8 Golden Tips On Caring For Senior Cats
Adopting a senior cat is such a loving and kind thing to do. They need love as much as anyone else. A senior cat is going to have a lot of its particulars already set in stone. Think of an old man "stuck in his own ways" as they say. Here are 8 tips to show them love, as we all deserve to have in our lives.
Regular check-ups at the vet
Instead of annual check-ups, you should start scheduling semi-annual check-ups. Senior pet check-ups are a little different and more comprehensive than for younger cats. Pain can severely limit a cat's quality of life. Pain management is extremely important for those senior cats that need it.
Older cats can have many chronic or acute illnesses that result in weight loss. Hyperthyroidism, dental disease, kidney disease, diabetes, gastrointestinal disease, cancer, heart disease and chronic pain are some of the things that could be causing weight loss. Most of these are treatable if they are diagnosed in a reasonable time frame. The common ailments in older cats that cause loss of weight and muscle mass are numerous and can only be sorted out through physical exam and blood testing.
Keeping her brain active
Senior/elderly cats are prone to senility and other neurodegenerative ailments. It's good to keep your cat's brain engaged through play. What she needs is mental stimulation, and if she receives it constantly, she can remain alert and lively for majority of her life. Your cat was born to hunt, and is one of nature’s supreme ambush predators. From kitten hood, if left with her mother, she is trained for the hunt. Her play with other cats, or with you, has only one goal – to ready her to slay her prey. Her reflexes are sharp, her eyesight acute, and her concentrate is tip top. Hunting is something that can definitely keep your cat fit.
Make an effort to play with your cat and the reward will be astonishing. When she is 15 or 16, she may not be able to leap as well as she did in the past, but you can play less physically demanding games with her. A ball rolled across the floor will grab her attention just as well as a feather toy. The key is to keep her active. This will not only improve her coordination but also her general level of fitness.
The day will come when your cat seems stiff on walking. Years of running, leaping and jumping powered by her hind legs will finally begin to take their toll. Even then, do not stop playing games with her. Light games will still help her to stay fit and aid coordination and staying mentally alert. All you need to do is to adjust her routines so that games are not too tedious.
Learn Your Cat’s Habits and Pay Attention to Changes
Cats are masters at hiding illness. Signs are often subtle and easily missed. If you notice a difference in behavior, such as sleeping more or hiding, don’t ignore it! Are your cat’s stools softer, harder, or changing color? Is she defecating daily? Constipation is a common, yet under recognized sign of dehydration in older cats. If attended to early, your veterinarian can help your kitty feeling comfortable again.
Nutritional needs
As your cat grows older, there is a high chance she will start gaining weight, so be sure not to overfeed her. Special senior diets have reduced calories to take account of the lower activity level of older cats. Being overweight can also worsen other underlying health problems, such as arthritis and diabetes mellitus.
Senior/elderly pets generally need foods that are more readily digested, and have different calorie levels and ingredients. Make sure you are feeding the senior cat food that she can eat. Sometimes older cats begin to lose their teeth and dry food becomes harder to consume. You may need to switch to straight wet food after awhile. Provide several small meals a day would help with her digestion as well.
You may want to have multiple water bowls so she doesn't have to go far for a drink. Cats can get dehydrated pretty easily and the kidneys of a senior cat may show some impairment. Dehydration can further damage kidneys.
Accessible litter boxes
Make sure the litter box is easy for your elderly cat to get into and out (one with low sides). Place the litter box in a quiet area that is protected from other pets and that is easy for your cat to access so they don’t have walk too far. You can also have multiple litter boxes since she may not be able to make it to one if they’re too far away. Don't forget to scoop and clean the litter box often enough to keep up with that increased urine output.
Regular grooming
As her stiffness progressively worsens, your cat will find it harder to groom herself, contortions and stretches she used to perform will become difficult. But cats are fastidious. They hate being dirty or unkempt. Groom your cat frequently and with as much care as she would groom herself. Some cats enjoy being gently massaged, and for rheumatic seniors it can bring pain relief. If the cat is particularly old, you may need to give it a quick wipe with a damp cloth to help with cleaning itself.
Soft, comfy spots
As jumping becomes more difficult for your cat and her eyesight becomes less acute, she may be reluctant to leap onto her favourite chair or your welcoming lap. If she stares and meows loudly to attract your attention when you sit down, lift and place her on your lap and out her down when she asks. For her comfort, get her a bean bag or comfy cushion. Put this in a place that catches the sun. Your cat may be drawn to this warm and safe haven. A nice warm and sunny spot to relax and sleep would be greatly appreciated by them. Gently pet them if they allow it!
Patience (and be gentle)
Allow them to adjust, get to know your scent and know that you are there to give her food, water and most importantly, love. The senior cat will need some adjustment at your home which may take time. Patience is key :)
Your relationship with your cat develops and changes throughout her life. As she gets older, she will become more dependent on you, but in her heart she is still her true self. In her dreams she might still be chasing mice and birds, and she still loves you, the person who has nurtured her from kitten hood to seniority. And all she asks is that you love her in return