Cat Matted Fur Old Age

That s a lot of kitties with the potential for stiff sore joints.

Cat matted fur old age.

The symptoms of aging and death are similar. However it will be the frequency and severity of these conditions that determine your cat s overall state. Indications a cat is dying of old age. Old infirm overweight and long haired cats in particular are more susceptible to tangled fur which can become clumped mats or knotted dreadlocks.

Brittle or damaged cat hair also can become tangled and form mats she says. This can lead to unkempt fur and a dirty posterior because your cat cannot lick himself clean in that area. They could be in pain from dental problems or arthritis or they could have nausea. A stiff elbow or shoulder makes it awkward for a cat to use their facecloth a k a.

Dental issues the easiest place to start your investigation into why a senior cat isn t autogrooming as often is their mouth. It s also important for aging cats to drink plenty of clean fresh water to help improve kidney function and prevent dehydration. Illnesses such as hypothyroidism hyperthyroidism hypertension and kidney problems can cause dandruff and matted fur and these conditions are common in older kitties. Indoor only and shorthaired cats can also get mats from a buildup of dust and dander.

Overweight old or sick cats can have a hard time reaching all areas of their bodies for grooming. 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. 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. These tangles are not only unsightly they can also cause discomfort facilitate skin disorders or harbor worms mites or other pests.

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. When animals don t feel well they stop grooming. 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.

Their paw to wash. These types of diseases are more common during the feline geriatric years.