Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition in which the body becomes inefficient at bringing sugar from the bloodstream into its cells. Usually, this is caused by a lack of insulin production by glands on the pancreas. Left untreated, diabetes will claim an older cat’s life quite quickly, but you can extend your cat’s life and keep him relatively healthy with insulin injections. If you notice these symptoms, you need to head to the vet and have you cat tested for diabetes.

• Sudden weight loss or weight gain
• Ravenous appetite
• Excessive thirst
• Excessive urination, which may include urinating outside of the litter box
• A sweet smell to the urine
• Extreme lethargy

Arthritis

When the cartilage in your cat’s joints wears away, the bones may begin to grind directly against one another. This leads to pain and joint inflammation that make it harder for your cat to jump, climb chairs, and even walk. Signs of arthritis in cats include:

• No longer spending time in high-up places that they used to love
• Refusal to climb stairs or jump up on furniture
• Hesitation before jumping or climbing
• Less activity in general (your cat may spend more time lounging around and less time playing)

There are so many ways to make an arthritic cat more comfortable. Your vet may prescribe pain relievers for you to give once a day. Giving your cat a heating pad to rest on will help ease his pain and stiffness, too. Move your cat’s food and litter box so they do not have to jump or climb stairs to reach it.

Urinary-Tract Infections

Older cats sometimes lose their sense of thirst. They may not drink enough, and this leads to infections in the urinary tract. These are signs of a UTI in cats.

• Urinating outside the litter box
• Attempting to pass urine, though nothing comes out
• Meowing or growling in pain during urination
• Blood in the urine

Thankfully, UTIs are easy to treat with antibiotics from your vet. Your vet may also recommend switching to a moist food or giving your cat some chicken broth each day to increase their water intake and prevent future infections.

Talk your cat to an organization such as Covington Veterinary Hospital PC to get more personalized information about issues that your cat may run into.

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Look for Low-Income Pet Clinics

Depending on your income, you may qualify for cheaper pet care costs at vets that specialize in working with people with lower incomes. If you’re unsure of whether you qualify or not, all you need to do is contact one of these clinics in your area and discuss your situation with them. Many of these low-income pet clinics can offer everything from vaccinations to checkups at a lower cost, making it easier for your senior cat to receive routine medical care without costing a lot of money for you.

Get Exams and Vaccines at Pet Stores

If you’re concerned with getting your cat vaccinated as they get older but can’t afford the costs associated with visiting your vet for the services, it’s best to look into working with other pet professionals who offer vaccinations. Many pet store clinics offer special vaccination services on weekends, making it a good idea to take a look at your local pet stores and asking them about this offer. You may discover that many pet stores offer discounted vaccinations, and even exams, helping you to get professional insight into the health of your cat without spending the money associated with visiting a traditional vet.

Check if Payment Plans Are Offered

Another way to save money when getting medical care for your senior cat is looking into whether any clinics offer payment plans. You may discover that some vet offices near you allow clients to defer payments for a period of time, making it easier for you to get expensive medical care for your cat, even when you’re on a limited budget.

Getting proper pet care for your senior cat is essential when trying to help them stay in the best health and ensuring they live a long time. With the above tips, you can make sure that you’re not skipping important medical care that your senior cat may need as they get older due to your limited budget.

Talk to professionals such as Stewartstown Vet Services to see if they will work with you to get your cat the care they need. 

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Understanding the Causes of Separation Anxiety

Although their humans often lead interesting and busy lives, most dogs rely on their owners for most of their entertainment, stimulation and affection throughout the day. Dogs are pack animals that instinctively form attachments to their housemates, so when you leave for a typical day at work, it may not be surprising that your dog feels abandoned. This anxiety builds over time as your dog comes to associate you leaving with escalating panic attacks, causing it to lash out at objects like furniture and forget basic house training. Eventually, this behavior becomes entrenched and can be nearly impossible to break. 

Stimulating the Immune System and Reducing Anxiety

So, what can acupuncture offer against stubborn anxiety? The traditional teachings of acupuncture focus on the flow of energy throughout the body, seeking to clear blockages through the insertion of slender needles into specific points on the body. Establishing a scientific consensus regarding why acupuncture works has been more difficult, but it appears that the inflammatory response incited by acupuncture can boost the immune system and minimize anxiety for days or even weeks after treatment. 

Breaking the Cycle of Anxiety

When you first begin acupuncture sessions with your dog, you may not see an immediate halt to your pet’s separation anxiety. This is normal and expected. Instead, the goal is to gradually improve your dog’s anxiety levels until it no longer associates you leaving with an immediate panic attack. By keeping up with regular acupuncture sessions, you may be able to slowly wean your dog off of its dependence on you and end up with a healthier, more well-adjusted pet in the bargain. If you think that your dog would be a good candidate for pet acupuncture, consult with your veterinarian or a local practitioner for a professional opinion and to begin breaking down the separation anxiety that torments your furry friend once and for all. 

Click for more information on pet acupuncture. 

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Board Before Painting

It is common to paint your home or at least remodeled room after you finish working. But, before you get started with painting or having a professional do the job, you should board your cat for a while. Standard paints release a variety of toxic chemicals into the air that can cause harm to anyone. Cats are especially susceptible because they are so small compared to full-grown adults. It takes a few days for the emissions to dispel, so it is a good idea to play it safe and keep them for four to five days after painting.

Room Restriction

Your cat might normally have free roam of the house, but this is not a good idea during a remodel. Front and back doors may be held open for bringing in tools or appliances. The interior structure of the house could be exposed and your cat could wiggle their way into an area where you cannot find them. It is best to keep them in the room that is farthest away from where the work is happening. Then, as you progress through the remodel, you should change which room they stay in to keep the noise level down.

Preemptive Stress Relief

Some people might be lucky and have an extra relaxed cat who does not mind the noise and vibrations. But, it is perfectly understandable for your cat to be stressed as soon as the remodel begins. It is best to take preemptive measures by getting pheromones that you can plug into a nearby electrical socket. Keeping music on at a fairly quiet level can also block out some of the noise that may occur in the home. Another method is to introduce catnip in the form of pure catnip, toys, and treats. This can help relax your cat, and while it may only be temporary, you should rely on a combination of stress relief methods.

It is not uncommon for cats to get a prescription from the vet for stress relief. Or, their behavior could change drastically and you could end up taking them in for that reason. Preparing your cat for the start of home remodeling will give you the best chance of maintaining a happy cat and avoiding a vet trip. Contact an animal hospital for more information.   

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