In this article, we go over tips for elderly cat care so you know what to do to make your furry family member comfortable in their sunset years.
Cats are considered to be senior when they are approximately 10 years old, and geriatric when they are between 12 and 15 years old, depending on the breed. However, because to developments in nutrition and veterinary care, they are surviving longer than ever before. It is essential for owners to be aware of their requirements, as well as some of the most prevalent conditions that can affect them, in order to provide them with a high quality of life for the longest period of time feasible.
Look over our tips for elderly cat care below!
Motivating your feline friend to move!
Playing with your cat, even if it’s just for a few minutes here and there, can help prevent muscular atrophy and joint stiffness, which can set in with age. Cats of all ages benefit from frequent playtime. They attribute much of their good health and contentment to this.
Weaker immune system
The immune system of your elderly cat might not be as strong as it once was. They are more likely to get infected because of this. That is why it is crucial that you check that their vaccines are current.
Feline illness
When compared to younger cats, older cats’ coat quality and ability to control body temperature are noticeably worse. This makes them more vulnerable to the effects of cold weather. Make sure they are comfortable and have a warm place to rest.
Weight loss in an elderly cat
Loss of taste and smell is a common symptom in senior cats. Inappetence may result from this. The digestive processes of older cats are likewise slower. Therefore, it is typically best for them to eat smaller meals more frequently. Remember to keep an eye on your cat’s weight because it might be an early indicator of illness if it suddenly drops too low. Always keep in mind that overfeeding any cat, regardless of age, might cause it to gain weight. This causes its own set of medical issues.
Environmental changes
Older cats, like people, have a hard time adjusting to sudden changes in their food or living conditions. If you’re relocating, quarantine the cat in a specific room for a few days before letting it explore the rest of the house. If the cat is an outsider, keep it indoors for a minimum of two weeks. Always have the old diet on hand in a separate bowl and gradually introduce new foods.
We hope that these elderly cat care tips can help you better take care of your feline.