Cats are Considered Seniors Around Eight and Geriatric Around 13

While the lifespan of cats is dependent on many things, a cat that is obtained as a kitten and kept safe and healthy will generally live between 15 and 20 years.

There are a number of diseases in old cats that pet owners should know about and watch for as their cats age. A cat that is displaying any of these top feline disease symptoms should be checked out by the vet as soon as possible. Not all ailments and diseases that an older cat can develop are listed, yet these are the most common.

Cancer

Symptoms of feline cancer include swellings that hang around and continue to enlarge, sores on the body that don’t heal, loss of appetite and weight loss, discharge or bleeding from any opening in the body—eyes, ears, nose—and bloody urine or stools. Cats with cancer may also have personality changes and not seem themselves.

Dental Diseases

Signs that cats may have a dental disease include drooling, trouble eating or swallowing, weight loss and bad breath.

Hyperthyroidism

A cat that is having thyroid issues may have increased activity and appetite, weight loss, labored or fast breathing, increased heart rate, increased thirst and urination, and vomiting. They may also display changes in personality.

Kidney Disease

The symptoms of kidney disease in cats include loss of appetite and weight loss, increased urination and thirst, vomiting and/or bloody vomit, diarrhea and/or bloody diarrhea, mouth ulcers, bad breath, and change in personality.

Bowel Disease

The signs of bowel disease in cats include vomiting, defecation outside of the litter box, diarrhea and/or mucous or bloody stools.

Diabetes

A cat that has diabetes may have decreased activity and weakness, as well as changes in appetite and personality, weight loss or weight gain, increased thirst and urination, vomiting, and most cats with diabetes will walk on their hocks.

Heart Disease

Signs of heart disease in cats include weight loss, exercise intolerance, labored breathing and paralysis of the back legs.

Liver Disease

Symptoms of cat liver disease include distended abdomen, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellow or light colored gums, and changes in behavior.

Arthritis

Arthritis signs in cats include trouble climbing stairs and jumping, changes in personality such as acting irritable and reclusive, and urinating or defecating outside of the litter box.

Pet owners do not want to ever think that their cats are suffering in silence. Closely monitoring cat behavior and taking them for routine check-ups and examinations can go far in a feline disease being detected early. The earlier a disease is discovered the better the chances are that cats will not suffer needlessly from ailments. While not all diseases can be cured, there are many medications and treatments available that can help cats live comfortably.