How to Deal with Irritability in Older Cats
Visit the vet., Monitor your cat's dental health., Check for cognitive problems., Identify the cause of elimination problems.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Visit the vet.
For an accurate picture of your older cat's health, visit your vet for a thorough checkup.
Tell them about any irregularities in your cat's health or behaviour beyond its irritability (e.g. lethargy, loss of appetite).
Some medical conditions common to older cats that may cause irritability include:
Degenerative joint disease (e.g. arthritis) Inflammatory bowel disease Constipation Dental disease -
Step 2: Monitor your cat's dental health.
Take the time to inspect and clean your cat's teeth at least once a week to maintain their oral health.
Tooth pain can cause irritable behaviour in cats and make it difficult for them to eat, further compromising their health.
Call your veterinarian for a dental exam immediately if you notice any of the following signs:
Bad breath Mouth sores Swollen or bleeding gums Redness of the gums Drooling , Aging cats often experience cognitive issues similar to humans, such as dementia, confusion, and loss of memory.
If you identify these issues early enough, your veterinarian may be able to prescribe medication to slow down the decline in cognitive function.
Signs to look for and tell your veterinarian about include:
Disorientation Irregular sleep patterns (sleeping all day and staying up all night) Agitation or anxiety Decreased activity House soiling , Your older cat might demonstrate irregular behaviour in terms of eliminating (e.g. not using its litter box, "marking its territory" with urine).
Consult with your vet to determine if these behaviours are signs of a medical condition, or the result of your irritable, aging cat acting out.
With age, a lapse in control of eliminating functions could be due to:
Hyperthyroidism Kidney failure Diabetes Mobility issues (i.e. difficulty accessing the litter box) Confusion or memory loss -
Step 3: Check for cognitive problems.
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Step 4: Identify the cause of elimination problems.
Detailed Guide
For an accurate picture of your older cat's health, visit your vet for a thorough checkup.
Tell them about any irregularities in your cat's health or behaviour beyond its irritability (e.g. lethargy, loss of appetite).
Some medical conditions common to older cats that may cause irritability include:
Degenerative joint disease (e.g. arthritis) Inflammatory bowel disease Constipation Dental disease
Take the time to inspect and clean your cat's teeth at least once a week to maintain their oral health.
Tooth pain can cause irritable behaviour in cats and make it difficult for them to eat, further compromising their health.
Call your veterinarian for a dental exam immediately if you notice any of the following signs:
Bad breath Mouth sores Swollen or bleeding gums Redness of the gums Drooling , Aging cats often experience cognitive issues similar to humans, such as dementia, confusion, and loss of memory.
If you identify these issues early enough, your veterinarian may be able to prescribe medication to slow down the decline in cognitive function.
Signs to look for and tell your veterinarian about include:
Disorientation Irregular sleep patterns (sleeping all day and staying up all night) Agitation or anxiety Decreased activity House soiling , Your older cat might demonstrate irregular behaviour in terms of eliminating (e.g. not using its litter box, "marking its territory" with urine).
Consult with your vet to determine if these behaviours are signs of a medical condition, or the result of your irritable, aging cat acting out.
With age, a lapse in control of eliminating functions could be due to:
Hyperthyroidism Kidney failure Diabetes Mobility issues (i.e. difficulty accessing the litter box) Confusion or memory loss
About the Author
Roger Lewis
Roger Lewis is an experienced writer with over 4 years of expertise in lifestyle and practical guides. Passionate about sharing practical knowledge, Roger creates easy-to-follow guides that help readers achieve their goals.
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