Checklist for Signs and Symptoms of Your Aging Cat

 

Please circle yes or no to each characteristic.  If the answer is yes, please explain below.

 

                                              Disorientation

Wanders aimlessly                                                                              yes             no

Appears lost or confused                                                                    yes             no

Gets "stuck in corners, behind furniture                                                yes             no

Stares into space or at walls                                                                yes             no

Tremors or shakes                                                                              yes             no

Difficulty finding the door                                                                    yes             no

No longer responds to verbal cues or name                                        yes             no

Appears to forget reason to go to litter box                                        yes             no

 

 

                                        Interaction with Family

Solicits attention less                                                                          yes             no

Less likely to stand/lie for petting (walks away)                                   yes             no

Less enthusiasm upon greeting                                                            yes             no

No longer greets owners                                                                    yes             no

Urinates/defecates out of the litter box (in view of owner)                   yes             no

 

                                            Sleep and Activity

Sleeps more (overall) in 24 hours                                                      yes             no

Sleeps less during the night                                                                yes             no

Decrease in purposeful activity                                                          yes             no

Difficulty climbing stairs                                                                     yes             no

Difficulty jumping up                                                                         yes             no

Increased stiffness or limping                                                            yes             no

Slow to get up after sleeping/lying down                                           yes             no

 

                                               Housetraining

Urinates indoors (# of incidents per week)                                        yes             no

Deficates indoors (# of incidents per week)                                       yes             no

Urinates/defecates indoors in view of owner                                      yes             no

Indicates pain on urination/defecation                                                yes             no

 

                                             Physical Changes

Increased thirst                                                                                 yes             no

Increased urination                                                                           yes             no

Increased frequency of bowl movements                                          yes             no

Change in appetite                                                                           yes             no

Vomiting/diarrhea                                                                            yes             no

Coughing                                                                                        yes             no

Trouble seeing                                                                                yes             no

Loss of hearing                                                                               yes             no

Bad breath                                                                                     yes             no

Panting                                                                                           yes             no

Skin and/or haircoat changes                                                          yes             no

Weight change                                                                               yes             no

 

Explanations and additional comments: