Just like us, cats are prone to slowing down when they get older, but thankfully there is a way to help your cat live life to the fullest…no matter their age.
Spoiler alert: while cats may have nine lives, they are not invincible.
Alright, I know that this was a pretty morbid way to start a blog, but it’s important that we continuously have a reality check with one another. As a cat owner myself, I have learned time and time again how important it is to fully understand the lifespan of my feline friend.
Naturally, we will do anything in our power to ensure that they live long, happy and healthy lives. The first part of achieving this is equipping yourself with important knowledge. Being aware of the natural changes that will happen as your car ages is one of the most important things that you could ever do.
So let’s get into it…
When your fur baby is a senior citizen
From the most adorable purring sounds to sneaky cuddles and nap times, our older feline friends bring us the greatest sense of unconditional love. But then one day we notice that our once feisty feline has seemingly slowed down quite a bit … and so the signs of ageing begin.
As our older cats begin to enter into their golden age, they will most likely experience a number of chronic conditions that typically come with ageing.
How do we define a ‘senior’ cat?
So, you are probably wondering if your cat has officially become a senior citizen, and this is admittedly difficult to gauge. Determining the life stage of your cat is definitely something that you will need to discuss with your vet.
However, before you go opening up another Google tab to google whether your cat is a senior or not, here’s a pretty simple breakdown of the life stages:
- Adult -10 and 11
- Senior - 11 to 14
- Geriatric - 15+
Naturally, as your cat moves between these life stages, they will experience a number of physical, nutritional and behavioural changes. Pay close attention because being able to identify common issues will help your fur baby embrace their old age in the healthiest and pain-free way.
Common health problems for senior cats
As you know, ageing comes with a number of health issues, and your cat is no different. Most cats in their senior age are most likely to experience the following health-related problems:
Arthritis
This is where your feline friend experiences a degenerative joint disease that will ultimately affect their mobility. Basically, don’t be expecting them to be leaping from great heights anymore.
Cancer
Research shows that senior cats are highly likely to develop lymphoma, which is a cancer of the white blood cells.
Dental disease
Your cat’s teeth are at risk of developing serious decay and gum problems and they are, which will make it a lot more difficult for them to eat.
Hearing and vision loss
Like humans, your fur baby’s vision will definitely begin to decline as they age. The same can be said for their hearing deteriorating as they get older.
Thyroid disease
Did you know that most senior cats experience hyperthyroidism? That’s when their glands overproduce certain hormones. This causes severe weight loss, increased thirst and rapid heart rates.
Finding help for your senior cat
I’m quite sure that naturally after reading this list of health problems, you are probably feeling slightly panicked. Not only does your cat ageing take an emotional toll on you and your family but a financial one too. Thankfully I have sourced the ultimate solution for you: pet insurance.
Now let’s skip the nonsense where I give you a generic overview of how pet insurers can help your adult cat. Especially because most of them won’t cover your senior feline anyway. So, let’s get straight to business, there is only one pet insurer that you and your fur baby should be using and it’s Oneplan.
Oneplan Pet insurance
Believe me when I say that I have scoured the internet in search of the best pet insurer. When I say that they are THE BEST, I mean it. And I have all the research to prove it to you. Besides, I couldn’t suggest something that I don’t use myself.
Oneplan does everything in their power to keep their cover as simple and user-friendly as possible. In fact, their policies could even be understood by your pet, if he or she could read.
Now, I thought that I’d make this easier for you by sharing my personal favourite pet plan that they have. It’s the Pet Classic Plan.
Pet Classic Plan
This plan includes cover for:
- Vet visits
- Routine care
- Accidents
- Illnesses
- Kennel fees - when something happens to you and you cannot look after your pet
- Burial and cremation
- Onecard - This unique transactional card is what Oneplan uses to preload your claims before you see the vet.
Is my cat too old for Oneplan?
Yes, I even took the liberty of finding out the answer to this question, so you don’t have to. When signing up with Oneplan, your cat cannot be older than 8 years of age (meaning the next birthday he will turn 9).
But don’t panic if your feline friend is older than 8 years old because they don’t discriminate, they’ve just got a different form of coverage for them - Oneplan’s Accident Plan.
There are no age limits that apply to this plan and for a minimum premium cost, you will get cover for accidents and emergencies (the events you don’t see coming).
Pet Insurance is one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways of ensuring the health and quality of your cat’s life. Your senior pet deserves the ultimate best and now they can get it, thanks to Oneplan!
Until next time,
The Pet Insurance Team