’t isolate your sick cat — unless that is what he wants. He will probably want to keep as close to you as possible. Consider setting up his bed in the kitchen or living room. You might even indulge him by making a portable bed that can be moved to your bedroom at night. A well-padded cardboard box with steep sides will keep out the draughts, but one side should be cut down so that Old Puss can get in and out easily.

Your elderly cat will greatly from being