• Keep vaccinations current.
  • Brush frequently to keep hair coat from matting.
  • Clip toenails as needed to prevent overgrowth.
  • Keep fresh water available at all times and monitor consumption.
  • Monitor urine output.
  • Keep other pets from preventing this senior pet from eating or drinking.
  • Keep indoors.
  • Weigh on the same scale and record results at least every 2 months.
  • Schedule twice yearly wellness exams with your veterinarian.

Present the pet for examination if you observe any of the following:

  • Sustained, significant increase in water consumption. (More than 1.5 cups/day for the average cat).
  • Sustained, significant increase in wet litter.
  • Weight loss.
  • Significant decrease in appetite or failure to eat for more than 2 consecutive days.
  • Significant increase in appetite.
  • Repeated vomiting.
  • Diarrhea that lasts over 2 days.
  • Difficulty in passing stool or urine or prolonged sitting in the litter box.
  • Change in litter box habits, especially if inappropriate urination or defecation occurs.
  • Lameness that lasts more than 2 days, or lameness in more than one leg.
  • Noticeable decrease in vision, especially if sudden in onset or pupils that do not constrict in bright light.
  • Masses, ulcerations (open sores), or multiple scabs on the skin that persists more than 1 week.
  • Foul mouth odor or drooling that lasts more than 2 days.
  • Increased size of the abdomen.
  • Increasing inactivity especially increases in sleeping.
  • Hair loss, especially if accompanied by scratching or if in specific areas of the body.
  • Reluctance or inability to chew dry food.