A Long and Healthy Life

Tips to make the most of your cat's golden years.

Despite being 18 years old, Natasha still enjoyed a game of chase the string. But when Joyce Wilden of Melbourne, Fla., noticed her black cat was losing weight even though she was eating more, she took Tasha to the veterinarian for a checkup. A Blood test revealed hyperthyroidism (a disease in which too much thyroid hormone is produced.

Because Tasha could be difficult to pill, Wilden chose to threat the condition with daily doses of compounded medicinal gel massaged into the tips of her ears. Today Tasha is almost 20 and still going strong. She’s the poster cat for the benefits of a proactive owner and regular senior checkups.

**Get the September 2009 issue of CAT FANCY to read the full article.**

**Click here to see CatChannel’s exclusive tips on keeping senior cats comfortable.

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Beth Highland Park, IL

8/14/2009 12:09:36 PM

I have been a subscriber to your magazine now for several years. I have been a "mom" to 4 cats over the past 14 years. I am one of those "crazy cat people" who treats her pets as children. I take my babies to regualr vet appointments and when there is something not right with one of them, we are on our way to one of 2 vets that we have on speed dial. However, after reading this article by Dusty Rainbolt, i feel as if i am the most inadequate pet owner on the planet because 2 of my babies passed away before they even hit the age of 13. One was an unknowen cause and the other was due to complications with diabetes. Things I had no control over no matter what I did to "fix" thier health problems. I dont agree with this author and for him/her to sit there and say that cats who have "good genes and attentive owners" basically live longer doesnt say much for those of us who have lost an animal even though we tried everything in our power to save them. I have spent thousands of dollars on my "kids" and will continue to do so because that was a commitment I made when i brought each and everyone of them into not only my home but my heart as well even though i live on a modest paycheck. Please, dont think of me as a horrible pet owner just because some of them didnt live into thier 20's or 30's. My babies are happy and as healthy as they are ever going to be. Just ask one of the 2 vets I have on speed dial how nuerotic i am.