American Association of Feline Practitioners: Senior Care Guidelines

Abstract

Background Cats are the most popular pet in the United States and much of Northern Europe. Although 78% of owners consider their cats to be family members, many cats, particularly seniors, do not receive appropriate preventive care. 1 – 3 One of the main obstacles to owner compliance is the lack of a clear recommendation by the veterinary team. 4 Guidelines can help veterinarians to minimize this obstacle, strengthen the human-pet-veterinary bond, and improve the quality of life of cats. Goals The goals of this article are to assist veterinarians to: Deliver consistent high-quality care to senior cats. Promote longevity and improve the quality of life of senior cats by: recognizing and controlling health risk factors; facilitating and promoting early detection of disease; improving or maintaining residual organ function; and delaying the progression of common conditions. Define aspects of screening, diagnosis, treatment and anesthesia of senior cats.

Perceptions of Quality of Life and Priorities of Owners of Cats with Heart Disease

“…Future studies evaluating the clinical efficacy of cardiac medications should develop appropriate tools and consider including QoL assessment as an important clinical endpoint. Such tools should include aspects of QoL that are deemed most important to pet owners, including pain control, pet‐owner interaction, mobility, cognitive function, appetite, and normal routines for sleeping, grooming, and socializing 3,4 …”

Routine Health Screening

“…Veterinary clinics are increasingly offering 'geriatric health care packages', and these should consist of a thorough history (preferably by detailed owner questionnaire), physical examination (including oral cavity examination and thyroid palpation), blood pressure (BP) measurement, ophthalmic examination and laboratory tests. [2][3][4] Unfortunately, the interpretation of results is difficult because scientific information regarding clinical and laboratory abnormalities in older animals is scarce.…”

Deciphering the Cat

“…Specific questionnaires can also be developed for different medical issues, such as behavior or mobility problems and cognitive dysfunction. 19,23 Histories must be consistent and comprehensive. Open-ended questions requiring a definitive response rather than a simple yes or no result in the best answers.…”

“…If so, the veterinarian may need to ask the client additional questions, further observe the patient, and re-evaluate the original diagnosis. 23,27 An effective medical history summarizes the known health situation and the needs and potential problems of the patient (Box 3-3). The next step, a comprehensive physical examination, helps assemble the pieces of the puzzle.…”