Normal physiological changes associated with aging
Physiological changes in the older cat
Old age is not a disease; it is a stage of life. Little is known on the normal physiological changes occurring in cats. The information below is mostly extrapolated from other species including humans. It is important to differentiate those changes strictly caused by the aging process from those, which are pathological. Age related changes affect all functions.
|
Body System/Function |
Age Related Changes |
Increased Risk |
|
General effects |
Decreased metabolic rate & activity. Decreased capacity for thermo-regulations |
Obesity |
|
Skin |
Lost elasticity. Coat becomes dull. |
Dermatitis |
|
Special senses |
Visual acuity decreases. Decreased hearing. Decreased sense of smell. Decreased taste perception. |
|
|
Musculoskeletal |
Muscle, bone & cartilage loss. Degenerative joint changes |
Osteoarthritis |
|
Mouth |
Build up of dental calculus |
Gingivitis |
|
Urinary tract |
Decreased kidney function |
Chronic renal failure |
|
Cardiovascular |
Decreased cardio output |
Cardiomyopathy |
|
Pulmonary |
Loss of lung elasticity |
Chronic respiratory disease |
|
Endocrine |
Alteration in thyroid structure and function |
Hyperthyroidism |
|
Immunological |
Inflammaging: effect of a lifetime of constant antigenic challenge and associated production of inflammatory mediators. Immunosenescence: decreased immunocompetence |
Chronic inflammation.
Risk of infection and tumors |
|
Nervous |
Decreased number of cells in the brain. Alteration in neurotransmitter levels |
Cognitive dysfunction. |
Aging in cats is associated with gradual degradation in the delicate relationship amongst the body’s systems, which predispose to diseases. The question for the owner and the veterinarian is: Is the cat sick or is it just old age?
Failure to use the litter box, changes in activity levels, alterations in eating, drinking eliminating and sleeping habits are examples of signs of some medical conditions.
