Hearing loss and outright deafness occurs in many cats over 16 years of age. It is permanent. Excessive wax production is more common. Many older cats have very waxy ears that need cleaning about once each month. We prescribe a wax solvent that is put in the ears the first 5 days of each month or possibly every other month.
Arthritis occurs in the spine or legs of some geriatric cats.
It results in them being reluctant or unable to jump on and off furniture or hesitant to climb stairs. We are limited in the drugs that can be used safely in arthritic cats, so a close examination and discussion of options is important. Common Diseases of Senior Cats Senior cats also develop certain major diseases with increasing frequency. The most common of these are diabetes, chronic kidney failure, hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure, and cancer. Each will be described briefly.