Is your kitty companion now a fuzzy, meowing senior? Fluffy is adorable at all stages of her life. While it’s difficult to beat the adorable kitten phase in terms of sheer cuteness, elderly cats are also incredibly affectionate and attractive. By the time your feline friend reaches her golden years, she will have probably given up some of her more mischievous habits and will spend most of her time napping. Of course, she will still require proper care. In this article, a local Elkton, MD veterinarian shares some tips for keeping a senior cat happy.
How Should I Care for an Older Cat?
Fluffy will generally require the same level of care as any other cat. Let’s go over the basics:
Diet: Proper cat care begins with good food. You should consult with your veterinarian about your cat’s diet and learn when and how to transition to a senior-formula food. Be mindful about portion sizes! Overfeeding your pet, even slightly, can lead to weight gain.
Grooming: Our feline buddies are pretty good at keeping themselves clean. This becomes more difficult for them as they age. Fluffy will find it increasingly harder to bend and stretch in order to reach her entire body. Help her out by brushing her softly. This will remove dead fur and dander from her coat, allowing her to be more comfortable. It will also help keep her protected from the heat and cold.
Safety: Older cats are not as strong or agile as younger ones. While we urge that all cats stay indoors, this is especially true for elderly felines, who may not be able to run up a tree or get out of the way in time to avoid an approaching car. In addition, senior cats can become confused and forgetful. Fluffy could lose track of her whereabouts and be unable to find her way home! Keep your pet indoors. Petproofing is still important as well. Ask your vet for tips.
How Can I Make an Older Cat Comfortable?
Just like humans, aging cats frequently become stiff and sore. This makes it difficult for Fluffy to jump and climb. She may also have difficulty accessing her preferred napping areas. Footstools, pet ramps, or steps can all be useful for your senior pet.
Fluffy will like having a range of napping options. She will not mind sleeping on your bed or couch, but she would benefit from having her own bed. Offer lots of comfy spots.
We also recommend giving your pet a comfortable window seat with a good view. Cats love to watch birds and squirrels! Your furry little voyeur could spend hours birdwatching!
Why Does My Senior Cat Look Sad?
There is no common answer to this question. Kitties are incredibly emotional. For example, if Fluffy has recently changed owners, she may miss her previous family.
It’s also possible that Fluffy isn’t depressed at all, but just less lively and frisky than she formerly was. This is natural for aging cats; we all slow down over time. However, if your pet appears depressed, sullen, or cranky, it could be a sign of a medical problem. Contact your veterinarian right away.
How Can I Tell If My Senior Cat Is Happy?
To be fair, cats may be somewhat purrplexing. After all, Fluffy is the only one of our animal buddies who enjoys biting us for fun. Many cats stay lively and frisky well into their senior years. If Fluffy is interactive, alert, and responsive, that’s a positive indication. If your pet enjoys letting out her inner kitten, she’s probably in a good mood. Affectionate purrs and cuddles are also good signals.
Another sign of a happy cat is when your feline companion appears calm and even domineering.
How Do You Keep an Elderly Cat Content?
Fluffy will most likely have outgrown her need to bang toys around in the middle of the night, and she will be less excited about finding a moth in the kitchen than she previously was. However, she will continue to enjoy and benefit from playing.
Hold a laser pointer or feather toy for your pet to pounce on. This not only assists in keeping your pet strong and fit, but it also provides cerebral stimulation. That’s extremely important! Cats, like humans, can suffer from cognitive deterioration.
Don’t worry about overdoing it; even a few minutes a day will help. If your kitty becomes sleepy, she will simply wander away and take another nap.
How Do I Make My Home Comfortable for My Senior Cat?
There are several things you can do. We’ve already discussed beds, but it bears repeating. There can never be enough napping spaces for Fluffy! Another thing we’d consider is getting Fluffy a litterbox with lower sides. These are easier for aging cats to handle than normal ones.
You may also want to provide additional water stations and litter boxes, as well as a nightlight for your pet to help her navigate after dark.
Your kitty companion will also appreciate a comfortable window seat, especially with a nice view.
How Can I Tell If My Elderly Cat Is Healthy?
Your veterinarian should be the ultimate authority on this.
As your pet ages, you should keep a watch out for signs of illness. Like humans, elderly cats are more likely to develop certain ailments.
Some of the things to look out for include the following:
- Behavioral Alterations
- Various Sleep Patterns
- Vision Loss
- Decreased Mobility
- Weight Loss Or Gain
- Increased Thirst
- Appetite Changes
- Litterbox Woes
- Lethargy
- Withdrawal
- Unusually Grumpy
- Vomiting
- Trouble Eating
- Disorientation
- Excessive Grooming
- Increased Vocalization
- Low Activity Levels
- Unkempt Coat
If you detect any of these, contact your veterinarian immediately. Cats like to hide signs of disease, so you may not realize anything is wrong until your pet becomes really unwell!
If Fluffy is diagnosed with a certain condition, your Elkton, MD veterinarian will be able to provide you with more specific information on what to watch for.
Why Does My 17-Year-Old Cat Continue To Meow?
It is fairly common for senior cats to become quite loud. There are several plausible explanations for this. There’s a chance your pet is reacting to pain, so have her examined by your veterinarian to rule out physical pain.
There’s also a chance that your furry friend is scared or confused. Fluffy will notice changes as she ages and may become distressed by them. She may simply need to be soothed more. Pay close attention to her, and don’t skimp on those snuggle requests! Just be gentle, especially when taking your pet up or putting her down.
What Age Is Old for a Cat?
The average kitten lives 12 to 18 years. Of course, 15 or 16 is a quite advanced age for Fluffy. At this age, your pet is termed elderly. Don’t get caught up in the figures, though. Nowadays, cats can survive well into their late teens or early twenties. With proper veterinary care, lots of love, and great care, your feline companion may still have years of pounces and purrs ahead of her.
Make An Appointment At Our Elkton, MD Pet Clinic
Do you have any queries about senior cat care? Please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are your local Elkton, MD animal clinic and are here to help!
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