Health Tips for Senior Cats: Keep Your Senior Cat Healthy

When cats get old and mature, they demand special love and attention. If you are looking for health tips for senior cats, then you are at the best place. Here you can find complete information on how to take proper care of your old four-footed pet animal.

Cats have every right to lead a happy and healthy life. You need to shower special affection once your pet reaches the twilight years.

Just like human beings, cats also get old and weak. 8-12 years of cat are senior felines. When your pet reaches this age group, s/he needs proper care. As a cat owner, it is your responsibility to feed your pet on time and take care of their every need.

10 Tips For Healthy Senior Cats: Senior Cat Care Advice

When cats age, they need more care and love as compared to when they were kitten. As she ages, your pet will slow down a little bit and will not be active like in her young age. Proper care is necessary and you can follow these health tips for a senior cat:

Protect Your Cat’s Teeth Against Any Dental Disease

Older cats are not able to chew properly because there are many bacteria in their mouth. Take proper care of her dental health so that she does not lose many teeth. Feed her wet and canned food products because there is not enough chewing in it.

You can go online and select food products that are best for senior cats. For ideal dental health, you may invest in a cat friendly toothpaste and toothbrush.

Dental care is crucial in a cat’s life because it helps you stop any potential dental disease that can cause pain and discomfort for your feline friend. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings can also catch any issues early on, allowing for prompt treatment and avoiding more serious complications down the line.

Physical And Mental Stimulation

With the passage of time, your feline friend will become less active. She will no longer be agile like earlier. Due to lack of movement, her body may get stiff. This can lead to several joint pains and arthritis related diseases. Try to keep your pet in proper shape by playing with her daily. This will help her to exercise her body and will keep health complications at bay.

A thorough physical exam can help you identify any chronic diseases in cats, such as diabetes or kidney disease. Additionally, it can also reveal any underlying conditions that may require immediate medical attention, such as tumors or heart disease.

Protect Joints On Older Cats

Due to lack of proper exercise, your pet may start suffering from stiff joint pains. The most common symptom is licking her joints excessively from time to time. Try to play with her as much as possible. Take her to walk in the park in morning or evening on daily basis.

Clean Skin And Coat Of An Elderly Cat

The skin diseases in fur animals can be extremely painful because of the continuous itching. Some of the skin problems are caused by certain allergic reactions while worms cause others. Do proper treatment based on the type of disease.

Her coat will get thin with the passage of time. It will not be able to protect her from cold. Loss of conditioning leads to dry skin. Feed her fish oil in her food on daily basis. It will avert the fur from thinning and she will not have any kind of skin diseases.

The food should have high nutritional value and Omega 3 should be an important ingredient. Do not bathe your cat often. Try to brush her coat every once a week to prevent matting.

Sleep is Very Important for a Senior Cat

As she progress age wise, your pet animal will require more sleeping time. It is important that her pet bed should be warm and cozy. She needs proper rest else, her body will turn weak. Try to keep her in the same room where you sleep. It will increase the bond of friendship between both of you.

Geriatric cats will need regular veterinary visits to monitor their health and address any age-related issues that may arise. These visits can help ensure that their nutritional needs are being met and any potential diseases or conditions are caught early for effective treatment.

Identifying their sleeping patterns is important, as geriatric cats tend to sleep more than younger cats. It is normal for them to have longer and more frequent naps throughout the day. However, if there are any sudden changes in their behavior, such as excessive sleepiness or insomnia, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue that should be addressed by a veterinarian.

Lack of Hearing On Elderly Cats

When your cat gets old, she will have some hearing disorders. She will not be able to hear noises or when you call her. It is because a large amount of wax is deposited in the inner portion of her ears. When you cat is not able to hear properly, she will get frightened or surprised by a sudden voice. Try not to surprise your pet from behind because it leads to flighty cat.

Eyesight and Behavioral Changes

As your pet progress to the prime age of her life, her eyesight will become weak. She might not be able to see properly and have difficulty walking at times. She might develop cataract related diseases and unable to see her surroundings clearly. There are eye potions available that you should apply on your pet’s eyes from time to time.

Your cat’s behavior changes during their different life stages as they transition from being a playful and curious kitten to a more independent and mature adult. During their early years, cats tend to be more energetic and prone to exploring their surroundings. However, as they grow older, they may become more relaxed and prefer a quieter lifestyle.

Address Any Aging Cats Digestion Issues

Cats have a very delicate digestive system. She may have an upset stomach often when she gets old. She will not be able to absorb food properly which can lead to lethargy and bloating. Meat should be an important ingredient in her daily diet along with some Probiotic and high fibers.

Prevent Obesity or Excesive Weight Gain

When cats get old, they become less active and agility is lost. This can lead to obesity in older feline creatures. It is a very serious health complication because it causes diabetes and arthritis in pets. Ensure proper exercise and take her to walk for at least 30 minutes.

In this way, she will stay active and no extra fat will be deposited on her body. In addition, you can opt for low calorie diet to put your cat in proper health and good shape.

Your cat’s weight is an important factor in maintaining its overall health and well-being. Monitoring your cat’s weight can help avert obesity-related issues such as diabetes, joint problems, and heart disease.

Regularly consulting with your veterinarian can provide guidance on maintaining a healthy weight for your cat based on its breed, age, and activity level. Scratching posts are known to be a great addition for cats, as they can help them maintain a healthy weight by providing an outlet for exercise and stretching.

Maintain Clean Food and Water Bowls

An older cat will require less exercise and may have specific dietary needs due to age-related health issues. It is important to provide regular veterinary check-ups and ensure they have a comfortable and safe environment to prevent any potential accidents or injuries.

As cat parents, we need to facilitate a safe environment as our cat ages by removing any hazards or obstacles that could pose a risk to their mobility. Additionally, it is crucial to monitor their weight and adjust their diet accordingly to prevent obesity or other age-related health problems.

Food bowls tend to be a common source of accidents for older cats, so it may be helpful to use elevated or shallow bowls to make eating more comfortable for them. Also, a clean food bowl is important to stop any bacterial growth or contamination that could lead to digestive issues.

More Ways To Help Your Senior Cat Stay Healthy

Take proper care of old feline creatures requires a lot of time and devotion. It is so because they have special needs which you need to take proper care. You can follow the above health tips for a senior cat so that your pet stays healthy.

Discovering these techniques will provide the best care for your senior pet animal. It will also help you to look for signs that will alert you. At any point of time if her health deteriorates, consult your veterinarian doctor immediately.

Being the parent of your elder cat, make sure your pet is happy during this transitional phase. Try to shower as much love as possible because it will make her comfortable. This will provide the ideal affection and your pet will live longer and stay healthy throughout her old age.

Should You Use Litter Boxes?

A litter box can help your aging cat maintain their hygiene and comfort. As cats age, they may experience difficulty accessing outdoor areas or have decreased mobility, making a litter box a convenient solution for them to relieve themselves indoors.

A senior cat requires a litter box that is easily accessible and provides enough space for them to move around comfortably. It is important to choose a litter box with low sides or a ramp for easy entry and to regularly clean and maintain the litter box to ensure your cat’s hygiene and prevent any discomfort or odor.

The cat’s quality of life will improve if they have a litter box that meets their specific needs. Additionally, providing multiple litter boxes throughout the house can help accommodate their decreased mobility and prevent accidents.

Litter box issues can be easily addressed by consulting with a veterinarian or a professional cat behaviorist, who can provide guidance on any underlying medical or behavioral issues that may be causing the problem.

Last Senior Cat Care Tips For Certain Health Issues

Hydration can prevent chronic kidney disease and help maintain healthy kidney function. Drinking an adequate amount of water can help flush out toxins and waste products from the kidneys, reducing the risk of developing kidney stones and other complications.

Healthy cats are known to have a higher water intake compared to cats with kidney problems. Adequate hydration in cats can support optimal kidney function and prevent the formation of urinary crystals or blockages, which are common issues in feline kidney health.

A geriatric cat may be at a higher risk for dehydration and kidney problems, as their kidneys may not function as efficiently as they did when they were younger.

In most cat’s senior years, it is important to monitor their water intake and ensure they are staying hydrated to support their kidney health. Regular check-ups and vet visits can help detect any early signs of kidney disease and allow for prompt treatment.

Many cats struggle with weight loss as they age, which can further contribute to kidney problems. It is important to provide a balanced and appropriate diet for your senior cat. You senior cat’s gum health will also improve with proper hydration.

Wet food and hydration can significantly affect the overall health of your senior cat, including their kidney function. Wet food has a higher moisture content, which helps keep your cat hydrated and reduces the risk of urinary tract issues.

Last Updated on 19/02/2024 by Karen Snow