Take Care of an Older Cat
Just like when humans age, older cats need change. They’re different than those of a young cat. Additional trips to the vet and changing accommodations at home. There are things you can do to take care of your cat and adjust and prepare for its senior years.
Of course, how do you know when your cat is a senior? Unlike humans, it’s more difficult to detect that your cat is growing older. Not long ago, cats were considered seniors at eight years old. Recently cats are now considered older at 12 to 14 years, and it’s not unusual for cats to twenties. Part of this is caused by improved nutrition, living indoors, and advances in veterinary medicine, that today cats live longer
“Growing older is not a disease,” one vet said. “While it’s true that senior cats are more likely to get different conditions, some older cats are perfectly normal and don’t change at all.”
Keep You Cat, Healthy
With increasing age, comes changes in the body can occur as well. In one study, roughly 90% of cats over the age of 12 years had evidence of arthritis. Of course, with arthritis, pain and mobility become an issue. If your older cat has become less active and is now reluctant to jump on counters and other areas that he used to frequent, it may be because your cat has developed arthritis.
Be more informed and aware of your senior cat’s condition. The older your senior cat, the more important it is to maintain good health. Older cats tend to be less active or playful they may sleep more, gain or lose weight, and have trouble reaching their favorite places. Don’t chalk up health or behavior changes – often gradual – to old age, however. Such changes can be signs of common diseases or dental problems that should be addressed by your veterinarian.
Older Cats Need to Be Active
The biggest change that most people see with senior cats is activity. Some cats will become less active with age, essentially becoming couch potatoes, Senior cats often gain weight as a result of the change inactivity. Obesity is a major health issue in cats of all ages, and senior cats are no different. It is important to determine whether your senior cat is overweight, underweight, or ideal body weight.
Changing Cats Diet
One way to ease digestion is to consider feeding your cat several small meals a day instead, of one large serving. As your cat ages, its diet needs to change. They require additional nutrients such as a higher protein level than dogs, Check your pet food label. Today there are cat foods made especially for senior cats. You might need to feed your senior cat a diet that is appropriate for your cat’s age and lifestyle.
Because senior cats are prone to inactivity, inspect your cat’s nails on a regular basis and trim them when necessary. Claws should also be checked regularly too, because if a cat stops using a scratch post to pull off the dead outer claws they can grow around and into the pad, causing a lot of pain.
Changing Environment
Senior cats require special accommodations to their environment. They need to have easy access to the things they enjoy. Don’t force your senior cat to go up and downstairs to eat, drink or use the litter box.
Ways you can help your senior cat include changing the height of the litter box. Senior cats cannot jump like into the litter box like they could in their younger years. To accommodate you might have to purchase a cat box with lower sides for easier access into and out of the box.
Providing a soft bed for your cat is important. Consider a cat bed, towels, or blankets where your cat can rest. To make your cat more comfortable, cats like to seek out warm places to rest. Make sure your older cat’s favorite soft bed or resting place is not in a drafty area of your home. Too much heat, though, can potentially burn a cat who can’t move quickly, so be sure to think warm, not hot. Help him get there. If your older cat can no longer jump on his favorite windowsill, chair, or sofa, create box steps, or ramps that allow the cat to reach a special spot on his own. The idea is to provide a firm footing; for example, cover steps or a ramp with carpet to prevent slipping. Pet stores have cat stairs to make it easier for cats to get up on the bed or couch.
Additional Grooming
Older cats may find it harder to keep themselves clean. You can assist by gently grooming your cat. Older cats can benefit from more frequent hands-on help if their self-grooming begins to wane. Be aware that a sudden lack of grooming may signal a health problem. Longhaired cats are particularly susceptible to fur that becomes uncomfortably matted. Gently brushing or combing removes loose hairs and stimulates circulation and sebaceous gland secretions, returning luster to the coat.
Finally, older cats cherish predictable days more than younger cats do. Older cats are the same as we become set in our ways. Some cats may need more emotional support as they age, and others may prefer to be left alone. They may become more dependent on relationships and require more attention. It may be harder for them to deal with changes. Sticking to normal routines reassures them that they will live out their final years with comfort and enjoyment.
More Information About Older Cats
If you need additional information, please check out The Special Needs of the Senior Cat article from Cornell Feline Health Center
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The article was written, and the Digital Photo-Painting was created by Peter Smolens of P.B.S. Studios. To see more examples of his writing, check out the Article Section of his website – www.pbsstudios.com