While spending quality time with cats Andy and Gracie, I realized that they would soon be 15 years old. That definitely puts them into the category of senior pets.

Using the cat-age calculator of 25 cat years for the first two human years and then 4-5 cat years for each human year thereafter, my babies are in their early 80s. I then saw the following information from the California Veterinary Association, which I decided to share with you.

Everyone is getting older, including our pets. In the United States, it’s estimated that more than 18 million dogs and 22 million cats are considered “senior citizens.” Common ailments affecting older pets include arthritis, cancer, diabetes, kidney and liver diseases and thyroid problems.

Unfortunately, our pets can’t tell us if their limbs are aching, their teeth are hurting or their appetite is waning because they just don’t feel well. That’s why veterinarians strongly recommend that “senior” pets get twice-a-year checkups to detect any problems before they become serious. Early detection is the easiest way to treat canine or feline ailments and diseases.

“We all want our pets to be with us as long as possible,” said Jon Klingborg, DVM, past-president of the California Veterinary Medical Association. “The good news is that advancements in veterinary medicine allow us to detect medical problems early and provide treatment so that our pets can live longer, happier lives.”

Pet owners now have access to medical procedures for their animals that were once available only to humans: hip replacements, pacemakers, organ transplants and chemotherapy. And there are more veterinarians specializing in the areas of oncology, ophthalmology, cardiology, neurology and other specialties.

In addition to seeing a veterinarian for a twice-annual “senior exam,” there are other ways to ease your aging pet’s lifestyle:

• If your pet is arthritic, install a safety gate across stairways to spare aching joints. Also, elevate food and water bowls so your pet doesn’t have to bend down to eat or drink;

• Mop up any spills around feeding bowls so pets won’t slip and fall;

• Consider switching to “senior” foods to ensure your pet receives balanced nutrition without extra calories. (If your pet is on a specialty diet, consult your veterinarian before making a switch);

• When brushing and grooming your senior pet, check for lumps, sores, parasites and ear discharges;

• Keep up to date on your pet’s vaccinations, since older pets may be more susceptible to disease; and

• Provide routine dental care to avoid gingivitis and loss of teeth.

Also pay attention to any indications of potential medical conditions — weight loss, change in urination, increased stiffness, trembling or shaking, sleep pattern disruption and changes in skin or coat.

You know your pet best. If you spot any signs of pain or behavioral changes, contact your veterinarian for advice.

— Pets and the People Who Love Them is brought to you by your friends at the Athens-Limestone Animal Shelter. To adopt a dog or cat, please visit the Athens-Limestone Animal Shelter at 1701 U.S. 72 (behind Limestone Veterinary Clinic), visit our Facebook page or call us at 256-771-7889. Email your questions and story ideas to me at PetsAndPeople@charter.net, and I’ll check with the experts (veterinarians, animal behaviorists, etc.) and get back to you in a future column.