Nowadays it?s not unusual to see cats living into their twenties due to advancements in veterinary care, excellent options in nutrition, and more awareness on the part of the human family in terms of what cats need to stay healthy.
The senior cat may look like the youngster she once was, but with age comes decreased function and increased needs. Here are just a few ways to make life a little easier for your longtime feline companion.
Keep up with veterinary care. Typically, cats get annual check-ups, but with a senior cat, increase the frequency to every six months. Many veterinarians offer geriatric health packages. Older cats are prone to periodontal disease so brush your cat?s teeth (using a pet toothpaste ? not one made for humans) or use a pet dental rinse. Your veterinarian may also recommend a professional cleaning.
Pay attention to changes in your cat. Whether it?s a behavior change or a physical change, it could be the start of a medical problem. Your senior kitty may not be the life of the party anymore, but if he has a change in eating or elimination habits or displays personality changes, those are potential red flags that something could be wrong.
Create a senior-friendly environment. If your cat has trouble getting up and down stairs, locate additional litter boxes on each floor of the house. Arthritis may make it difficult for him to climb over the edge of the box so replace it with a low-sided one, or choose one with a low entrance. Your senior kitty may love sitting at the window, but perhaps he can no longer jump up there. A pet ramp enables him to still enjoy those elevated areas. Senior cats often enjoy napping on a heated pet bed as well. Older cats are more sensitive to drafts so a heated bed or a fleece-lined donut-style bed will help him retain body heat. Make sure though, if you use a heated pet bed that your cat is ambulatory enough so he can move from it should it become too warm. For a cat with declining vision, set up night lights to help him navigate in the dark.
Provide assistance. Daily gentle brushing will help increase circulation and distribute skin oil. Remember that his body is probably very sensitive now, so use extra TLC when brushing. He may also need extra help in the personal hygiene department now and then.
Be tolerant. Kitty?s litter box aim may not be good these days. Be tolerant of missed litter box attempts, miscalculated jumps, or extra cat hairs on your pillows because kitty curled up there for an extra-long nap.
Note: this article is not intended to diagnose or treat your cat?s behavior problem. If your cat is displaying a change in behavior, please contact your veterinarian in order to rule out possible medical causes.
