BVSc MRCVS
Grace graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2022. She works as a small animal vet in London and has published research in the Veterinary Record. She enjoys consulting and operating on dogs, cats, and exotic pets. Beyond clinical practice, she applies her expertise as a veterinary writer and mentors aspiring veterinary students.
Senior cat digestive problems can be difficult. If your senior cat has started vomiting more often, skipping meals, or using the litter box less frequently, you’re not alone. As cats age, their digestive systems, like ours, can become more sensitive. Cat digestive issues can be daunting, especially when affecting those aged over 10 years; however, these problems are not inevitable.
Is your cat scratching ears or shaking their head, or rubbing against furniture, you’re right to take notice; it’s a common sign that something’s irritating those sensitive ears. Ear scratching can be caused by mites, infections, allergies, or debris (wax) buildup. It is important to determine the cause as each requires a different solution. Read on to learn about the most likely causes of itchy cat ears, how to tell them apart, and how to help your cat find relief.
You’re petting your dog and suddenly feel a wet, scabby patch under the fur, which is red, sticky, and sore. That’s a classic sign of a hot spot. Hot spots on dogs are painful.
Do you know how to tell if your cat is in pain? The cat who used to greet you may suddenly be hiding more, grooming less, and generally seeming “off.” Cats have evolved to hide signs of pain—a survival mechanism that makes it notoriously difficult to notice discomfort until it’s advanced.
Have you noticed your cat jumping less? As pet owners watch their cats grow into their senior years, it could be arthritis in cats.