How to Take Care of Your Aging Cat

As cats enter their elderly years, owners often encounter new and unusual problems. Dr. Annie Price of Ormewood Animal Hospital in Atlanta answers questions about two common issues: excessive salivation and overgrown claws.

I have a 19-year-old house cat that salivates a lot when he sleeps. What is causing this? Should I take him to the vet?
Excessive salivating could be caused by a number of health issues, especially if it is vomiting or not eating. Nausea, pain and even dental disease can lead to hypersalivation. During exams, we find a lot of cats with teeth that are just rotten, and it hurts. Common oral tumors also make it diff to swallow well and cats will drool as a result.

Also see: 7 strategies for keeping your pets healthy and happy

If the problem has persisted for a while, the cat may have eaten something that caused ulcerative damage to its mouth. Some houseplants can cause damage to the mouth and esophagus. Definitely schedule a veterinary exam and bookmark the ASPCA website, which provides a comprehensive list of toxic plants.

My cat is 20 and she seems to have trouble retracting her claws. Should I trim them or is this normal with age?
Cats tend to be less active when they age. Activities they used to enjoy - such as clawing at posts or cardboard toys - may wane over time, causing their nails to become thicker. Many times, that outer layer makes the nail look very, very large and lead owners to think it's not retracting. The nails should be trimmed; otherwise they can grow into the cat's foot bed and cause infection. If owners are not comfortable trimming the cat's nails, the vet can trim them for you.

Also see: What's wrong with my cat? 4 common health questions