How old is my cat in human years?

Years ago veterinarians used to focus on treating disease. Over time vaccines were developed and veterinary medicine began to emphasize prevention. From your kitten's first visit, we promote vaccinations, regular health checkups, proper nutrition and control of parasites (heartworm or intestinal worms). These services along with sterilization (neutering) lay the foundation for a long, healthy relationship between you, your cat and our health care team.

Cats are living longer, just as we are, and we need to offer our senior cat the increased level of care they need before age related illness occurs. Just as in humans, age related health problems can occur well before a cat shows any signs of this aging. Senior care begins by recognizing that older animals differ from young or adult animals due to the effects of aging. Senior care in cats
parallels the increasing focus on senior or "wellness" care in humans. For example as we enter our 40's, screening for high blood pressure or heart disease becomes more important. More over, women recognize the importance of a baseline mammogram at this time. In veterinary medicine, early detection of kidney, liver, thyroid or heart disease and management of chronic disease such as arthritis can begin at 9 years of age.

Some may ask the question, "why 9 years of age"? Of course, a cat doesn't become suddenly old at 9 years any more than a person at age 50, but around this time in your cat's life we must work together to pay a closer attention to your cat's health status. Senior cats need more frequent physical examinations, more comprehensive diagnostic testing and an increased awareness of abnormal symptoms by the owner beginning around age 9.

As your cat enters their "senior" years conditions may develop. These may occur singly or in conjunction with other illnesses. These include:

• Periodontal disease
• Osteoarthritis
• Heart disease
• Kidney/Liver disease
• Diabetes
• Thyroid Disease
• Behavior Changes (CDS)
• Cancer

Our solution: We offer a senior screening of:

• complete blood cell count
• chemistry profile
• thyroid analysis
• complete urinalysis
• fecal exam

As a baseline on all cats over 9 years of age we screen for underlying problems with the following tests:

• blood pressure
• EKG
• x-rays
• ultrasound

These may be recommended based on the cats physical examination or results of the senior profile. The diagnostic equipment necessary for this testing is all located in the clinic and can be done by experienced veterinarians. It is our goal to increase the standard of care for senior cats. This will result in cats living longer, happier, healthier lives and give you more precious time to treat them like family.