While it is debateable whether cats have nine lives or not, it is not uncommon to see cats live to a ripe old age of 20 years of age or longer. This is due to the many advancements made in healthealth care, proper nutrition and basic human need to have our pets around us longer. So this raises the question of how to take care of an older cat?
Even though Fluffy may look like the spry young kitten she once was the truth is because of advanced age her needs will increase as her basic functions slow down. Cat`s health will slow down in older cats so here are a few suggestions to help make life easier for not only the older cat but also the owner.
1. Veterinarian Care
While I do not endorse runniing to your Vet over every problem, for serious illnesses or accidents they are invaluable.
Senior cats should be given a check up atleast once every 6 months. The Vet will check for signs of illness, joint problems, eye strain and dental issues. It is probably not a bad idea to start some kind of teeth brushing to avoid periodental problems from springing up.
2. Diet
This is very important. Feeding your older cat proper nutritional food along with a quality supplement will assist in keep an older cat healthy and avoioiding potential cat heatlh problems.
3. Watch For Signs
As your cat changes be it behavior or physical changes, pay attention to it as it could be the start of a medical problem.
A few things to look for would be a change in there eating , elimination problems ( either going more or less) or personality changes.
Like us humans, when we get older sometimes climbing steps can be a real challenge. A literal mountain! By changing the older cats environment can be the differenence in having a happy cat or not. Perhaps move the litter box to a more central location or on the ground floor as opposed to the basement. As a side point, if he has trouble climbing into his litter box maybe replace it with a low-sided one or lower entrance.
Another suggestion would be to purchase a pet ramp to allow kitty to look out his favorite window ledget if he cannot jump up there anymore.
Senior cats need heat as they are more sensitive to drafts and the cold. So by adding a warmer blanket to his bed it willl help him retain his body heat. One typical cat health problem in older cats is declining vision. Try keeping a night light on so he can see around better in the dark.
Gentle brushing or stroking your cat will help increase blood circulation and distribute skin oil so doing this on a daily basis wilill greatly reduce cat health problems. As well do not be surprised if your cat has the occasional potty accident, this too happens with older cats.
Yes it is sad to see our pets get older but it is a fact of life and doing what we can now will help ease the transition into our pets advanced years.
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