Credit: CC0 Public DomainThe American Association of Feline Practitioners has published the 2021 AAFP Feline Senior Caring Guidelines. It will be published in the July issue of Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. This update outlines the latest advances in feline medicine for the elderly cat. This Task Force of experts offers a comprehensive current review of feline medicine, which emphasizes senior patients.According to the 2021 AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guides, senior cats are those that have reached 10 years old. Both cat owners and veterinary professionals need to understand the unique needs of senior cats. "Veterinary professionals should use the 2021 AAFP Feline senior Care Guidelines to improve their assessment and treatment for age-associated medical conditions, and to give guidance to clients, so that they can be included in their cat’s health care team," said Hazel Carney (Canine/Feline Task Force Co-chair), DVM, MS.These Guidelines emphasize the importance of regular veterinary care for senior cats aged 10-15 years. This is to ensure that health issues are managed and detected early. Senior cats who are over 15 years old should be checked every four months. Cats with chronic illnesses may require more frequent visits depending on their severity. These Guidelines introduce the concept of frailty and explain how senior cat owners can use it to help their cats. The Guidelines also address common issues such as pain management, nutrition, weight management, quality of life and end-of-life decisions.The Task Force discusses how aging cats' quality of life (QOL), and health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL). It emphasizes the importance of veterinarians and cat owners working together to make informed decisions for each senior cat. The Task Force recognizes the importance of caring for an elderly cat on its owner. When making treatment plans, veterinarians should consider the following four types of budgets: financial, emotional, physical, and time. Each cat owner will have a different budget, so it is important to be aware of this when making decisions.Further updates to the feline life stage guidelines have been released to the veterinary profession.Additional information: Michael Ray and colleagues, 2021 AAFP Feline senior care guidelines, Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (2021). Michael Ray et. al., 2021 AAFP Feline Senior Care Guidelines (2021). DOI: 10.177/1098612X211021538
