Physical Examination Cat

When you consider that cats age considerably more quickly than we do, you should appreciate the fact that they need more frequent checkups as they begin to attain "senior" status. Also, cats are masters at hiding their diseases, so regular checkups become even more important. I've seen many older cats over the years that still eat well, use their boxes regularly, cuddle up as usual, but are still suffering from some early, treatable conditions. To do the most for your feline friends, it is important to catch their problems early through a thorough geriatric physical exam.

These exams consist of whole body x-rays, blood and urine tests, including thyroid screening, blood pressure measurements and fecal samples. An electrocardiogram and an ultrasound study may also be indicated. The nice thing is that these tests are non-invasive and seem not to bother even the most challenging cat.

Try to notice subtle changes in your senior cat's behavior and routine. Is your cat getting grumpy just because it is his nature or is it because he's hurting? Maybe he has osteoarthritis. Is he not eating as well because he's becoming a finicky eater, or maybe he's beginning to suffer from dental or periodontal disease? . If you've noticed him becoming a bit thinner, the weight loss may be due a thyroid problem very common in older cats. You may think that your cat loves the new kitty water fountain that you purchased and starts drinking water all the time. But, maybe she's drinking copious amounts of water because she is suffering from diabetes or kidney failure, a major killer of older cats.

You and your veterinarian need to act as a `cat wellness team'. Let your veterinarian know what changes you are seeing at home. Subtle can be significant.

Though your cat may be the picture of health, one of the safest ways to insure that the inside of your cat looks as good as the outside, see your veterinarian for a `well cat' checkup at least twice a year.