Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Senior cat care guidelines for better health and longevity
By Pittari, Jeanne et al.·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2009·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: American association of feline practitioners. Senior care guidelines.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
This article discusses the importance of proper care for senior cats, who often don't get the preventive health attention they need. Many cat owners see their pets as family, but a lack of clear guidelines from veterinarians can make it hard for them to follow through with care. The article aims to help vets provide better care for older cats by identifying health risks, catching diseases early, and managing existing health issues. It also covers how to screen, diagnose, treat, and safely anesthetize senior cats. Overall, the goal is to help these cats live longer, healthier lives.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cats are the most popular pet in the United States and much of Northern Europe. Although 78% of owners consider their cats to be family members, many cats, particularly seniors, do not receive appropriate preventive care. One of the main obstacles to owner compliance is the lack of a clear recommendation by the veterinary team. Guidelines can help veterinarians to minimize this obstacle, strengthen the human-pet-veterinary bond, and improve the quality of life of cats. GOALS: The goals of this article are to assist veterinarians to: Deliver consistent high-quality care to senior cats. Promote longevity and improve the quality of life of senior cats by: recognizing and controlling health risk factors; facilitating and promoting early detection of disease; improving or maintaining residual organ function; and delaying the progression of common conditions. Define aspects of screening, diagnosis, treatment and anesthesia of senior cats.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19712895/