Growing Gracefully: A Guide to Senior Cat Care
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Posh is our senior cat at the age of 14. He was a rescue, and has grown from an all black kitten to senior citizen with a little more gray fur than he'd like. It happened in such record timing too! 🙀
As a companion who cares for your cat every day, there’s a lot that you can do to keep your cat healthy and happy. Your vet can provide information on making the most of your cat’s senior years, including understanding the common signs of aging, choosing what to feed your cat, and looking for signs of common age-related diseases.
What are the stages of senior cats? How to spot signs of aging?
Like all living things, some cats show age faster than others. Cats can be placed into these groups, kitten (0-4 years) mature to middle-aged (5-10 years), senior (11-14 years) and geriatric (15+ years).
Some common signs of aging in cats include:
- Changes to the senses (vision, hearing, taste and smell)
- Decreased mobility
- Changes in sleeping and eating patterns and modifications in litter box habits.
- Weight loss
- Grey fur
- Glossy / sunk in eyes
- Any significant changes that you notice, warrants a trip to the vet.
My senior cat is losing weight, what should I do?
Weight loss can be a very serious clinical sign in senior cats. If you have noticed that your cat has been losing weight, it is recommended to make an appointment with your vet immediately. You will want to have kept track of how much food your cat is eating and how frequently, how much water is being consumed, litter box habits, and any vomiting or diarrhea episodes. Your vet will collect a thorough history from you, do a physical exam and likely recommend blood work and a urinalysis.
How do I care for my senior cat?
- Schedule regular vet exams for sure to stay on top of any issues that could arise! We have a fantastic 24/7 online vet affiliate there to help you whenever you need them!
- Be sure your cat’s favorite resting spot is not in a drafty area of the house, and offer a variety of sleeping options throughout the home. Senior cats can become quite particular about where they sleep depending on comfort and efficiency.
- If your cat suffers from arthritis pain, try our CBD oil (90-day refund guarantee!)
- Provide easy access to basic needs, including the litter box (e.g. avoid putting litter boxes down flights of stairs and keep litter boxes wide and shallow).
- Try Pretty Litter to help monitor your cats health with the easy to use and scoop silica formula
- Provide pet steps to allow your cat to reach their favorite places easily.
- Brush with the Equigroomer frequently! This is an efficient but gentle brushing tool
- Keep stress and changes to a minimum!
- Provide a high quality diet and treats / elevated bowls to help relieve their necks / water fountain (always be sure your cat is getting enough water but also be weary of too much)
- Finally, activate the purr button! One of the best things is to know they are still loved and cared for! Treats and catnip are always purrfurred!
What are some common senior cat health issues?
Some common senior cat health problems to watch for include:
- Kidney disease
- Overactive thyroid gland
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Dental disease
- Cancer
In conclusion, caring for senior cats requires patience, love, and attention to their changing needs.
It's important to provide them with a comfortable living environment, a healthy diet, and regular visits to the vet to manage any age-related health issues.
Additionally, it's crucial to engage them in physical and mental stimulation activities to keep them active and alert.
By showing your love and care, you can ensure that your senior cat will live a happy and comfortable life in their golden years. Remember, your furry friend has been there for you through thick and thin, so it's time to return the favor and make their golden years the best they can be.
❤️,
