Check out my new Ecard shop. No sign up with dozens of cat and kitten cards to send
Cat and Kitten Picture Gallery
The Cats and Kittens of CatNews.org
CatNews.org - HOME
Take me back to the front page
Gastrointestinal Changes in Cats - What You Should Know About It
View PDF | Print View
by: Russell
Total views: 109
Word Count: 320
With age comes change. Some changes will occur gradually and will cause you and your cat few if any problems such as graying hair, less activity, and so forth. Other changes, especially those related to acute or chronic illness, may affect your cat's health or behavior in more distressing ways.
In either case, knowing what to expect and what options you have will make the process easier on both of you. It is important to recognize common changes that you may see as your cat grows older.
As the years go by, most of us find that we can't eat like we used to. The same goes for older cats, which often lose their ability to digest and absorb fat. As a result of this digestive change, combined with the loss of subcutaneous (under the skin) fat and muscle tone, your aging cat may gradually lose weight and take on an old and bony feel.
Some weight loss is okay for most cats, but being too thin can compromise your pet's overall health. A change in diet may help keep body weight normal, and some older felines do better with several small meals a day rather than one or two big ones.
To monitor your cat's food intake and increase her interest in food when it is available, feed meals rather than leaving food out. Weight loss also can indicate a health problem, so if your cat is losing weight, speak to your veterinarian.
Many older cats experience constipation for a number of reasons. Digestion tends to take longer in an older cat than in a young one, and that slows the bowels. If your cat has arthritis or an impacted or infected anal gland, defecation may cause her pain and she may avoid doing her duty as long as possible.
About the Author
Want More Information And Discount On Pet Medications?
Rating: Not yet rated