Is your cat getting on in years? Check out six methods to assist her keep pleased, wholesome and comfy as she ages.
Just like us, cats can discover life harder as they age. They won’t be as agile as they was, and their digestion will not be nearly as good. Health issues can come up, they usually usually spend extra time sleeping and fewer time exercising. If your personal cat is up there in years, there are issues you are able to do to enhance his well-being, high quality of life, and even his longevity.
1. MAKE SURE YOUR CAT IS EATING HEALTHY
A nutritious whole-foods food plan is significant at any age, however is particularly vital for seniors. A cat’s digestive system could grow to be much less environment friendly as she will get older, so a food plan made out of easily-digestible, bioavailable vitamins is essential. Avoid highly-processed meals, particularly low-end dry kibble, and go for diets made out of pure substances. Premium canned, uncooked or freeze-dried meals are all good, however work with a holistic or integrative veterinarian for steerage on selecting the best one on your senior cat. Not all older felines could do nicely on uncooked meals, for instance. Also, all of the sudden switching meals may cause digestive upsets, particularly in older animals.
Keep in thoughts: Elderly cats are at higher danger for urinary tract points, usually attributable to dehydration, so guarantee your kitty is getting sufficient moisture. A moist meals may also help with this, however you can even assist her hydrate extra with a pet water fountain, since cats are sometimes extra interested in working water. Whether you employ a fountain or bowl, ensure it’s stuffed always with recent, pure water.
2. ELEVATE FOOD AND WATER BOWLS
Many senior cats battle with arthritis. This can result in ache and stiffness, and makes day by day actions harder. Using elevated meals and water bowls is an effective way to forestall your cat from having to crouch all the way down to eat and drink. Not solely it’s extra comfy for him, but it surely additionally encourages him to eat and drink extra, a consideration for cats that get pickier as they age.
Keep in thoughts: Situate bowls in a spot accessible to your cat. They needs to be away from litter containers and sleeping areas, however someplace he can get to them simply and comfortably — e.g. not in a cluttered spot or on one other flooring of the home.
3. PROVIDE EXERCISE AND ENTERTAINMENT
Senior cats can grow to be lazy. This is regular to some extent, however except your cat has a well being drawback that limits bodily exercise, it’s vital to ensure she will get little little bit of train and psychological stimulation day by day. This helps stop weight achieve and tedium, and retains her thoughts energetic too, doubtlessly staving off cognitive decline.
Keep in thoughts: Engage your cat in a brief session of interactive play no less than as soon as a day — simply control her and cease when she will get drained. You may also purchase a cat tree or rental for her to climb and play on. Make positive she has quick access to a window, and have loads of toys scattered round.
4. MAKE LITTER BOXES ACCESSIBLE
You in all probability preserve your cat’s litter field out of sight, however relying on the place that is, it may grow to be tough for him to get to when he’s older. Some senior cats could not be capable of attain the litter field in time if it’s tucked away in a distant nook, particularly if they’ve mobility or incontinence points. If your cat is getting on in years, guarantee his litter field is in an accessible place, and ensure the edges aren’t too excessive for him to navigate comfortably.
Keep in thoughts: If potential, have two litter containers per cat in order that they have loads of choices. Locate them close to the place your cats usually hang around, in a spot that additionally provides a little bit of privateness. Even for those who solely have one cat, a litter field on every flooring is a good suggestion when he reaches his senior years.
5. GIVE YOUR CAT REGULAR VETERINARY CHECK-UPS
Cats aren’t excellent at letting us know once they don’t really feel nicely, so we frequently don’t understand there’s a well being drawback till it’s extra superior. This is particularly the case with senior cats, who can develop quite a lot of well being points with out displaying clear signs. It’s vital to have your cat checked by a veterinarian no less than annually, to allow them to uncover any underlying well being considerations earlier than they grow to be critical.
Keep in thoughts: Dehydration, fatigue, and ache are among the many signs your older cat could expertise, however they will not be apparent to you. Your veterinarian can examine for these and others, and work out what’s inflicting them.
6. SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH YOUR CAT
One of one of the best issues you are able to do on your senior cat is spend extra time together with her. Cats want love, bodily contact, and affection, and these grow to be much more comforting as they grow old. Attention and high quality time can improve your cat’s happiness and contentment and strengthen the bond between you.
Keep in thoughts: Give your kitty loads of consideration all through the day — you probably have a busy schedule, carve out a couple of quick, common blocks of time to dedicate to her. Whether you’re stroking or speaking to her, or letting her take a nap by your facet, this quiet time collectively will profit each of you.
