It’s always hard to see our friends get older and we make it a point to be there for them and do the best we can to keep them comfortable. As our pets age, their needs may change and we should take note of those changes. While there are many things that all cat owners share in solidarity, those with senior cats often have a whole new set of skills.
#1 – Enjoy Regular Vet Visits
As our cats age, they might start experiencing discomfort that we aren’t able to identify. Cats are masters at hiding their pain, so we can’t be too hard on ourselves if we don’t notice any symptoms right away. To be sure we don’t catch anything before it’s too late, it’s a good idea to make regular visits to your veterinarian to make sure your kitty is still in good health and comfortable. Learning to enjoy these regular vet visits is something only one with a lot of experience can really do.
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#2 – Size Does Matter
Obesity can create extra stress on your cat’s entire body, making ailments like arthritis much more painful. This unnecessary stress will certainly shorten your cat’s lifespan and make for uncomfortable living. On the contrary, making sure your cat stays at a healthy weight and doesn’t get too thin is also important to maintaining good health and comfort. Talk with your veterinarian about the changes that might need to happen in your cat’s diet as she ages. Senior cat owners know first hand the effects too much or too little weight can have on a cat’s body.
#3 – Keep Playing!
Even older cats enjoy spending time with their owners and having some fun! To keep them feeling young and fulfilled, keep buying your kitty new toys and playing with him for as long as he wants to. Mental stimulation is as important as physical exercise and your cat will have a much more enriched life if he’s able to have some fun. Never get stuck thinking that only kittens enjoy little toys!
#4 – Never Too Many Beds & Blankets
As cat’s age, their body mass decreases and therefore it takes more energy for them to stay warm. Making sure your cat has plenty of soft beds and blankets to sleep on will ensure she’s comfortable and safe. Cats with arthritis will appreciate the soft beds even more, as it will bring relief to their aching joints and bones.
#5 – Teeth Are Important
Making sure your cat’s teeth and gums are in good shape will certainly ensure he’s comfortable. Tooth and gum disease is very painful and makes eating almost impossible. If you notice your cat has a sudden change in eating habits, it’s a good idea to make sure that his oral health isn’t a problem. Owners of young cats probably haven’t gotten to experience what dental disease can do to a cat’s eating habits, but senior cat owners know all too well.
#7 – Easy Access is Best
As our kitties age, jumping onto high beds or climbing into litterboxes will become less and less comfortable. Making sure that your cat can easily get in and out of her litterbox will ensure that she’s still able to go in there pain-free. Keeping food and water on the ground will make it easy for her to get adequate food and water without worrying about climbing or jumping onto a higher ledge. Making small accommodations like this will keep our aging cats comfortable for as long as possible.
#8 – Grooming is Fun
Many elderly cats experience difficulties in grooming themselves and we all know that they enjoy being well kept. A dirty cat is an unhappy cat and we can help make sure they feel comfortable by grooming them regularly. Brushing and trimming nails will keep him mat-free and his feet comfortable. Even if you notice your cat still grooms himself, it’s important to make sure he’s flexible and energetic enough to prevent matting and skin inflammation. Not only will you be helping your cat stay clean and comfortable, you’ll get to spend quality time together that you may not have realized was there.