There was a time when a cat eight years of age was considered a senior. But now the change in scenario has made everything different, and vets feel a 15-year-old cat is old, thanks to the innovation in their diet, care, and boost of love in the heart of owners. Older cats become weak with time, and their lives depend on their owners. So, this blog is for the owner because here we will let you know about senior cat care. First, you will learn what problems they face in their seniority days. So, take advantage of every word to offer your old cat a healthy life.
Issues that a senior cat can face
As your cats age, they encounter various challenges:
- Their mobility diminishes, leading to arthritis and reduced flexibility.
- Dental issues become prevalent, causing discomfort and affecting their eating ability.
- Senior cats often struggle with weight management, exacerbating health problems.
- Their sensory functions decline, affecting their vision and hearing. Kidney and urinary tract problems become more common, necessitating special diets and monitoring.
- Cognitive decline, akin to dementia in humans, can affect their mental acuity and behavior.
Senior Cat Care Tips
We have already discussed the problems that cats can face with an increase in their age. Now, it is time to discuss senior cat care tips. Deeply observe the information we will discuss next and apply it practically so the older cat may have a healthy and happy life.
Q. Are older cats simple to care for?
They may have subtle changes in their demands with time, but they still need the fundamentals of cat care, such as companionship and an enriching environment. Even though elderly cats may sleep more, they still require play and a stimulating environment to keep their bodies active and their minds stimulated.
Schedule proper checkups
We as a human see that health problems grow with time, especially in the older days of life. The same is true with other living things; cats are no exception. It is said that in older age, a human becomes dependent on medicines because of weak immunity. Cats follow the same story. So, consider scheduling a yearly and bi-year checkup. Your vet will profoundly observe the cat’s health, tell you if there is any problem, and make the treatment.
Get a list ready before the visit about your concerns
To enhance the productivity of your senior care health, visit a veterinarian for a checkup. So, it’s essential to adopt a proactive approach:
- Compile a list of questions or concerns you want to discuss with your veterinarian.
- Meticulously document your cat’s diet, including details about treats, brands, and portion sizes.
- Provide your veterinarian with a comprehensive inventory of supplements or medications your cat takes, including preventives.
Additionally, consider capturing smartphone videos of any concerning behaviors or mobility issues witnessed at home; this can significantly aid your veterinarian’s assessment. Lastly, promptly complete any questionnaires your veterinarian provides in advance. By actively engaging in these preparatory measures, you can ensure that each veterinary visit is as productive as possible, ultimately promoting your cat’s overall health and well-being.
Pay attention to their diet
Senior cats require special nutritional and behavioral care. Your cat’s weight must be kept in check to maintain optimal health. When and how to switch your cat to a senior diet should be discussed with your veterinarian.
Your vet will assist you in determining your cat’s ideal weight and can suggest a senior meal to help maintain, reduce, or gain weight. Small, frequent meals given to cats daily and at night also help their digestion. Distribute the daily food amount for your cat in tiny pieces.
Let your cat enjoy the water
Cats are more prone to renal illness and constipation as they age, especially if they do not drink enough water. You may increase the amount of water your senior cat consumes by giving canned food and additional water alternatives.
Your cat may lose their ability to leap onto countertops or reach the standard water dish as they age. To encourage your elderly cat to drink more, place more water stations around the home with lots of bowls and pet water fountains.
Q. How often should I bathe my old cat?
As a general rule, short-haired cats and elderly cats only need to be cleaned as necessary to help avoid illness and foul odors, whereas long-haired cats should be bathed once a month to keep them clean.
Keep on observing if they suffer from any painful situation
Are you aware of the strange fact about the pains they face? Amazingly, they are dominant at whacking their pain. At the same time, arthritis affects senior cats the most, which is painful. Ten cats were X-rayed in an experiment, and vets found nine with this joint problem. Maintaining a healthy weight for your cat is the most crucial thing you can do to stop arthritic discomfort. The discomfort of aching joints can be considerably worsened by even a few pounds or less of extra weight.
A long-term strategy for managing your cat’s discomfort using medication, dietary supplements, and complementary therapies, including acupuncture, physical therapy, and laser treatments, can be provided by your veterinarian.
Daily exercise is good for their physical and mental health
Enriching the environment is crucial to your cat’s quality of life. All cats require places to climb, hiding spots, objects to scratch, and opportunities for play and hunting. These things will keep your cat healthy and intellectually and physically active. It could be more challenging to provide these items as your cat ages. You will need to make your home more accessible so that it’s easier for your cat’s older joints because their mobility may become more restricted. For cats with arthritis, a carpeted cat ramp may serve as both a climbing assistance and a scratching post.
Provide proper dental care
In older cats, dental disease is prevalent. Gum disease, oral malignancies, painful tooth holes, and fractured teeth can negatively impact a cat’s quality of life. Bloodstream infections from oral infections can gradually harm the heart, liver, and kidneys. Therefore, maintaining your cat’s oral health is crucial to care for them as they age.
Too often, oral illness goes undetected. Parents of cats view weight loss and a thin hair coat as merely oblique indicators of age rather than warning signs of possible issues. Regular dental cleanings and a comprehensive veterinarian examination may significantly increase your cat’s quality of life and even lengthen it.
Bathroom routines
There will come a time when your cat doesn’t feel motivated to relieve itself in cold, wet circumstances outside. Therefore, even if your senior cat can access the outdoors, offering an indoor litter box is a good idea. A litter box allows you to monitor your cat’s elimination habits for signs of illness, such as blood in the urine or stools, changes in stool consistency, or other symptoms.
Mystery Feeding
Although your older cat may appreciate the challenge of puzzle feeders, it’s vital to monitor food intake to ensure the added effort keeps your cat from eating. If so, keep feeding your cat from dishes in her favorite location.
Is yogurt safe for cats to eat?
Yes, as long as the yogurt is basic and unsweetened, cats may consume it. Although many cats have lactose intolerance, cats may more easily digest the lactose in yogurt because of the living bacteria in the food.
A place for uninterrupted sleep
Your bed or a window sill are two popular sleeping spots on raised surfaces, so as your cat ages, it might be more difficult for her to get to these unique spots. Placing the ramps, steps, and platforms will allow it to approach the location gradually rather than giving up due to joint stiffness or weakness.
Consider giving a warm, washable thermal blanket if your cat utilizes your bed, chair, or sofa. Many elderly cats have poor balance and might easily fall. Therefore, putting a soft, cushioned object below is best if your cat prefers to lie on window sills or other small platforms to prevent harm.
How much time do a senior cat need for sleeping purpose?
Like their kitten, they prefer sleeping at least 20 hours a day. If your cat cannot follow the sleeping pattern, it indicates something out-of-box. So, consider having a profound observation.
Conclusion
As your cat ages, it is essential to know about senior cat care tips. Knowing is not enough, but prefer applying them practically so your old feline may avoid different health problems. Moreover, being careless in your older cat’s matter may result negatively, so schedule an annual or bi-annual vet checkup. Moreover, leave it free to watery areas and offer regular exercise for their physical strength and mental health. Doing so will let your cat thank you! Happy old catting with senior cat care tips.
