Taking Care of a Senior Cat

All cats should get the best of care; however, senior cats specifically are in need of special care for their health conditions. When cats become elderly, their health needs change and they require our help to create new life habits that consider these changes.

There are some actions we can take to include healthy lifestyle habits in our cats and there is no better time than now to start taking these steps. Just like us, senior cats often face a wide range of age-specific life changes and simple healthy habits become a necessity when time passes.

Here are a few tips on how you can care for your senior cat and keep them healthy and fit into their elderly years.

1. Keep your ageing cat inside

Make sure that your cat is not allowed to go outside without your supervision. This is very important for the healthy living of your senior cat. According to researchers, cats that live inside live healthier and longer lives than those who stay outdoors. Even senior cats can learn to adjust indoors if you give them a rich environment with plenty of options to take some rest.

2. Take your cat to the vet regularly

A regular veterinary checkup is an important habit. Studies reveal only around 14% of elder animals undergo timely health checkups, as suggested by their vets. Experts suggest that healthy, senior cats should be checked by a vet twice every year. Regular vet checkups are crucial, as baseline blood tests can tell your vet if something is not right. Cats can hide their diseases and discomforts and can seem well even if they’re experiencing difficulties. Screening cats regularly when they age would help diagnose issues earlier, often causing early disease prevention and better life quality.

3. Pay more attention to your elder cat’s diet

Elderly cats have specific behavioural and dietary needs. Your cat must maintain a healthy weight to keep optimum health. Consult your vet about when and how to shift the cat to senior food.

Your vet will identify the cat’s ideal weight and can suggest a food made for senior cats to help maintain, gain or lose weight. You can help your cat’s digestion by feeding it frequent meals in small quantities through the night and day. Measure your pet’s daily meal and distribute it in little portions.

4. Offer your cat plenty of water

When cats age, they are likely to catch kidney disease and constipation, particularly if they’re not drinking enough water. Increase your elderly cat’s hydration by giving canned food and more choices for drinking water.

While your cats age, they may be able to make a jump to the counters or get water from the water dish. Include plenty of water stations across the house with many bowls or cat water fountains to encourage your elderly cat to intake more water.

5. Practice good hygiene and grooming

Maintaining gum health and dental cleaning needs frequent vet visits. Besides, you can help improve your pet’s dental hygiene by making a habit of brushing your pet’s teeth and also providing them with a special diet. Talk with your vet about how you can improve dental care between dental cleanings.

Senior cats might also need special grooming, especially cats with long hair. Try to make a habit of brushing their hair regularly for a healthy, happy cat.

No doubt the greatest need while caring for an elderly cat is patience. Senior cats can sleep most of the day. Be careful of any changes in your older cat. Even slight changes may be a sign of a severe health problem. For any doubt, talk with your vet and visit the veterinarian minimum of twice a year.