FurryMuse Publications
Published by FurryMuse Publications, a business of Amy D. Shojai
PO Box 1904,1750 W. Moore Street, Sherman TX 75092
Second Edition, June 2010
Copyright © Amy D. Shojai, 2010
All rights reserved
First Published by New American Library, a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
First Printing, July 2003
Copyright © Amy D. Shojai, 2003
All rights reserved
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CATALOGUING-IN-PUBLICATION DATA:
Shojai,Amy, 1956—
Complete care for your aging cat / Amy D. Shojai.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references(p.)
ISBN 0-451-20788-2(alk. Paper)
1. Cats. 2. Cats—Aging. 3. Cats—Diseases. 4. Veterinary geriatrics.
I. Title.
SF447 .S47 2003
636.8’089897—dc21
2002040988
Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may
be re-produced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form
or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise), without
the prior written permission of the copyright owner of this book.
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this book is
complete and accurate. However, neither the publisher nor the author is engaged in
rendering professional advice or services to the individual reader. The ideas, procedures,
and suggestions contained in this book are not intended as a substitute for consulting with
your pet’s physician. All matters regarding your pet’s health require medical supervision.
Neither the author nor the publisher shall be liable or responsible for any loss or damage
allegedly arising from any information or suggestion in this book. While the author has
made every effort to provide accurate product names, telephone numbers and/or Internet
addresses at the time of publication, neither the publisher nor the author assumes any
responsibility for errors, or for changes that occur after publications.
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Table of Contents
Note from the Author 8
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS . 9
INTRODUCTION .. 10
Using This Book . 11
It’s Al About The Cat! 12
PART ONE—HOW CATS AGE .. 14
CHAPTER 1--DEFINING “OLD” . 14
Benefits of Senior Cats . 15
What To Expect 16
Golden Moments: Making Al owances . 20
Insurance and Care Plans . 21
Shopping For Insurance . 23
Quality of Life . 24
Treatment Advice . 24
Golden Moments: Loving Hershey . 26
CHAPTER 2--THE AGING PROCESS . 28
How Age Affects the Body . 29
The Senses . 29
Aging Eyes . 29
Aging Ears . 30
Aging Taste . 30
Aging Nose . 31
Bones and Muscles . 31
Digestion . 32
Aging Teeth . 32
Aging Stomach and Intestines . 33
Aging Pancreas and Liver 33
Endocrine System—Hormones . 34
Heart and Lungs . 34
Immunity . 34
Golden Moments: Tweety’s Drive to Survive . 35
Nerves . 39
Comfort Zone . 39
Aging Mind . 39
Reproduction . 40
Skin and Hair 40
Nurse Alert! 41
Urinary System .. 41
CHAPTER 3--L.O.V.E. for HEALTH .. 43
Listen With Your Heart 43
Observe for Changes: Home Health Alerts . 43
Normal Vital Signs . 44
Behavior Cues . 44
Body Warnings . 45
Golden Moments: Zoobie’s New Life . 46
Visit the Veterinarian: Wel -Pet Exams . 49
Monitoring Tests . 49
Blood Values . 50
Enrich the Environment 51
Nutrition . 51
Feeding For Health . 52
Nutrigenomics . 52
Exercise . 54
Physical Therapy . 55
Comfort Zone . 58
Grooming . 58
Accommodations . 59
Comfort Zone . 60
Exercising the Mind . 60
Golden Moments: Putting L.O.V.E. to Work . 60
CHAPTER 4—NURSING CARE .. 63
Angel’s Gate . 63
Pain Management 64
Owner Attention . 64
Restraint 66
“Clipnosis” Restraint 67
COMFORT ZONE .. 73
Medication . 73
Fluid Therapy . 74
Comfort Zone . 76
Golden Moments: Caring for Kricket 77
Nutritional Support 80
Feeding For Health . 82
Wound and Bandage Maintenance . 82
Comfort Zone . 83
CHAPTER 5—ADVANCED CARE OPTIONS . 84
Veterinary Specialists . 84
Specialties for Aging Cats . 85
Geriatric Research . 85
Nutrition Research . 86
Food Restriction . 88
Antioxidants—Vitamin Age Protection . 88
Brain Research . 89
Drug Research . 89
Clomicalm and Reconcile . 90
Herbal Options . 90
Pain Management 91
Comfort Zone . 92
Acupuncture . 92
Surgery . 93
Golden Moments: Zepp’s Last Chance . 94
CHAPTER 6--MAKING CHOICES . 97
The Final Gift 97
Preparing for the End . 97
Talking to Children . 98
Right Time, Right Place . 99
Golden Moments: Arthur’s Broken Heart 101
Understanding Euthanasia . 101
Validating Grief . 102
Honoring the Memory . 104
Comfort Zone . 105
Golden Moments: Midgie’s Legacy . 105
PART TWO: A-to-Z HEALTH CONCERNS . 107
ARTHRITIS . 107
Senior Symptoms . 107
Nonsurgical Treatment 108
Age-Defying Tips . 110
Weight Control 110
Exercise . 110
Nurse Alert! 111
Medication . 111
Feeding For Health . 112
Nutraceuticals . 112
Comfort Zone . 113
Acupuncture & Therapeutic Laser 114
Surgical Treatment 114
Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) 115
Bottom Line . 115
Golden Moments: Accommodating Punkin . 115
BLINDNESS . 119
Senior Symptoms . 119
Accommodations . 119
Comfort Zone . 120
Golden Moments: Blind Stubbornness . 120
BRAIN TUMORS . 124
Senior Symptoms . 124
Treatment 124
Bottom Line . 125
Golden Moments: Fixing Phantom’s Pain . 125
CANCER .. 129
Senior Symptoms . 129
Reducing Risk . 130
Diagnosis . 131
Treatment 132
Surgery . 132
Radiation . 132
Chemotherapy . 133
Bottom Line . 134
Other Options . 134
Nutrition . 134
Alternative Therapies . 135
Prognosis . 136
Age-Defying Tips . 137
Golden Moments: Casey’s Miracle . 137
CATARACTS . 140
Senior Symptoms . 140
Treatment 140
Bottom Line . 141
CONSTIPATION .. 142
Treatment 143
Feeding For Health . 143
Nurse Alert! 144
Age-Defying Tips . 144
DEAFNESS . 146
Senior Symptoms . 146
Accommodation . 146
Comfort Zone . 147
DENTAL DISEASE .. 148
Senior Symptoms . 148
Comfort Zone . 149
Treatment 150
Bottom Line . 151
Prevention . 151
Age-Defying Tips . 152
Golden Moments: Baby Kitty’s Toothache . 152
Feeding For Health . 154
DIABETES MELLITUS . 155
Senior Symptoms . 155
Nurse Alert! 156
Treatment 156
Feeding For Health . 157
Bottom Line . 158
Testing . 158
Comfort Zone . 159
Golden Moments: A Second Kittenhood . 160
Age-Defying Tip . 162
GLAUCOMA .. 163
Senior Symptoms . 163
Treatment 163
Nurse Alert! 164
Bottom Line . 164
HEART DISEASE .. 165
Senior Symptoms . 165
Bottom Line . 166
Diagnosis . 166
Feeding For Health . 166
Treatment 166
Nursing Alert! 168
HYPERTHYROIDISM ... 169
Senior Symptoms . 169
Diagnosis . 170
Surgery . 170
Medical Treatment 171
Radioactive Iodine . 172
Bottom Line . 173
Golden Moments: Blanche’s Thirst for Life . 173
KIDNEY FAILURE .. 176
Senior Symptoms . 176
Diet Therapy . 177
Feeding For Health . 178
Fluid Therapy and Medications . 178
Golden Moments: Tending Daffy . 179
Hemodialysis . 181
Hemodialysis units . 181
Transplants . 182
Bottom Line . 183
LIVER DISEASE .. 184
Senior Symptoms . 184
Diagnosis . 185
Treatment 185
Nurse Alert! 186
Golden Moments: A Royal Treatment 187
Feeding For Health . 189
OBESITY .. 190
Age-Defying Tips . 190
Diagnosis . 192
Nurse Alert! 192
Slimming The Cat 192
Comfort Zone . 193
Golden Moments: Pooh Shapes Up . 194
Feeding For Health . 196
PANCREATITIS . 197
Senior Symptoms . 197
Diagnosis . 197
Treatment 198
Nurse Alert! 198
SENILITY .. 199
Senior Symptoms . 199
Age-Defying Tips . 200
Treatment 201
Comfort Zone . 201
New Frontiers . 202
Comfort Zone . 202
Golden Moments: Love To The Max . 203
Bottom Line . 205
STROKE .. 206
Senior Symptoms . 206
Diagnosis . 206
Age-Defying Tip . 207
Treatment 207
Nurse Alert! 207
PART THREE: ADDITIONAL RESOURCES . 208
APPENDIX A--SENIOR CARE DIRECTORY .. 208
VETERINARY SCHOOLS AND BEREAVEMENT HOTLINES . 208
FURTHER READING .. 214
INSURANCE AND CARE PLANS . 215
FOOD FOR SENIORS . 215
PRODUCT SOURCES FOR SENIORS . 216
APPENDIX B--HOME MEDICINE CHEST . 218
APPENDIX C—GLOSSARY .. 219
APPENDIX D--EXPERT SOURCES . 223
Author Biography . 226
Note from the Author
It has been many years since Complete Care for Your Aging Cat was
first published in 2003 by New American Library. It became the ‘Old-Cat
Bible’ recommended far and wide, won several prestigious awards from
writer and veterinary organizations, and was so popular that it went back to
press several times. Ultimately, the publisher chose to take it off the
shelves and no amount of hissing on my part made any difference. Part of
that decision had to do with the great surge in Internet resources previously
provided by print books. (Cue MORE author hissing!) Yet the used copies
of the original title remain in demand, and I’m repeatedly asked when the
book wil again become available.
That time has come!
Much of the information in the book remains current, but I’ve updated
statistics and major changes. For example, some of the experts quoted
now have different positions or affiliations that have been noted upon first
reference, and some products and/or contact information required update.
New treatment options, product links, and research are included where
appropriate.
According to the 2009-2010 American Pet Products Association survey,
79 percent of pet owners own or have access to a computer and the
Internet. So in this edition you’l find handy direct Internet links, where
available, to the mentioned products as wel as the quoted experts. Sadly,
many of the cats profiled in the “Golden Moments” have traveled on to
Rainbow Bridge, but their stories remain a lasting celebration of the
human-animal bond and continue to help the kitties that come after.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Many individuals helped make this book a reality by sharing their
expertise, help, and inspirational pet stories. My wonderful family,
especial y my husband Mahmoud, and many wonderful friends remind me
daily of what’s truly important. You al know who you are—and I can’t thank
y’al enough.
My col eagues from the Dog Writers Association of America, Cat
Writers’ Association, and other “pet fanciers” never fail to inspire and
impress me with their professionalism and support. I’d especial y like to
thank Deb Eldridge, Karen Henry, Lori May, Lynn Mil er, Stacy Pober,
Dusty Rainbolt, and Michel e West for sharing a few of their expert
sources, especial y for the E-lists and online health care contacts.
Interestingly, this book was born at The Writer's BBS International Writers
Community when answering a question about book proposals gave me the
idea. It seems that the Furry Muse strikes with inspiration in many places
The many “Golden Moments” add so much to the book. Thank you to
Lynn Alfino, Karen Al ison, Wendy Braun, Barb Crandal , Andrea Dorn,
Bonnie Cheak, Marc Gorelnik, Karen Holden, Chris Jevitz, Deborah
Harding, Elizabeth Jones, Sandi Maltese, Judy Miley, Linda Moore, Linda
Parker, Jennifer Schil ing, Linda Weber, Michel e West, and Yasmine
Galenorn for sharing these lovely stories an
d photographs of your special
cats. I am touched by your generosity.
Heartfelt appreciation goes to the many veterinarians and pet
professionals who al owed me to report their groundbreaking therapies for
aging cats. I must also thank the countless veterinary schools and specialty
col eges who put me in touch with these experts and pet owners, most
particularly the American Veterinary Medical Association; Tania Banak of
the University of Wisconsin/Madison; Chris Beuoy of the University of
Il inois; Cheryl May of Kansas State University; Cynthia K. Ebbers of the
American Col ege of Veterinary Internal Medicine; Pat Edwards of
Louisiana State University; Lynn Narlesky of the University of
California/Davis; Lisa Sigler and Chuck Montera of American Col ege of
Veterinary Surgeons; and Derek Woodbury of the American Animal
Hospital Association. I’m also particularly grateful to the incredible
professionals at the Western Veterinary Conference, who extended press
privileges and access to some of the best veterinary minds on the planet.
The wide range of folks who shared their expertise helped give this book
wonderful credibility—I am in your debt.
Final y, this book wouldn’t be possible without al the special cats that
share our hearts—and the loving owners dedicated to providing the best
care possible for their aging furry family members. My own Seren(dipity),
at age 13 years and counting, provided the extra purr-sonal push to make
this book available once again. Without you, this book would never have
been written.
INTRODUCTION
The last decade has seen an evolution in the way people treat their cats.
We have become a nation of cat lovers. According to the 2009-2010
American Pet Products Association survey, there are 93.6 mil ion cats
kept in 35 percent of U.S. households, a number expected to rise. No
longer are they thought of as mere pets. More than seventy percent of
owners consider their pets to be part of their family. Consequently, the
health care extended to furry family members has been greatly expanded.
A lifetime of better care means cats today live longer, healthier lives than
ever before. In the past 50 years the average lifespan of cats has tripled,
and many now live into their late teens or early twenties. Susan Little, DVM,
a feline specialist at Bytown Cat Hospital in Ottawa, Canada, says,
“Having better nutrition and better health care for cats when they’re younger
means you see a lot more older cats,” she says.
Today, half of al pet owners have an animal aged seven or older. What
has prompted this shift to an aged pet population? For one thing, cats