When properly cared for, cats can live up to their teens and twenties, maintaining a healthy quality of life and remaining a great companion. However, as cats age, their needs and wants also change.
This requires a lot of adjustment and attention from you as the owner. It often involves modifying their diets, frequent vet visits, and creating a comforting environment. While it may be a lot of work, it’s for the best, as older cats need to be properly looked after.
In this guide, we will show you seven (7) ways you can help your feline friend age gracefully and enjoy a high quality of life.
7 Essential Tips for Caring for Older Cats
Like with any life stage, it’s important to adapt your cat’s care routine to support the aging process. While this may seem overwhelming at first, the right approach can make all the difference. Check out these seven essential tips to help you provide the best care for your older cat.
1. Make Regular Vet Visits
Schedule regular visits with the vet, and stay up-to-date on your cat’s health history. Vet visits for older cats typically mean frequent checkups since they’re prone to health problems. Cats over 11 years old should visit the vet clinic regularly, it’s crucial to improving the quality of their lives.
Regular blood work during these visits can detect the early onset of health issues, like kidney disease or liver failure. Timely intervention for health issues can save, improve, and extend your cat’s life.
Also, monitoring your cat’s weight twice a year can let you know whether they’re losing, adding, or maintaining a stable weight.
By staying proactive and attentive through regular veterinary procedures, you can ensure your older cat remains healthy for as long as possible.
2. Perform At-Home Health Checks
In addition to regular checkups at the vet, you, as the owner, need to conduct at-home checks to monitor your cat’s health. Regularly examining your cat at home allows you to notice any changes or abnormalities early. Check for lumps, bumps, or changes in their fur or skin, and monitor their eating, drinking, and litter box habits.
Being observant of behavioral changes, such as increased hiding or changes in activity levels, can also provide early clues to health issues. You need to understand that the older your cat is, the higher the risk of health challenges.
With diligent at-home health checks, you can provide great care for your cat, helping them stay healthy throughout their golden years. At-home health checks should not be a substitute for vet visits, but they are important in keeping your cat healthy and giving you peace of mind.
3. Groom Them Frequently
As cats age, they may become less efficient at grooming themselves, so it’s up to you as the parent to keep their coat and skin clean and healthy.
Regular brushing can help remove lost fur, reduce shedding, and prevent matting. If your cat is long-haired, they may benefit from daily brushing. Short-haired cats may only need brushing a few times a week. Brushing also stimulates the skin, and distributes natural oils throughout the coat, giving it a natural shine.
Occasionally, bathing your cat can be beneficial, especially if they have trouble grooming themselves or have a skin condition. Use a mild, cat-specific shampoo, and make sure to rinse and dry thoroughly.
4. Monitor Weight Changes
Weight loss in older cats is a common concern for pet owners and can be an early sign of various health issues. As cats get older, their bodies undergo significant changes that can affect their metabolism, appetite, and health.
Spotting weight loss early and understanding its causes is key to ensuring your senior cat remains healthy and comfortable.
Medical conditions like kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes are common and can lead to significant weight reduction. For instance, kidney disease impairs a cat’s ability to filter waste, resulting in appetite loss.
Hyperthyroidism speeds up metabolism, causing rapid weight loss even if your cat eats more. Regular vet checkups and blood tests can help you catch these conditions early and manage them effectively.
5. Track Their Appetite
How often and how well your older cat eats can tell you whether or not there’s cause for alarm. Keep a close eye on your cat’s eating habits. Note any changes in the amount they eat or their enthusiasm for food. If your cat is constantly showing little interest in food, then it’s time to go to the vet.
You want to introduce a variety of high-quality, nutritious foods designed specifically for older cats. These foods are formulated to be easier to digest and more appealing to them.
Wet food can be particularly enticing due to its strong aroma and higher moisture content. Also, instead of feeding your cat one or two large meals a day, offer smaller, more frequent meals. This can help stimulate their appetite and make eating less overwhelming.
Paying attention to changes in appetite and addressing them promptly is key to providing the best care for your aging cat.
6. Provide a Comfy Environment
Another way to support your older cat’s health and well-being is by providing a comfortable, clean, and stress-free environment. You can do this by ensuring they have several soft, warm, and accessible sleeping spots. Older cats may prefer lower areas where they can easily climb in and out without jumping.
Also, place food and water bowls in easily accessible locations. Consider using raised bowls to reduce strain on their joints and necks. Multiple feeding stations around the house can also be helpful, especially if mobility is an issue.
Keep your home comfortable and warm by providing heated beds and blankets for your cat. This is going to keep them cozy and snug, especially during cold weather.
Regularly check your cats for any signs of discomfort or health issues, and consult your veterinary doctor if you notice anything unusual.
7. Maintain Their Dental Health
While dental health in cats is often overlooked, it can have a major impact on older cats’ overall health and well-being. Proper dental health can prevent discomfort, infections, and other serious health problems.
One common condition in older cats is periodontal disease, which is caused by the build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth. This condition can lead to more serious problems if it’s not addressed quickly.
So, you want to be on the lookout for signs of dental problems: bad breath, drooling, and difficulty chewing. To prevent dental issues, schedule regular dental check-ups with your veterinarian.
These visits can help detect and address dental issues early. Your vet may recommend professional dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar build-up.
Get Professional Assistance for Your Older Cats
To provide the best care for your senior cat, you need a professional helping hand like The Comforted Kitty. We offer professional cat-sitting services in California, Nevada, and Texas.
Our team of cat experts understands the unique needs of older cats and knows how much your cat means to you, especially after spending so many years together.
We ensure they get the best care while you’re away, keeping them safe, happy, and healthy.
So, why wait? Schedule your appointment today with The Comforted Kitty and give your older cats the loving care they deserve!