Cats are subtle creatures, not ones for making a big scene whenever they feel under the weather. Subtle or not, cats are susceptible to just as many symptoms of aging as the rest of us. The good news is astute pet parents can spot many signs of aging as long as they know what to look for.

Vision Problems in Cats

Eye problems in aging cats can present as a primary condition or secondary to a larger health issue. Some of the most common primary eye conditions in cats are trauma, cancer, and glaucoma (increased intraocular pressure).

The eyes are the window to the soul, but they are also a window to the cardiovascular system. Ocular disease may present secondary to another primary condition such as elevated blood pressure. Hypertension is often seen in cats suffering from hyperthyroidism and/or kidney disease. This may present as engorged retinal blood vessels noted during a physical examination, or in severe cases a detached retina, observed by owners as sudden blindness or decrease in vision.

Any of the following signs warrant a trip to the vet for a close examination:

• Pawing at the eye or excessive blinking
• Engorged (swollen) blood vessels in the sclera, or whites of the eyes
• Pupils that remain dilated even in high light, or are two different sizes
• Bumping into objects or other signs of decreased vision
• Cloudiness or visible debris in the front of the eye

Kidney Disease in Cats

Kidney disease is one of the leading causes of illness in senior cats. You may initially notice an increase in drinking and urination as the kidneys lose their ability to concentrate urine. As the disease progresses, cats lose weight and their appetite as toxins accumulate in the blood. Although kidney (renal) failure is irreversible, early detection and specially designed kidney foods can slow progression of the disease.