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Be aware of any changes in your senior feline's health

Our middle-aged and senior felines need an extra measure of tender, loving care, complimented by extra veterinary care.

As our felines get older, we need to be aware of the aging symptoms we are looking for so we can inform our veterinarians of anything out of the ordinary. Begin by knowing your felines' routines by way of appetite, play, sleep, vocalizations, body mass, weight and texture of fur, just to name a few.

To understand when we should start to worry about changing habits, a definition of what is considered middle-aged and what is considered senior should be addressed. Even within these definitions, a caveat should be noted. There is an age area between middle-aged and senior that may be defined as shaded gray. That means every animal will not react the same at that age.

Most experts define middle-aged between ages 8 and 10. I have four felines about 10 or older. Two are still kitten-crazy and the other two slumber more during the day. I think it is easier to understand the contrast in multiple feline homes, but the bottom line is, know your feline's routine at any age!

Senior felines are about 11 to 14 years of age. These seniors are 65 years and up in human equivalency.

Felines older than 15 are considered geriatric. These days we are pushing the limits of feline geriatrics with better foods, supplements and advances in veterinary care. My oldest geriatric lived two months shy of 26 years.

That is why I am a big advocate of feeding the best food you can afford to feed. The first ingredient should be a pure protein, not a filler. Many food geared to middle-aged or senior cats have supplements added to assist in joint care and digestion.

Just think of your older feline like an older human, they too become less physically active and more mentally challenged. Besides quality food, supplements like cosequin can assist joint stiffness to make play easier and less challenging.

Extra soft orthopedic bedding can sooth aching joints, too. Think about the shape of the litter box as well if your feline is going right next to the litter pan. A three-sided pan or a pan that has a low entry may be needed. Even if you have one feline, you may have to resort to multiple litter pans around your home. Multiple boxes will also assist a feline with impaired vision. If a feline's vision is getting gradually worse, do not change the location of the boxes, you are merely adding more.

Another rule of thumb for anyone with a senior feline is to schedule veterinary appointments at a minium of twice a year. As our pets age, their immune systems weaken, just like ours. They become more susceptible to colds, infections and other ailments that can be detected by a senior blood panel test and whatever else your veterinarian my suspect.

A simple blood test can detect the early onset of many diseases like kidney and liver malfunction to diabetes. Dental problems also intensify with age, so prompt attention to feline dental hygiene is a must. Infection in the mouth may trigger a bad result on a blood test.

As your feline ages, you can still provide mental stimulation by making your feline's environment stimulating. You should still encourage interest in toys and treats.

If they think you have given up, they will stop caring about important day-to-day activities like grooming. If this happens, as a good and caring feline enthusiast, you must take over the grooming responsibilities by brushing them daily.

Our senior felines have earned that for all the many years of love and joy they have given to us!

Featured feline - Autumn

Today's featured feline fits into the category of middle-aged, with a mild flirtation of boarding on being a young senior. Autumn is a slight, dark tortoise that is 10-12 years old. Her previous owners neglected her medical care, so Buddy has made sure her veterinary care has been excellent.

She has had some noncancerous tumors removed and has recovered well. Her next trip to the vet will include a dental. Then our girl will be ready for adoption.

She will be adopted at a special fee, the one Buddy uses to try and get our older felines homes. You can call The Buddy Foundation for an appointment for a meet-and-greet with this special girl and any of the other felines posted on our Web page.

For more information, call (847) 290-5806. The shelter's hours are currently by appointment only.

• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is a nonprofit 501(c) 3 shelter. Call (847) 290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.

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