By : JayTillotson
Pets get older just like people do. They can suffer from forgetfulness, appetite loss, muscle tone reduction, stiffening joints… the kind of symptoms that humans also suffer from.
Other common problems include:
Kidney/liver problems – is your cat thirstier than usual?
Weight loss; this is often caused by bowel problems, especially if the cat appears to be eating their usual amount of food
Fur matting – elderly cats are less able to groom themselves and serious matting can cause pain to the cat.
Is your cat constantly missing the litter tray? This could be attributed to forgetfulness - many older cats forget where the tray is. Muscle weakness can prevent the cat climbing in and out of the tray, or bladder problems could be the cause.
Insuring your geri-cat-ric is not as simple as insuring a kitten or young cat. Many pet insurance companies refuse to insure a cat over 11 years. With some companies the limit is as low at 8 years old.
But rest assured – there are companies that will provide insurance for older cats. The premiums can work out slightly more expensive, but it’s nothing compared to what you’d have to pay if your cat developed a kidney problem late in life and you didn’t have it insured.
With the right policy you can also claim if your cat dies of illness or old age – but check and double-check to make sure this is definitely covered. Likewise, some policies offer bereavement counselling, especially handy if you’ve had your cat from a kitten and cared for him into old age. Again, check your policy.
If your cat is nearing old age, it’s worth checking any existing policy to find out the upper age limit. It may mean you have to switch to a policy that gives cover over and above 8 to 11 years old.
Pet insurance gives peace of mind to the owner of a cat of any age, but for the owner of the elderly cat it gives that added assurance that your pet can enjoy a healthier retirement.
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