The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too : Senior Cat The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too : Senior Cat
Showing posts with label Senior Cat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Senior Cat. Show all posts

Friday, February 11, 2022

Did You Know That Cats Are Officially ‘Seniors’ By The Time They Reach 10 Years of Age?


Cats are officially “seniors” by the time they reach 10 years of age. Fortunately, kitties today often live well into their teens and even their early 20s, so a 10-year-old healthy “senior” cat still has lots of living left to do!

At 10 to 12 years, most cats have slowed down a bit and tend to feel more stress in response to changes in their routine or environment. Cats at this age can also begin to develop the same types of health problems older people face, including arthritis, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and kidney disease. That’s why it’s so important to bring your cat for twice-yearly wellness visits with your veterinarian. The sooner a change in your kitty’s health is identified and addressed, the better the long-term outcome.

At 13 to 15 years, many cats experience some loss of vision and hearing, and can also develop age-related cognitive dysfunction. Kitties at this age tend to do a lot more napping and may grow a little crabby and easily annoyed. Frequent checkups in which your vet performs a complete geriatric workup are essential to maintaining your cat’s good health.

One can compare a cat of 16 to an 80-year-old human. A kitty at 16 or older is moving and thinking more slowly than he once did, and he probably has a few age-related health issues. He’s likely not as alert or responsive as he once was. It’s a good idea to keep a journal of any changes you notice in your pet, including his appetite and water consumption, signs of constipation or incontinence, aggressive behavior, or mental confusion. Signs that a cat is in pain can include hiding, panting, shortness of breath, teeth grinding, loss of interest in food, or reluctance to move around.

There are many things owners of senior cats can do to help their pet enjoy a good quality of life in their golden years. These include feeding the right nutrition, providing opportunities for exercise and environmental enrichment, offering supplements that are especially beneficial for older cats, providing multiple easy-in/easy-out litter boxes, and setting aside time each day to have positive interactions with their pet.
By Dr. Becker

By the time your cat reaches the age of 10, she’s officially a feline senior citizen. The good news is that many cats today are living into their late teens and even early 20s. With the proper care, a kitty in good health at 10 can easily live another 8, 10, or even 12 years.

So there’s no need to panic if your purr-y companion is getting older, but it IS time to start taking some steps to insure your pet stays as happy and healthy as possible throughout her senior and geriatric years.

But first, let’s take a look at how cats show signs of aging and what you can expect as your kitty gets older.

What to Expect at 10 to 12 Years
By the time most kitties turn 10, they have slowed down a little (or a lot, depending on how high-energy they were as youngsters). You might notice your cat isn’t jumping up on high surfaces as much anymore, or isn’t climbing to the uppermost spot on the cat tree.

And while all cats, regardless of age, do best with a consistent daily routine, older cats can become especially stressed when presented with anything new or different in their environment.

You might also notice your kitty doesn’t always run right out to greet you when you get home. He may not initiate play as often as he once did, and he may take more naps.  

Many cats also become more vocal as they age, and more fearful of strange or loud noises and unfamiliar people.

Older cats can also suffer from many of the same health challenges older humans face, including arthritis, diabetes, thyroid problems, and kidney disease, so it’s really important to bring your cat for twice-yearly wellness visits with your veterinarian. The sooner a change in your kitty’s health is identified and addressed, the easier it will be to resolve or manage the problem.

At veterinary visits, be sure to mention any and all behavior changes you’ve noticed in your cat, no matter how minor, as these can provide important clues about health problems that may be brewing under the surface. It’s also important you and your vet keep regular tabs on your cat’s weight, to assure she isn’t gaining or shrinking over time.

What to Expect at 13 to 15 Years
From 13 to 15 years of age, not only are most cats moving quite a bit slower than they once did, many are also experiencing at least some loss of vision and hearing. They may also have less tolerance for cold temperatures.

Elderly cats can develop age-related dementia, making small changes in their environment or routine increasingly stressful. Some older kitties are also easily confused.

Along with more napping and less activity, your senior cat may grow a bit cranky and easily irritated. If your household includes young children or a rambunctious dog, everyone will need to learn to approach kitty in a quiet, non-aggressive manner. And if yours is a multi-pet household, it’s important not to allow your aging cat to be bullied by younger pets who may sense a change in the natural pecking order.

You may also notice that your cat prefers to spend more time alone these days. You can enhance his feelings of safety and security by making his favorite hideout a warm, comfy little spot he can retreat to whenever he likes. But keep in mind that senior cats still need to interact with their humans regularly, so set aside some time each day to spend with your pet. You can engage him in gentle play, an ear scratching session, or some brushing or combing.

As I mentioned earlier, your cat is now at the age where twice-yearly veterinary checkups are essential in order to safeguard his health. Your vet will perform a geriatric workup, including a physical exam and blood, urine, and stool sample tests. The results of these tests will provide a snapshot of how well your cat’s organs are functioning, and point to any potential problems.

Your vet will also check the condition of your kitty’s coat and skin, his footpads and nails, and his teeth and gums.


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Friday, September 3, 2021

Hypertension or High Blood Pressure in Cats


What is hypertension? 

Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. A cat is generally thought to be hypertensive when its systolic blood pressure is above 160mm Hg.

Are certain cats more likely to get high blood pressure?

In humans, hypertension is related to several factors, including a stressful lifestyle. Although not all causes of feline hypertension have been identified, stress does not appear to play a role in the development of this disorder in cats.

To read more on this story, click here: Hypertension or High Blood Pressure in Cats


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Wednesday, August 25, 2021

Senior Cat Problems: What You Should Know About Aging Cats


You and your kitty have been together through thick and thin. As the years stretch into a decade, it can be easy to forget that your faithful companion isn't the spry kitten she once was. She may not show any obvious signs of slowing down, but perhaps her last health check has you facing the fact that you love an aging cat that needs to be handled with extra care. Senior cat problems aren't always easy to spot if you don't know what to look for. Read on to learn how to recognize aging cat issues and how to best care for your senior cat.

To read more on this story, click here: Senior Cat Problems: What You Should Know About Aging Cats


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Wednesday, August 18, 2021

Top 5 Health Issues in Senior Cats


With advances in veterinary medical care, cats now often live well into their teens and even 20’s.

However, with old age comes age-related health problems. Fortunately, senior cats aren’t left to days full of sickness and pain as they age. With proactive care on your part, your senior cat can live a fulfilling life in their golden years.

Below are a few common health conditions in senior cats that pet parents should keep an eye out for when caring for a senior cat.

To read more on this story, click here: Top 5 Health Issues in Senior Cats



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Sunday, October 25, 2020

Why is My Older Cat Refusing to Use the Litter Box?


DEAR JOAN: One of my cats is a 15-year-old male that was feral. We’ve had him a good long time in the house, and, finally, after 10 years, he isn’t spending most of his time under a bed because there was a noise.

He has never had a problem holding everything until he could sneak out to the litter box in the dark and do his business. Then all of a sudden about two months ago he started peeing on the bath mat in one of our bathrooms. This was usually at night.

We started keeping the door shut, but he then started using the carpet in my office as his private commode, both peeing and defecating on it sometimes. I tried using some repellent that contained methyl nonyl ketone (didn’t want coyote pee smell, too) on the carpet with little or no effect on his behavior. I ended up discarding the carpet and now keep the door closed.

To read more on this story, click here: Why is My Older Cat Refusing to Use the Litter Box?


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Monday, February 17, 2020

Does Your Aging Pet Show Signs of Dementia?



Is your aging pet showing some curious behavior changes? Senior pets, like humans, experience changes in the brain that can affect memory and comprehension. Dementia and senility are broad terms used to describe these changes. In dogs, the disease is called Canine Cognitive Dysfunction or Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome and it affects a growing number of senior dogs.

In cats, however, our understanding of cognitive dysfunction is still an ongoing research in the field.

Dogs

Possible Signs of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction:

Similar to Alzheimer's disease in humans, Canine Cognitive Dysfunction is caused by physical changes in the brain and its chemicals. Past studies have shown that some older dogs with CCD have brain lesions similar to those that physicians see in Alzheimer's patients. The result of these changes is a deterioration of how your dog thinks, learns, and remembers, which causes behavioral changes that can disrupt the lives of both you and your dog. If your senior dog doesn't seem to be herself, she may be part of the large percentage of dogs age 10 and older who experience some symptoms of CCD, which include various stages of confusion and disorientation. Your dog may have CCD if she has a number of the following behaviors:


  • Becomes lost in familiar places around the home or backyard
  • Becomes trapped behind familiar furniture or in room corners
  • Has trouble finding and using doors and negotiating stairways
  • Does not respond to her name or familiar commands
  • Is withdrawn and unwilling to play, go for walks, or even go outside
  • Does not recognize or is startled by family members, toys, etc.
  • Frequently trembles or shakes, either while standing or lying down
  • Paces or wanders aimlessly throughout the house
  • Has difficulty learning new tasks, commands, or routes
  • Frequently soils in the house, regardless of the frequency she is brought outside
  • Sleeps more during the day, less during the night
  • Stares at walls or into space and is startled by interior lighting, the television, etc.
  • Seeks less and less of your attention, praise, and play
  • Is hesitant to take treats, drink fresh water, or eat fresh food

In the meantime, you can help your dog cope with CCD by considering her needs when it comes to your home, its surroundings, and the environment it creates for your dog. By incorporating a little care and a modified, veterinarian-recommended lifestyle, you may be able to increase your dog's brain activity and halt further CCD advancement. In fact, the latest studies have found that regular, moderate physical activity, mental stimulation with interactive toys, and a diet rich in antioxidants may help maintain your aging dog's mental health. Again, your veterinarian should be consulted before changing any of your dog's exercise or feeding regimens; but also try to keep your senior dog's environment familiar and friendly, and:


  • Try not to change, rearrange, or even refurbish furniture
  • Eliminate clutter to create wide pathways through your house
  • Consider purchasing or building a ramp for any stairways
  • Know your dog's limits when introducing new toys, food, people, or other animals
  • Develop a routine feeding, watering, and walking schedule
  • Keep commands short, simple, and compassionate
  • Encourage gentle and involved, short play sessions
  • Most importantly, keep your patience and compassion. Your dog's world has changed, but every effort should be made to show her that your love, respect, and pride of her past and present abilities has not changed and never will.

Cats

Every cat has a certain level of "talkativeness" some are always quiet and purring, some meow about everything. The change seen with senior dementia is one of increased or excessive vocalizations, and not just a simple meow.

They may appear confused and not totally sure of their surroundings while vocalizing, and this behavior is more common at night, often waking up the household.

It is important to remember other possible causes of new or odd vocalizations, such as pain (arthritis or injury) or in some cases, changes related to hyperthyroidism.

Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is a widely accepted diagnosis in dogs, with established treatment options. In cats, however, our understanding of cognitive dysfunction is still being shaped by ongoing research in the field, and limited treatment options are available. Recent clinical studies indicate that old age in the cat is accompanied by increased behavioural signs such as wandering, vocalization and night-time activity that are not attributable to identifiable medical problems. It is essential, therefore, that veterinarians include behavioural well-being in the routine care of senior cats.

The main signs of dementia in cats are:

As with humans, dementia leaves cats confused and distressed. Your cat may become disorientated, and find it difficult to locate her litter tray or food bowl. The cat may even forget she has just eaten and will keep asking for more food (even more than usually happens!)


  • Night terrors may mean that a cat becomes especially demanding at night and may keep you awake by loud crying.
  • Alternatively, cats with dementia may become more aggressive or attention-seeking.
  • They will be much less eager to play games and will choose to doze instead. They may also be found wandering aimlessly.
  • Grooming much less frequently is also another sign of problems.

As with all behavior changes in your pet, please see your veterinarian first to rule out a medical problem first, as many diseases can have the same signs.

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Sunday, August 5, 2018

Signs That Your Cat Is Getting Older


If your cat is approaching the golden years, there are signs to let you know once they are reaching the homestretch of those nine lives. Although we love our cats dearly, sadly they are like humans who don’t live forever. Here are a few things to be aware of if your cat is getting older:


Getting up isn’t always so easy

As your precious kitty reaches their twilight years, it may prove difficult for them to get up as quickly as they once did. Allow them extra time to move about or help out by giving them a loving lift.
  

Gradual loss of appetite

This sign may be easier to spot if you have a kitty that always leaves their food bowl dry. The older your cat gets the lesser amount of food they will need to take in, so be on the lookout for a drop in weight as well.


Here, kitty kitty?

If your cat is truly getting older, that selective deafness they may have been practicing at times could take a turn to impaired hearing. As your cat ages so will all of their senses. This completely normal transition into a new stage of life may be a telltale sign for you as an owner.
  

Your social butterfly may start to retreat

Your cat may once have been the life of the party, but if they retreat to a safe place to hide every time visitors are present definitely take this as a sign. Cats that are older prefer peace and quiet as opposed to the lively lifestyle they may have once enjoyed.


Catching extra catnaps

Older cats require more sleep than younger cats do. As your cat approaches their senior years you may find them sleeping even more than normal.


They need you more than they used to

Cats are loyal to their loving owners, that’s for sure. As your cat gets up there in age you may find them becoming a bit clingy with a desire to be close to you almost whenever you’re around.


Not so high, please

With a slow decline in the senses also comes a steady decline in cat-like reflexes. The same cat that you may have once repeatedly told to “get down” may now have a hard time getting up. If kitty sleeps with you on your high bed at night, try investing in a cat ramp/step ladder to make getting on/off the bed easier for your aging feline companion.


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Monday, January 25, 2016

Helpful Tips to Keep Those Long-Haired Kitties Looking Marvelous


While long-haired cats may be beautiful, sometimes people are apprehensive to have one because of the extra work they might think will be involved. Long-haired cats have a certain appeal to them and if you look past the grooming, they can make a great choice for a companion.

1. The softer the coat, the more grooming required

This is a general rule of thumb that you can apply to long-haired cats. While some coats never seem to develop tangles, cats with softer and silkier coats seem to tangle easier and will require a bit more grooming. To properly upkeep and prevent against tangles that can become painful mats, daily brushing is recommended. And you will find that most cats enjoy being brushed or combed so don’t be surprised if you get a rise out of your cat each time you break out the grooming tool.



2. Older cats may need more assistance

Although cats are thought to be self-grooming, an older cat may have a trying time keeping their fur looking sharp. With age comes lack of energy and the task of grooming may prove too much of a chore for a tired, aging cat. Help them out with daily brushes so they can look and feel good all the time regardless of age.



3. Flat-faced cats may need help in hard to reach spots

 
Brachycephalic breeds, such as Persians and Himalayans, have distinct “pushed in” faces and will need assistance grooming the areas around their eyes to prevent from tear-staining and eye infections. If practiced routinely your cat should become accustomed and not seem to mind too much with repetition.



4. Overweight cats need a little extra

If your cat is significantly large, they may have difficulty contorting their bodies to get those hard to reach places around their tail and buttocks. By helping them out with brushing in this area this works to eliminate the possibility of excess clumping or tangles. For heavier cats bathing might be a necessity to keep them sanitary and avoid the risk of infection.



5. Bathing for your cat

Yes, it’s true that cats bathe themselves routinely, but giving your cat a bath about once per month may be needed to help with keeping kitty fresh. The more hair a cat has means more grooming, and for older or overweight cats they may need some extra help keeping themselves tidy. If you would like your cat smelling fresh all of the time, start from a young age implementing a bath into their routine so that they can get used to taking regular baths.



6. No need to hire a professional

Contrary to what some might believe, grooming for long-haired cats can be done at home and doesn’t require professional grooming unless absolutely necessary. With regular grooming this will keep your cat looking great and not have to worry about being transported to the groomer–which if it’s anything like the vet, your cat will not be particularly fond of.



7. More grooming by you, less hairballs for them

Every cat is prone to the occasional hairball, but with all that hair long-haired cats are more susceptible to these unpleasantries. Regular grooming will help reduce the number of hairballs a long-haired cat produces as their digestive systems can only break down so much hair at a time. Which will also be nice as cats love leaving these unsightly cat byproducts in the least desirable of places… directly under your feet where you walk.
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Sunday, January 17, 2016

If Your Cat is Approaching the Golden Years, There are Signs to Let You Know Once They Are Reaching the Homestretch of Those Nine Lives


If your cat is approaching the golden years, there are signs to let you know once they are reaching the homestretch of those nine lives. Although we love our cats dearly, sadly they are like humans who don’t live forever. Here are a few things to be aware of if your cat is getting older:


Getting up isn’t always so easy

As your precious kitty reaches their twilight years, it may prove difficult for them to get up as quickly as they once did. Allow them extra time to move about or help out by giving them a loving lift.
  




Gradual loss of appetite

This sign may be easier to spot if you have a kitty that always leaves their food bowl dry. The older your cat gets the lesser amount of food they will need to take in, so be on the lookout for a drop in weight as well.




Here, kitty kitty?

If your cat is truly getting older, that selective deafness they may have been practicing at times could take a turn to impaired hearing. As your cat ages so will all of their senses. This completely normal transition into a new stage of life may be a telltale sign for you as an owner.
  



Your social butterfly may start to retreat

Your cat may once have been the life of the party, but if they retreat to a safe place to hide every time visitors are present definitely take this as a sign. Cats that are older prefer peace and quiet as opposed to the lively lifestyle they may have once enjoyed.




Catching extra catnaps

Older cats require more sleep than younger cats do. As your cat approaches their senior years you may find them sleeping even more than normal.



They need you more than they used to

Cats are loyal to their loving owners, that’s for sure. As your cat gets up there in age you may find them becoming a bit clingy with a desire to be close to you almost whenever you’re around.



Not so high, please

With a slow decline in the senses also comes a steady decline in cat-like reflexes. The same cat that you may have once repeatedly told to “get down” may now have a hard time getting up. If kitty sleeps with you on your high bed at night, try investing in a cat ramp/step ladder to make getting on/off the bed easier for your aging feline companion.


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Monday, December 14, 2015

Why Don't Cats Go Gray?


Why don’t cats go gray like dogs do? Betsy Joliat

I’m jealous of my brown-and-black tabby, Fergie. When I adopted her as a 1-ish-year-old she sported a cute little white patch around her mouth and chin. I was in my mid-20s and my hair was blond. Eighteen years later, Fergie’s white patch is the same size and shape as the day we met — I have photos to prove it — but my blond hair now has gray highlights. She’s a super senior, but I’m only middle-aged and her lack of gray hair seems unfair.

One of my favorite dog friends is a black Labrador that started showing his age with lots of white hairs on his muzzle and around his eyes.

To read more on this story, click here: Why Don't Cats Go Gray?




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Friday, June 12, 2015

Did You Know That It’s Not Unusual for Older Pets to Develop Behavioral Problems?


As with people, it’s not unusual for older pets to develop behavioral problems. While it’s easy to blame these behavior changes on age alone, they can also indicate underlying medical problems. Make sure your elder pet visits her veterinarian as recommended, and that you call the veterinarian to discuss any noticeable changes in her behavior! These can be key indicators of underlying medical issues that should be addressed.

Causes of Behavior Changes in Senior Pets
Behavior problems can result from changes in your pet’s routine, illness, disease, senility, or cognitive dysfunction. Any change in lifestyle for a pet can be stressful, regardless of age, and as your pet gets older, she is less equipped to adapt to changes in her environment. Sometimes, simple life changes such as the introduction of a baby to the house, a new family member, or the absence of an individual can drive behavior change.

Medical and degenerative problems can also cause a behavior change in your pet, since changes within the major organ systems can influence behavior in many ways. Diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, and endocrine disorders all influence your pet’s behavior and personality. As your pet ages, her hearing and sight are affected. Often, this influences their ability to react, sometimes causing him to become fearful. Additionally, pets, like people, can become arthritic, which causes discomfort and can lead to irritability and a change in attitude.

Your pet’s brain is also susceptible to age-related changes. Degenerative processes in the brain can impact your pet’s personality, memory, behavior and even her ability to learn. Your pet may show varying degrees of cognitive function, from minor changes to significant senility.

Symptoms to Watch for in Your Senior Pet

Remember, sometimes small changes in behavior can be an early indicator that your friend is in pain, is ill, or has a degenerative disease. These subtle signs should be reported to your veterinarian right away!

In addition, keep an eye out for the following symptoms, which could be an indication that something is not right for your pet:

  • Increased drinking/urination
  • Loss of bladder control (dribbling urine or bedwetting)
  • Changes in bowel movements or frequent digestive upsets
  • Dry or itchy skin
  • Sores, lumps, or shaking of the head
  • Bad breath or drooling
  • Dry, red, or cloudy eyes
  • Coughing, excessive panting, or labored breathing
  • Lack of enthusiasm for normal activities
  • Stiffness or soreness
  • Changes in weight Disorientation
  • Tremors or shaking
Determining the Cause of Your Pet’s Behavioral Changes

If your pet is showing signs of age-related behavioral changes, your veterinarian will take a complete history of her behavior and thoroughly examine her. In addition, your veterinarian may recommend the following tests to rule out organ disease and other age-related conditions that could be the cause of the behavioral change.

These may include:

  • Chemistry tests to evaluate kidney, liver, and pancreatic function, as well as sugar levels
  • Antibody tests to identify if your pet has been exposed to vector-borne or other infectious diseases
  • A complete blood count (CBC) to rule out blood-related conditions
  • Electrolyte tests to ensure your pet isn’t dehydrated or suffering from an electrolyte imbalance
  • Urine tests to screen for urinary tract infections and other diseases, and to evaluate the kidney’s ability to concentrate urine
  • A thyroid test to determine if the thyroid gland is producing too little (in the case of dogs) or too much (in the case of cats) thyroid hormone
  • An ECG to screen for an abnormal heart rhythm, which may indicate underlying heart disease
Preventing Behavioral Problems in Your Aging Pet

Many behavioral issues our older friends have can be resolved or controlled. Vigilant attention and early detection, as well as other treatments including medication, supplements, and diets, can help treat or greatly slow the progression of many disease conditions and help our furry friends live longer and happier lives.

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Sunday, April 5, 2015

Emerson An Abused, Disfigured and Abandoned Senior Cat, Greets Everyone Walking Through the Shelter’s Door…In His Wheelchair


Houlton, Maine - Abused, disfigured and abandoned. If anyone had good reason to have a massive chip on his tiny, furry shoulder, it’s Emerson the cat.

Instead, the 10-year-old unofficial mascot at the Houlton Humane Society is devoting all of his remaining lives to spreading love and joy as he greets everyone walking through the shelter’s front door.

Emerson is not like other cats, having suffered serious damage to his spinal cord and a snapped neck, according to his owner, and Houlton Humane Society, Executive Director Heather Miller.

Those injuries left him without the use of his back legs, the inability to urinate and chronic issues affecting his ability to eat and drink on his own.

But as Emerson clearly demonstrates as he gets around using a special feline wheelchair apparatus, it’s hard to keep a good cat down.

“He was brought in to us last August,” Miller said Friday as Emerson wandered around checking out what was going on in the society’s reception area. “A lady found him, and when he was checked out by our vet, it was determined he had a broken neck, spinal cord damage, broken ribs and what looked to be chemical burns on his feet.”

By September, Miller and her husband, Jonathan Miller, who have huge and very soft hearts for “special needs” animals, were working with Emerson on getting him to use a wheelchair that Jonathan Miller, in true Yankee fashion, had created using PVC pipes and bicycle training wheels.

“It was almost too heavy for Emerson to get moving,” Heather Miller said. “But someone saw it on Facebook and sent us a cat wheelchair.”

The “chair” holds Emerson’s back legs off the floor and allows him to use his front paws to pull himself around.

It took awhile to convince Emerson of the benefits of the new adaptive device — the inherent laziness of cats did not help the process, according to Miller — but by December he was scooting around with little trouble.

“We put him in the wheelchair for a couple of hours at a time,” she said. “In the beginning, he had to get his front leg muscles built up.”

He is a sight to behold, Miller said.

Emerson’s injuries left the cat with a permanent tilt to his head giving him a somewhat quizzical expression. The inability to control his bowels or bladder means he wears a kitty diaper, and Miller dresses him in a “onesie” to avoid his getting chafed by the sling holding him in position on the wheelchair.

Staff at the humane society have blinged-out the chair with bright stickers, ribbons and a jaunty pennant announcing that Emerson is “Number one.”

As if he needed any reminders of that, Miller said.

The tabby has his own Facebook page with about 14,000 friends and has helped raise thousands of dollars for local animal rescue organizations through personal appearances and endorsements.

“The mailman asked me not long ago, ‘Who the heck is Emerson?’” Miller said. “He gets way more letters and packages than I do and has a lot more clothes than I do because people keep sending him outfits.”

Around town, Miller said she is not known as “Heather,” but as “Emerson’s mom.”

Spend a few moments with Emerson, and it’s easy to see why he’s gathered so many fans.

“He is precious,” Caroline Rossignol of Connor Plantation. said when she met Emerson on Friday. “He is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.”

Rossignol was at the humane society Friday with her grandmother Willa Rossignol to see about adopting a dog, but were sidetracked the moment they walked in as Emerson strolled/wheeled over to meet them.

“This is a first,” Caroline Rossignol said of seeing a cat in a wheelchair. “But he seems happy and well adjusted.”

Her grandmother agreed. And after hearing Emerson’s story of past abuse, she said she is happy he has found a good home.

“Anytime I come to Houlton, I am going to come and see this baby,” Willa Rossignol said.

Emerson is not the only special needs pet the Millers have.

On Friday, Kino, a 200-pound St. Bernard with congenital heart failure and rescued from a meth lab, was hanging out near the front desk.

“She has to be with me all the time,” Miller said. “I once had to leave for six days, and she did not eat the entire time I was gone.”

In addition to Emerson and Kino, the Millers share their home with a variety of other special needs pets.

At home are five dogs, two that are blind and three with three legs; four three legged cats and two blind cats; and a several rabbits with their own health issues, including seizures and blindness.

Miller admits the ongoing costs of caring for and feed Emerson a special diet can be expensive and a lot of work. She declined to comment on the exact amounts she and her husband spend on Emerson and the other animal’s care, other than to say they are happy to sacrifice vacations and personal items to do afford it.

“People know I will take in the animals no one else wants,” Miller said. “They all deserve a chance, [and] the payback is the in the reward of how forgiving these animals are.”

But Emerson, Miller said, is very special.

“He is my heart, my baby boy,” she said. “He has so much personality, and he doesn’t know he’s different.”

People can learn a lot from the resilient feline who seems to only want to be near people, despite what humans likely did to him in the past.

“Emerson holds no grudges,” Miller said. “He’s a very forgiving cat.”

That’s not to say he does not have his moments, such as when Dr. Lori Brown, the humane society’s veterinarian, came in to examine Emerson and give his ears a good cleaning Friday afternoon.

“If he could walk, he’d run away right now,” Brown said as she used elongated swabs to clean the cat’s ears.

For his part, throughout the procedure, Emerson glared at the wall registering his displeasure as only a cat can.

But soon he was again purring and doing what he does best — making people smile and reflect a bit on the blessings in their own lives.

“People always feel sorry for themselves,” Rossignol said watching as her granddaughter tried to take a photo of Emerson, who was more interested in head-butting the cell phone. “But look at Emerson — he’s more human than a lot of humans I know.”

The Houlton Humane Society gladly accepts donations mailed to P.O. Box 548, Houlton, ME 04730. Donations can also be made at animals@pwless.net








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Sunday, November 9, 2014

In Honor of Adopt-A-Senior Pet Month, I Am Sharing Several Adorable Senior Cats Looking For Forever Homes from The Washington Humane Society, Washington, DC


Picture of senior cat
November is Adopt-A-Senior Pet Month. I am sharing several senior cats available now at the Washington Humane Society, Washington, DC.

I am asking that you share them to help them find loving homes to spend their remaining years.

As an animal lover, senior animals have always touched my heart.

Kittens are cute, and most people want to adopt them first, leaving the senior cats behind. But do you know the advantages of a senior cat?

Please read:
Ten Advantages to Adopting Senior Cats
Steps to Adopt
Adoption Tips


King
Animal ID: 24167554
Species: Cat
Breed: Domestic Shorthair/Mix
Age: 10 years 15 days
Sex:  Male
Size: Medium
Color: Brown/White
Spayed/Neutered
Declawed: No
Site:  WHS / DC Animal Care and Control
Location:  Cat Adoption Room




To learn more about King, click HERE.






Juicy Fruit
Animal ID: 24070663
Species: Cat
Breed: Domestic Shorthair/Mix
Age: 6 years 26 days
Sex: Female
Size: Large
Color: Brown/Black
Spayed/Neutered
Declawed: No
Site: WHS / DC Animal Care and Control
Location: Cat Adoption Room


To learn more about Juicy Fruit, click HERE.





Tropicana
Animal ID: 24216683
Species: Cat
Breed: Domestic Shorthair/Mix
Age: 10 years 9 days
Sex: Female
Size: Large
Color: White/Brown
Spayed/Neutered
Declawed: No
Site: WHS / DC Animal Care and Control
Location: Kitty City

To learn more about Tropicana, click HERE.




Nunu
Animal ID: 24224898
Species: Cat
Breed: Domestic Shorthair/Mix
Age: 8 years 8 days
Sex:  Female
Size: XL
Color: Brown/Black
Spayed/Neutered
Declawed: No
Site:  WHS / DC Animal Care and Control
Location:  New Arrival Stray









To learn more about Nunu, click HERE.




Secret
Animal ID: 1267098
Species: Cat
Breed: Domestic Shorthair/Mix
Age: 12 years 1 month 17 days
Sex: Female
Size: Medium
Color: White/Black
Spayed/Neutered
Declawed: No
Site: WHS Georgia Ave
Location: Main Cattery




To learn more about Secret, click HERE.




Seven
Animal ID: 23896881
Species: Cat
Breed: Domestic Shorthair/Mix
Age: 12 years 1 month 17 days
Sex: Male
Size: Medium
Color: Grey
Spayed/Neutered
Declawed: No
Site: WHS Georgia Ave
Location: Main Cattery





To learn more about Seven, click HERE.





Dallas
Animal ID: 23918082
Species: Cat
Breed: Domestic Shorthair/Mix
Age: 7 years 1 month 15 days
Sex: Female
Size: Medium
Color: Black
Spayed/Neutered
Declawed: No
Site: WHS Georgia Ave
Location: Catter





To learn more about Dallas, click HERE.





Halo
Animal ID: 24130278
Species: Cat
Breed: Domestic Shorthair/Mix
Age:11 years 1 month 22 days
Sex: Male
Size: Large
Color: Orange/White
Spayed/Neutered
Declawed: No
Site: WHS Georgia Ave
Location: Main Cattery

To learn more about Halo, click HERE.





Diego
Animal ID: 24142973
Species: Cat
Breed: Domestic Medium Hair/Mix
Age: 6 years 4 months 29 days
Sex: Male
Size: Large
Color: Orange
Spayed/Neutered
Declawed: No
Site: WHS Georgia Ave
Location: Main Cattery










To learn more about Deigo, click HERE.





Sylvie
Animal ID: 24130270
Species: Cat
Breed: Domestic Shorthair/Mix
Age: 6 years 2 months 4 days
Sex: Female
Size: XL
Color: White/Brown
Spayed/Neutered
Declawed: No
Site: WHS Georgia Ave
Location: 7315










To learn more about Sylvie, click HERE.




Zephyr
Animal ID: 24130238
Species: Cat
Breed: Domestic Medium Hair/Mix
Age: 6 years 18 days
Sex: Male
Size: Large
Color: Black
Spayed/Neutered
Declawed: No
Site: WHS Georgia Ave
Location: Main Cattery






To learn more about Zephyr, click HERE.




Micio (In Foster Home)
Animal ID: 20743869
Species: Cat
Breed: Domestic Shorthair/Mix
Age:16 years 2 months 23 days
Sex: Male
Size: Medium
Color: White/Grey
Spayed/Neutered
Declawed: No
Site: WHS / DC Animal Care and Control
Location: Foster Home






To learn more about Micio, click HERE.





Snapple (In Foster Home)
Animal ID: 20669616
Species: Cat
Breed: Domestic Shorthair/Mix
Age: 9 years 3 months 1 day
Sex: Male
Size: Large
Color: Black
Spayed/Neutered
Declawed :No
Site: WHS / DC Animal Care and Control
Location: Foster Home






To learn more about Snapple, click HERE.




Mao Mao
Animal ID: 21257361
Species: Cat
Breed: Domestic Shorthair/Mix
Age: 10 years 25 days
Sex: Female
Size: Medium
Color: Black/Orange
Spayed/Neutered
Declawed: No
Site: WHS / DC Animal Care and Control
Location: Foster Home







To learn more about Mao Mao, click HERE.




Ariel (In Foster Home)
Animal ID: 22276972
Species: Cat
Breed: Domestic Shorthair/Mix
Age: 9 years 7 months 19 days
Sex: Female
Size: Medium
Color: White/Brown
Spayed/Neutered
Declawed: No
Site: WHS / DC Animal Care and Control
Location: Foster Home





To learn more about Ariel, click HERE.




Sam (In Foster Home)
Animal ID: 23425572
Species: Cat
Breed: Domestic Shorthair/Mix
Age: 8 years 3 months 11 days
Sex: Male
Size: Large
Color: Orange
Spayed/Neutered
Declawed: No
Site: WHS / DC Animal Care and Control
Location: Foster Home

To learn more about Sam, click HERE.




Liza
Animal ID: 23726700
Species: Cat
Breed: Domestic Medium Hair/Mix
Age:11 years 2 months 7 days
Sex: Female
Size: Large
Color: Grey/White
Spayed/Neutered
Declawed: No
Site: WHS / DC Animal Care and Control
Location: Foster Home









To learn more about Liza, click HERE.




Fifi (In Foster Home)
Animal ID: 24127795
Species: Cat
Breed: Domestic Shorthair/Mix
Age: 11 years 6 months 2 days
Sex: Female
Size: Large
Color: Brown/White
Spayed/Neutered
Declawed: No
Site: WHS / DC Animal Care and Control
Location: Foster Home


To learn more about Fifi, click HERE.




Tia
Animal ID: 24127798
Species: Cat
Breed: Domestic Shorthair/Mix
Age: 8 years 5 months 10 days
Sex: Female
Size: Medium
Color: Brown/Black
Spayed/Neutered
Declawed No
Site: WHS / DC Animal Care and Control
Location: Foster Home

To learn more about Tia, click HERE.




Goldie (In Foster Home)   
Animal ID: 21355979
Species: Cat
Breed: Domestic Medium Hair/Mix
Age: 7 years 13 days
Sex: Male
Size: Large
Color: Orange/White
Spayed/Neutered
Declawed: No
Site: WHS / DC Animal Care and Control
Location: Foster Home






To learn more about Goldie, click HERE.




Pearl (In Foster Home) 
Animal ID: 23341840
Species: Cat
Breed: Domestic Shorthair/Mix
Age: 10 years 3 months 22 days
Sex: Female
Size: Large
Color: Grey/White
Spayed/Neutered
Declawed: No
Site: WHS / DC Animal Care and Control
Location: Foster Home






To learn more about Pearl, click HERE.





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