LAS VEGAS, March 17, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A Cat Hospital in Las Vegas, NV is educating pet owners about how they can help their cats live longer, healthier lives. Thanks to advances in veterinary medicine, today's felines are living well into their teens. However, senior cats also face a number of health problems, including heart disease, thyroid imbalance, urinary tract problems, reduced mobility and chronic pain. A semi-annual wellness exam is the best way to monitor feline health and reduce the risk for long-term health problems.
Proactive senior cat care is essential to helping cats live longer, healthier lives, says veterinarian Dr. Trish Auge.
"Many pet owners do not realize that their pets are in pain or suffering from poor health," said Dr. Auge. "While cats will naturally be less active as they age, they should still be able to move freely, jump and enjoy playing games. Cats that lose interest in physical activity may be in substantial pain."
According to Dr. Auge, even cat owners vigilant about their pets' health may have difficulty detecting the symptoms of pain or sickness in their cats until it is too late.
"Cats are masters at hiding symptoms of illness, pain and disease," said Dr. Auge. "Consequently, a wellness exam is the best way to identify any problems before a cat's health is severely compromised."
Dr. Auge and her fellow veterinarians at A Cat Hospital in Las Vegas are working to educate pet owners about the importance of semi-annual wellness exams for senior cats.
Cats are generally considered to be seniors between 11 and 14 years of age. Outward signs of aging include reduced vision and hearing, bladder control problems or changes in litter box habits, loose skin and brittle nails, and the appearance of brown spots. Pet owners may also a notice a change in a cat's willingness to eat, or a change in behavior and mood.
"While it is easy to notice the outward signs of aging, what cat owners cannot see is how aging is affecting a cat's internal organs or causing pain," said Dr. Auge. "During a semi-annual wellness exam, we will conduct blood work, a urinalysis and other diagnostic tests. These tests give us a real look into a cat's internal health."
It is not uncommon for today's cats to live to be 15 years or older, says the veterinarian. In order to make their golden years as comfortable as possible, disease prevention and pain management are essential.
"Just like humans, cats develop new wellness needs as they age," said Dr. Auge. "Some cats may need extra care treating a thyroid imbalance or kidney problem. Other cats may suffer from joint pain and arthritis. My job as a veterinarian is to address these needs so cats can enjoy their golden years pain-free."
Cat owners can learn more about Las Vegas senior cat care benefits by visiting http://www.acathospital.com/.