Is your feline friend nearing her golden years? You probably aren’t going to see huge changes happening rapidly as Fluffy grows older. Cats generally age gracefully. You’re more likely to notice slow, gradual changes, such as your pet becoming less playful and more interested in naps. Your kitty will never stop being that adorable, quirky little character she always is, but she will need a bit of extra TLC as she ages. Read on as a local Haddon Township, NJ vet offers some tips on caring for your furry, meowing retiree.
How Do You Give A Senior Cat A Good Life?
In many ways, Fluffy’s needs will still be the same as they were when she was a kitten. Good food, fresh water, comfy shelter, and regular veterinary care will cover the basics. However, you’ll want to make a few adjustments to your pet’s care regimen over time. You may need to give your kitty a hand with grooming, or provide pet ramps for her.
One thing we recommend for cats of all ages is keeping Fluffy safe and sound inside. Cats are always safer indoors, where they are protected from things like weather, cars, and wild animals. Senior kitties may also be too weak or too slow to escape potential threats, and may also be at risk of forgetting where they are and not knowing how to get home. Keep your feline pal safe and sound inside!
Feeding A Senior Cat
Once your kitty reaches about age nine or ten, you’ll want to start talking to your vet about switching her over to a senior formula. When the time comes, you’ll want to do this slowly, over the course of several days. Rapid food changes can upset your feline pal’s stomach: you definitely don’t want that!
If your cat has any specific health issues, she may need to be on special food. Follow your vet’s recommendations.
Obesity is often a concern for older cats. Pay close attention to Fluffy’s waistline! If your pet begins to gain weight, take immediate action. Your furry pal may still look cute if she’s a bit round, but those extra pounds come at a cost. Chubby cats are at serious risk of developing many different health issues, including diabetes, heart problems, osteoarthritis, skin issues, and liver problems, to name just a few.
Litterboxes For Senior Cats
You’ll want to make sure that Fluffy’s litterbox is in a spot that offers her some privacy but is not hard for her to reach. The litterbox shouldn’t be in direct sunlight or in a drafty area. It also shouldn’t be hard for your kitty to get in and out of. We usually recommend getting litterboxes with low walls for older cats, simply as they are easier for kitties to get in and out of.
If you have a large house, more than one floor, and/or more than one cat, you’ll want to get extra litterboxes. That way, your pet won’t have to deal with stairs every time she has to use the powder room!
You may have seen new litters emerging that can flag certain chemical or hormonal changes by turning different colors. This can be helpful, but should never be considered a replacement for veterinary care. At the end of the day, you’ll want to rely on Fluffy’s doctor, not her bathroom, to monitor her health. Ask your vet for tips on this.
That said, you should be on the lookout for changes in the size, smell, shape, color, texture, or odor of your feline friend’s waste. If you notice that anything changes or looks off or unusual, contact your vet right away.
How Do You Keep A Senior Cat Comfortable?
Just like people, cats tend to get frailer, slower, and weaker as they age. Your pet will have a harder time climbing up to high spots, and she will be more susceptible to extreme heat and cold.
One of the most important things you can do is also one of the easiest. Just making sure your pet has plenty of comfy napping spots to choose from will go a long way. Don’t underestimate the importance of this! We all know that kitties are very, very good at getting comfortable. However, while Fluffy may not hesitate to ‘borrow’ (or flat out claim) your bed, sofa, armchair, or lap, she really will appreciate having things that were made just for her. Store-bought beds are great, but you don’t have to go too crazy here. Your pet will also be purrfectly content to nap on a folded blanket on an ottoman, or a pillow in a wicker basket. The main thing is to offer spots that are easy for your drowsy furball to get to.
Fluffy may also need help with cleaning herself, especially if she has long fur. Ask your vet for more information.
Should You Play With A Senior Cat?
Fluffy will always be a kitten at heart, and will always enjoy and benefit from play sessions. Playing is beneficial for cats for several reasons. For one thing, it allows your furry pal to express her inner tiger. It’s also great physical exercise. The mental stimulation is helpful as well, and can prevent the cognitive decay that, like people, cats sometimes experience as they age.
It’s definitely a good thing to carve out a few minutes for kitty playtime.
However, at this stage in her life, your pet may tap out after a few pounces or perhaps a single sprint across the room. That’s fine! Even a few minutes of activity will be beneficial. You don’t have to worry about overtiring your kitty as you would with a dog. As soon as Fluffy gets the least bit tired, well, you can probably guess what happens next: Naptime!
Try to play with your cat at roughly the same time every day. Kitties really do benefit from routine!
How Do I Make My Home Senior Cat Friendly?
We already addressed the litterbox setup above. There are a few other things you can do. Nightlights may help Fluffy get around after dark, while a kitty fountain may encourage her to stay properly hydrated.
Some things you may need to adjust based on your pet’s health. A kitty with vision problems may benefit from things like runner rugs and scent markers, such as stick-ups. One with mobility issues may need more floor-level beds. Ask your vet for tips.
How Do I Know If My Cat Is Sick?
Cats can be quite secretive when it comes to letting on that they don’t feel well. You should closely monitor any behavior that appears unusual for your feline companion.
Here are a few of the warning signs to watch for:
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Litter box changes
- Behavioral changes
- Bad breath
- Excessive/Unusual vocalization
- Increased thirst
- Vision loss
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Cloudy eyes
- Shortness of breath
- Hiding
- Decrease responsiveness to surroundings
- Unkempt Fur
- Uncharacteristic Aggression or clinginess
Some cats may want to be held or cuddle more, while others may withdraw and become aloof.
Contact your Haddon Township, NJ vet right away if you notice any of these issues.
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