American association of feline practitioners. Senior care guidelines.
BACKGROUND
Cats are the most popular pet in the United States and much of Northern Europe. Although 78% of owners consider their cats to be family members, many cats, particularly seniors, do not receive appropriate preventive care. One of the main obstacles to owner compliance is the lack of a clear recommendation by the veterinary team. Guidelines can help veterinarians to minimize this obstacle, strengthen the human-pet-veterinary bond, and improve the quality of life of cats.


OBJECTIVE
The goals of this article are to assist veterinarians to: Deliver consistent high-quality care to senior cats. Promote longevity and improve the quality of life of senior cats by: recognizing and controlling health risk factors; facilitating and promoting early detection of disease; improving or maintaining residual organ function; and delaying the progression of common conditions. Define aspects of screening, diagnosis, treatment and anesthesia of senior cats.
Pittari
Jeanne
J
Rodan
Ilona
I
Beekman
Gerard
G
Gunn-Moore
Danièlle
D
Polzin
David
D
Taboada
Joseph
J
Tuzio
Helen
H
Zoran
Debra
D
D000367:Age Factors; D000827:Animal Welfare / Q000458:organization & administration*; D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002415:Cats; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000662:veterinary; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D014481:United States; D014730:Veterinary Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration*