Cats are masters of hiding illness, such that they can become quite poorly before even the most observant of owners realises there is a problem. Add to this the fact that treatment is often more effective when started early and the need for screening tests in older cats is clear. Cats won’t always tell us when there is a problem, so it’s our job as their carers to make sure they don’t have to suffer in silence.
There isn’t a strict rule as to which tests should be done and how often we should do them, and it’s important to work with each cat as an individual to find a routine that suits both their temperament and medical needs. As a general rule, we recommend a combination of the ISFM iCatCare guidelines and common sense when monitoring the health of older cats,
depending on your cat ’s specific needs and willingness to sit still enough for testing. For cats that need testing but don’t appreciate vet visits, we offer safe, mild sedation that you can give at home to keep stress levels to a minimum which in turn will help ensure accurate test results.
For more information about Senior cats and how to keep them happy, visit our Feline Life Stages pages and if you have any concerns about your cat’s health, please speak with your vet or get in touch to arrange a home visit.