Cat Matted Fur Old Age

Indications a cat is dying of old age.

Cat matted fur old age.

Illnesses such as hypothyroidism hyperthyroidism hypertension and kidney problems can cause dandruff and matted fur and these conditions are common in older kitties. Their paw to wash. Indoor only and shorthaired cats can also get mats from a buildup of dust and dander. It s thought around 90 of cats aged over 12 years have radiographic signs of arthritis.

The symptoms of aging and death are similar. Brittle or damaged cat hair also can become tangled and form mats she says. It s also important for aging cats to drink plenty of clean fresh water to help improve kidney function and prevent dehydration. That s a lot of kitties with the potential for stiff sore joints.

A stiff elbow or shoulder makes it awkward for a cat to use their facecloth a k a. When a cat no longer shows an interest in grooming it s important to look for the underlying causes as an old cat with matted fur may be indicative of an underlying health issue. They could be in pain from dental problems or arthritis or they could have nausea. These types of diseases are more common during the feline geriatric years.

While a lack of grooming sometimes is just part of old age many times there may be a medical cause for it in your elderly feline. If she has an underlying health condition your vet might decide to place her on a therapeutic pet cat food such as hill s prescription diet to help control her condition. It is not so much old age but more typically the complications associated with failing organ systems that kill a cat. Senior cats may also become lax in their grooming habits due to obesity which can come on from decreased activity in old age millward says.

Dry food has been linked to matted fur problems and some owners have reported a positive change in fur health after switching away from a dry food diet. Overweight old or sick cats can have a hard time reaching all areas of their bodies for grooming. This can lead to unkempt fur and a dirty posterior because your cat cannot lick himself clean in that area. Dental issues the easiest place to start your investigation into why a senior cat isn t autogrooming as often is their mouth.

When animals don t feel well they stop grooming. However it will be the frequency and severity of these conditions that determine your cat s overall state.