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Your Senior Cat Statistics show that cats are living longer. We all cherish the companionship of our feline friends. It is important that we help ensure these extended years are the happiest and healthiest possible. Working closely with you veterinarian, you can make a significant difference in the life of your senior cat. As cats move into the senior pase of life, they experience changes that are very similar to aging humans. Diseases and conditions that are commonly known to affect older people also affect our feline companions: kidney, heart, and liver disease, tumors, cancer, diabetes, depression, arthritis, neuroses, and loss of sensory perception. Understanding these changes and how you can provide for your pet's needs are essential to quality of life. Age is never just a number but rather a measure of the effect of aging to the body. Variables such as genetics, nutrition, and environment all contribute to how your cat will handle the aging process. In general, your cat is considered "senior" at 7 years. Since cats age more rapidly than people (see chart), dramatic changes in health can occur in as little as 3 to 6 months. Studies have shown that as many as 17% of midle age and older cats that appear healthy upon physical examination have an underlying disease. A Senior At Seven Wellness Exam includes laboratory tests so sensitive they can detect diseases and conditions early, when treatment and prevention are most effective. Diagnostic Senior At Seven Wellness Exams Several non-invasive tests and procedures performed regularly can help your veterinarian detect early-stage disease when control or even prevention is possible and more cost effective. Senior At Seven Wellness Exams also provide a baseline from which you veterinarian can measure changes. These tests include:     * Complete Blood Count     * Serum Chemistry Profile     * Complete Urinalysis     * Fecal Exam     * Thyroid Hormone Levels     * Other tests recommended by your veterinarian. More Frequent Examinations While an annual exam may be sufficient for younger cats, your veterinarian may want to see your older cat a least every 6 months. For a cat, this represents 4 to 6 years in the life of a human. Special attention will be paid to your cat's teeth and gums, skin and coat, heart, lungs, kidneys, digestive system, eyes, and joints. Nutrition and Environment A proper diet and suitable environment are critical to your cat's continued health and comfort. Your veterinarian and hospital staff may advise you on modifications for your aging cat: a palatable, highly digestible diet with proper balance of calories and nutrients based on your cat's specific needs, easier access to litter pans, heated bedding, and extra assistance with routine grooming. Senior Wellness Checklist Use this checklist to help you observe behaviors and symptoms that may indicate potential health problems in your senior cat. If your cat is experiencing one or more of these signs, please inform your vet. The goal of a Senior At Seven Wellness Exam is to maintain the highest quality of life for the longest possible time. Together, we can make the senior years the most rewarding you and your cat have ever shared. The above is a publication of: Antech Diagnostics: The Leader in Veterinary Laboratory Medicine