Complete Care for Your Aging Cat Read online

  FurryMuse Publications

  Published by FurryMuse Publications, a business of Amy D. Shojai

  PO Box 1904,1750 W. Moore Street, Sherman TX 75092

  Second Edition, June 2010

  Copyright © Amy D. Shojai, 2010

  All rights reserved

  First Published by New American Library, a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

  First Printing, July 2003

  Copyright © Amy D. Shojai, 2003

  All rights reserved

  LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CATALOGUING-IN-PUBLICATION DATA:

  Shojai,Amy, 1956—

  Complete care for your aging cat / Amy D. Shojai.

  p. cm.

  Includes bibliographical references(p.)

  ISBN 0-451-20788-2(alk. Paper)

  1. Cats. 2. Cats—Aging. 3. Cats—Diseases. 4. Veterinary geriatrics.

  I. Title.

  SF447 .S47 2003

  636.8’089897—dc21

  2002040988

  Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may

  be re-produced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form

  or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise), without

  the prior written permission of the copyright owner of this book.

  PUBLISHER’S NOTE

  Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this book is

  complete and accurate. However, neither the publisher nor the author is engaged in

  rendering professional advice or services to the individual reader. The ideas, procedures,

  and suggestions contained in this book are not intended as a substitute for consulting with

  your pet’s physician. All matters regarding your pet’s health require medical supervision.

  Neither the author nor the publisher shall be liable or responsible for any loss or damage

  allegedly arising from any information or suggestion in this book. While the author has

  made every effort to provide accurate product names, telephone numbers and/or Internet

  addresses at the time of publication, neither the publisher nor the author assumes any

  responsibility for errors, or for changes that occur after publications.

  The scanning, uploading and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other

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  appreciated.

  Table of Contents

  Note from the Author 8

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS . 9

  INTRODUCTION .. 10

  Using This Book . 11

  It’s Al About The Cat! 12

  PART ONE—HOW CATS AGE .. 14

  CHAPTER 1--DEFINING “OLD” . 14

  Benefits of Senior Cats . 15

  What To Expect 16

  Golden Moments: Making Al owances . 20

  Insurance and Care Plans . 21

  Shopping For Insurance . 23

  Quality of Life . 24

  Treatment Advice . 24

  Golden Moments: Loving Hershey . 26

  CHAPTER 2--THE AGING PROCESS . 28

  How Age Affects the Body . 29

  The Senses . 29

  Aging Eyes . 29

  Aging Ears . 30

  Aging Taste . 30

  Aging Nose . 31

  Bones and Muscles . 31

  Digestion . 32

  Aging Teeth . 32

  Aging Stomach and Intestines . 33

  Aging Pancreas and Liver 33

  Endocrine System—Hormones . 34

  Heart and Lungs . 34

  Immunity . 34

  Golden Moments: Tweety’s Drive to Survive . 35

  Nerves . 39

  Comfort Zone . 39

  Aging Mind . 39

  Reproduction . 40

  Skin and Hair 40

  Nurse Alert! 41

  Urinary System .. 41

  CHAPTER 3--L.O.V.E. for HEALTH .. 43

  Listen With Your Heart 43

  Observe for Changes: Home Health Alerts . 43

  Normal Vital Signs . 44

  Behavior Cues . 44

  Body Warnings . 45

  Golden Moments: Zoobie’s New Life . 46

  Visit the Veterinarian: Wel -Pet Exams . 49

  Monitoring Tests . 49

  Blood Values . 50

  Enrich the Environment 51

  Nutrition . 51

  Feeding For Health . 52

  Nutrigenomics . 52

  Exercise . 54

  Physical Therapy . 55

  Comfort Zone . 58

  Grooming . 58

  Accommodations . 59

  Comfort Zone . 60

  Exercising the Mind . 60

  Golden Moments: Putting L.O.V.E. to Work . 60

  CHAPTER 4—NURSING CARE .. 63

  Angel’s Gate . 63

  Pain Management 64

  Owner Attention . 64

  Restraint 66

  “Clipnosis” Restraint 67

  COMFORT ZONE .. 73

  Medication . 73

  Fluid Therapy . 74

  Comfort Zone . 76

  Golden Moments: Caring for Kricket 77

  Nutritional Support 80

  Feeding For Health . 82

  Wound and Bandage Maintenance . 82

  Comfort Zone . 83

  CHAPTER 5—ADVANCED CARE OPTIONS . 84

  Veterinary Specialists . 84

  Specialties for Aging Cats . 85

  Geriatric Research . 85

  Nutrition Research . 86

  Food Restriction . 88

  Antioxidants—Vitamin Age Protection . 88

  Brain Research . 89

  Drug Research . 89

  Clomicalm and Reconcile . 90

  Herbal Options . 90

  Pain Management 91

  Comfort Zone . 92

  Acupuncture . 92

  Surgery . 93

  Golden Moments: Zepp’s Last Chance . 94

  CHAPTER 6--MAKING CHOICES . 97

  The Final Gift 97

  Preparing for the End . 97

  Talking to Children . 98

  Right Time, Right Place . 99

  Golden Moments: Arthur’s Broken Heart 101

  Understanding Euthanasia . 101

  Validating Grief . 102

  Honoring the Memory . 104

  Comfort Zone . 105

  Golden Moments: Midgie’s Legacy . 105

  PART TWO: A-to-Z HEALTH CONCERNS . 107

  ARTHRITIS . 107

  Senior Symptoms . 107

  Nonsurgical Treatment 108

  Age-Defying Tips . 110

  Weight Control 110

  Exercise . 110

  Nurse Alert! 111

  Medication . 111

  Feeding For Health . 112

  Nutraceuticals . 112

  Comfort Zone . 113

  Acupuncture & Therapeutic Laser 114

  Surgical Treatment 114

  Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) 115

  Bottom Line . 115

  Golden Moments: Accommodating Punkin . 115

  BLINDNESS . 119

  Senior Symptoms . 119

  Accommodations . 119

  Comfort Zone . 120

  Golden Moments: Blind Stubbornness . 120

  BRAIN TUMORS . 124

  Senior Symptoms . 124

  Treatment 124

  Bottom Line . 125
/>   Golden Moments: Fixing Phantom’s Pain . 125

  CANCER .. 129

  Senior Symptoms . 129

  Reducing Risk . 130

  Diagnosis . 131

  Treatment 132

  Surgery . 132

  Radiation . 132

  Chemotherapy . 133

  Bottom Line . 134

  Other Options . 134

  Nutrition . 134

  Alternative Therapies . 135

  Prognosis . 136

  Age-Defying Tips . 137

  Golden Moments: Casey’s Miracle . 137

  CATARACTS . 140

  Senior Symptoms . 140

  Treatment 140

  Bottom Line . 141

  CONSTIPATION .. 142

  Senior Symptoms . 143

  Treatment 143

  Feeding For Health . 143

  Nurse Alert! 144

  Age-Defying Tips . 144

  DEAFNESS . 146

  Senior Symptoms . 146

  Accommodation . 146

  Comfort Zone . 147

  DENTAL DISEASE .. 148

  Senior Symptoms . 148

  Comfort Zone . 149

  Treatment 150

  Bottom Line . 151

  Prevention . 151

  Age-Defying Tips . 152

  Golden Moments: Baby Kitty’s Toothache . 152

  Feeding For Health . 154

  DIABETES MELLITUS . 155

  Senior Symptoms . 155

  Nurse Alert! 156

  Treatment 156

  Feeding For Health . 157

  Bottom Line . 158

  Testing . 158

  Comfort Zone . 159

  Golden Moments: A Second Kittenhood . 160

  Age-Defying Tip . 162

  GLAUCOMA .. 163

  Senior Symptoms . 163

  Treatment 163

  Nurse Alert! 164

  Bottom Line . 164

  HEART DISEASE .. 165

  Senior Symptoms . 165

  Bottom Line . 166

  Diagnosis . 166

  Feeding For Health . 166

  Treatment 166

  Nursing Alert! 168

  HYPERTHYROIDISM ... 169

  Senior Symptoms . 169

  Diagnosis . 170

  Surgery . 170

  Medical Treatment 171

  Radioactive Iodine . 172

  Bottom Line . 173

  Golden Moments: Blanche’s Thirst for Life . 173

  KIDNEY FAILURE .. 176

  Senior Symptoms . 176

  Diet Therapy . 177

  Feeding For Health . 178

  Fluid Therapy and Medications . 178

  Golden Moments: Tending Daffy . 179

  Hemodialysis . 181

  Hemodialysis units . 181

  Transplants . 182

  Bottom Line . 183

  LIVER DISEASE .. 184

  Senior Symptoms . 184

  Diagnosis . 185

  Treatment 185

  Nurse Alert! 186

  Golden Moments: A Royal Treatment 187

  Feeding For Health . 189

  OBESITY .. 190

  Age-Defying Tips . 190

  Diagnosis . 192

  Nurse Alert! 192

  Slimming The Cat 192

  Comfort Zone . 193

  Golden Moments: Pooh Shapes Up . 194

  Feeding For Health . 196

  PANCREATITIS . 197

  Senior Symptoms . 197

  Diagnosis . 197

  Treatment 198

  Nurse Alert! 198

  SENILITY .. 199

  Senior Symptoms . 199

  Age-Defying Tips . 200

  Treatment 201

  Comfort Zone . 201

  New Frontiers . 202

  Comfort Zone . 202

  Golden Moments: Love To The Max . 203

  Bottom Line . 205

  STROKE .. 206

  Senior Symptoms . 206

  Diagnosis . 206

  Age-Defying Tip . 207

  Treatment 207

  Nurse Alert! 207

  PART THREE: ADDITIONAL RESOURCES . 208

  APPENDIX A--SENIOR CARE DIRECTORY .. 208

  VETERINARY SCHOOLS AND BEREAVEMENT HOTLINES . 208

  WEBSITES AND EMAIL LISTS . 213

  FURTHER READING .. 214

  INSURANCE AND CARE PLANS . 215

  FOOD FOR SENIORS . 215

  PRODUCT SOURCES FOR SENIORS . 216

  APPENDIX B--HOME MEDICINE CHEST . 218

  APPENDIX C—GLOSSARY .. 219

  APPENDIX D--EXPERT SOURCES . 223

  Author Biography . 226

  Note from the Author

  It has been many years since Complete Care for Your Aging Cat was

  first published in 2003 by New American Library. It became the ‘Old-Cat

  Bible’ recommended far and wide, won several prestigious awards from

  writer and veterinary organizations, and was so popular that it went back to

  press several times. Ultimately, the publisher chose to take it off the

  shelves and no amount of hissing on my part made any difference. Part of

  that decision had to do with the great surge in Internet resources previously

  provided by print books. (Cue MORE author hissing!) Yet the used copies

  of the original title remain in demand, and I’m repeatedly asked when the

  book wil again become available.

  That time has come!

  Much of the information in the book remains current, but I’ve updated

  statistics and major changes. For example, some of the experts quoted

  now have different positions or affiliations that have been noted upon first

  reference, and some products and/or contact information required update.

  New treatment options, product links, and research are included where

  appropriate.

  According to the 2009-2010 American Pet Products Association survey,

  79 percent of pet owners own or have access to a computer and the

  Internet. So in this edition you’l find handy direct Internet links, where

  available, to the mentioned products as wel as the quoted experts. Sadly,

  many of the cats profiled in the “Golden Moments” have traveled on to

  Rainbow Bridge, but their stories remain a lasting celebration of the

  human-animal bond and continue to help the kitties that come after.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  Many individuals helped make this book a reality by sharing their

  expertise, help, and inspirational pet stories. My wonderful family,

  especial y my husband Mahmoud, and many wonderful friends remind me

  daily of what’s truly important. You al know who you are—and I can’t thank

  y’al enough.

  My col eagues from the Dog Writers Association of America, Cat

  Writers’ Association, and other “pet fanciers” never fail to inspire and

  impress me with their professionalism and support. I’d especial y like to

  thank Deb Eldridge, Karen Henry, Lori May, Lynn Mil er, Stacy Pober,

  Dusty Rainbolt, and Michel e West for sharing a few of their expert

  sources, especial y for the E-lists and online health care contacts.

  Interestingly, this book was born at The Writer's BBS International Writers

  Community when answering a question about book proposals gave me the

  idea. It seems that the Furry Muse strikes with inspiration in many places

  The many “Golden Moments” add so much to the book. Thank you to

  Lynn Alfino, Karen Al ison, Wendy Braun, Barb Crandal , Andrea Dorn,

  Bonnie Cheak, Marc Gorelnik, Karen Holden, Chris Jevitz, Deborah

  Harding, Elizabeth Jones, Sandi Maltese, Judy Miley, Linda Moore, Linda

  Parker, Jennifer Schil ing, Linda Weber, Michel e West, and Yasmine

  Galenorn for sharing these lovely stories an
d photographs of your special

  cats. I am touched by your generosity.

  Heartfelt appreciation goes to the many veterinarians and pet

  professionals who al owed me to report their groundbreaking therapies for

  aging cats. I must also thank the countless veterinary schools and specialty

  col eges who put me in touch with these experts and pet owners, most

  particularly the American Veterinary Medical Association; Tania Banak of

  the University of Wisconsin/Madison; Chris Beuoy of the University of

  Il inois; Cheryl May of Kansas State University; Cynthia K. Ebbers of the

  American Col ege of Veterinary Internal Medicine; Pat Edwards of

  Louisiana State University; Lynn Narlesky of the University of

  California/Davis; Lisa Sigler and Chuck Montera of American Col ege of

  Veterinary Surgeons; and Derek Woodbury of the American Animal

  Hospital Association. I’m also particularly grateful to the incredible

  professionals at the Western Veterinary Conference, who extended press

  privileges and access to some of the best veterinary minds on the planet.

  The wide range of folks who shared their expertise helped give this book

  wonderful credibility—I am in your debt.

  Final y, this book wouldn’t be possible without al the special cats that

  share our hearts—and the loving owners dedicated to providing the best

  care possible for their aging furry family members. My own Seren(dipity),

  at age 13 years and counting, provided the extra purr-sonal push to make

  this book available once again. Without you, this book would never have

  been written.

  INTRODUCTION

  The last decade has seen an evolution in the way people treat their cats.

  We have become a nation of cat lovers. According to the 2009-2010

  American Pet Products Association survey, there are 93.6 mil ion cats

  kept in 35 percent of U.S. households, a number expected to rise. No

  longer are they thought of as mere pets. More than seventy percent of

  owners consider their pets to be part of their family. Consequently, the

  health care extended to furry family members has been greatly expanded.

  A lifetime of better care means cats today live longer, healthier lives than

  ever before. In the past 50 years the average lifespan of cats has tripled,

  and many now live into their late teens or early twenties. Susan Little, DVM,

  a feline specialist at Bytown Cat Hospital in Ottawa, Canada, says,

  “Having better nutrition and better health care for cats when they’re younger

  means you see a lot more older cats,” she says.

  Today, half of al pet owners have an animal aged seven or older. What

  has prompted this shift to an aged pet population? For one thing, cats