Just like humans, the needs of aging cats will vary compared to their youthful counterparts. Here are a few tips on what you need to know concerning senior cat so that they enjoy their golden years of life in good health. This article will share with you how to properly take care of a senior cat, as we give out some tips that should come in handy for everyone who owns a pet.
At What Age Is My Cat Considered a Senior Cat?
In general, a cat is not considered to be a senior until he reaches the age of 7. Even if they look fine, their biologic functions begin to shift which will influence their overall health and behavior. Understand your senior cat and you can offer him everything that he needs so as to have a quality of life suitable for his age.
How to Care for a Senior Cat
Senior Cat Care Top Tips:
Select the proper food to support your senior cat’s nutrition.
Take care of your older cat in a balanced way and feed them right.
Develop an Age Appropriate Cat Care Plan
Make sure that you choose a veterinary adviser who is knowledgeable in the health issues surrounding older cats.
Make plans for home care routines that are appropriate for your cat as they grow.
It’s all about balance people take care of your senior cats, but spoil them to make sure they are happy!
Accept and fulfill all of your cats emotional needs through the years
Give your senior pet group lots of interactive play time to help them stay mentally and physically active.
In short treat your aging kitty as spoil cat with this following tips.
1. Regular Veterinary Checkups
One of the biggest things to manage when supporting a senior cat, is maintaining routine checkups with your vet. Arthritis, dental disease, kidney disease and hyperthyroidism are common health issues for older cats. Regular checkups at a veterinary hospital can catch early signs of these conditions and offer treatments to help manage them properly.
Tips on Tackling a Senior Cats Vet Visit
If you take your senior feline friend to the vet for a checkup, the vet will most likely perform a comprehensive physical examination as well as some blood tests and any necessary X-rays or ultrasounds in order to ascertain if there are any underlying diseases. Their weight is a great indicator of health, so you should keep an eye on it!
2. Nutrition for the Senior Cat
And 5 Luxe Pet Condos Anyone Would Be Happy withMore in Top StoriesWant Your Senior Cat to Begin Aging Gracefully? Senior cats may benefit from a diet specifically formulated for older felines that delivers balanced nutrition without unnecessary calories. Certain foods can support joint health, kidney function and even digestion in more senior cats.
How to Select the Best Food for My Senior Cat
Choose foods with premium proteins for your senior cat, and if they have dental issues or are prone to dehydration, opt for canned food. Your vet can tell you what is best for your cat.
3. Keep Your Senior Cat Active
Regular gentle play is still important for maintaining muscle tone and mental stimulation, even if your senior cat may not be quite as peppy as they were in their youth. Interactive toys and laser pointers are a good option to help keep them entertained since this is a low-impact activity, meaning that you are not over-working their joints.
Playing Safely with a Senior Cat
Understand limitations of your senior cat. Try to stay away from games that have you jumping or fast running, and opt for activities that promote slow and controlled movements.
4. Create a Great Atmosphere live in
Most importantly, is the need to create a comfortable and cat friendly living environment for your senior cat. These old dogs may not jump or climb as easily, so you should consider investing in ramps or steps to help them get to their beds. Plus, a nice warm bed can also relieve arthritis aches and pains.
Setting Up a Senior-Friendly Home
Make sure that the litter boxes, food and water are in a spot that is very easy for you to get to. If your senior cat has mobility issues, consider using low-sided litter boxes.
5. Examine the Changes Caused by Feline Senescence
Change in behavior may be an indication that something is wrong with your geriatric cat. Another tip is notice changes in behavior and temperament. Pain can be manifested through aggression, excessive meowing or withdrawal. Consult your vet to make sure no medical problems are present, if you notice these differences.
Reprinted with permission Meeting An Old kitty’ Special Wants How you can maintain your Senior kitty Happy and Wholesome
Tips for Keeping Your Senior Cat Happy and Healthy
Here are some additional tips to ensure your senior cat remains happy and healthy:
- Keep an eye on their dental health: Senior cats are prone to dental issues. Regular brushing and dental checkups can help prevent painful conditions.
- Encourage hydration: Senior cats are more prone to dehydration. Provide fresh water at all times, and consider using a cat water fountain to encourage them to drink more.
- Maintain a consistent routine: Cats thrive on routine, especially as they age. Keeping feeding and playtime consistent will reduce stress and anxiety in your senior kitty.
- Watch for signs of cognitive decline: Like humans, cats can experience cognitive decline as they age. If your senior kitty seems disoriented or confused, speak with your vet about ways to manage this.
Conclusion
Let us provide those health needs to the aging cat and keep them in comfort with your loving presence. By visiting the vets throughout their lives, eating well and having a safe environment, your senior kitty can lead a happy and healthy life in their old age.
When you give them this kind of care and attention, senior cats can grow old with dignity, because with the passage of time they find comfort.