Care for Elderly Cats
Elderly animals are much like elderly people. They require gentle care and attention as they reach their twilight years. Your once frisky cat has slowed down. Your older kitty just wants to rest. Making your elderly cat comfortable and happy should be your primary goal. It’s very normal for pet parents to worry about their elderly animals. To properly care for an elderly cat, you need to examine every aspect of the care you provide. Here are some suggestions for what you can do to ease the life of your cat and your own worry.
Instructions
1. Schedule regular vet visits. Regular vet visits are important for older cats. Your cat should visit the vet twice yearly for a checkup. Older cats can develop diseases such as diabetes or hyper thyroid without showing outward symptoms. A regular vet visit will help catch illnesses early.
2. Give kitty some vitamins. Purchase a tube of vitamins from your vet, and mix it into your cat’s wet food. An elderly cat’s body needs additional vitamins and minerals. Many elderly cats have more hairballs, and these soft vitamins can also help keep things moving in their digestive tract.
3. Provide plenty of fresh water. Make sure there is fresh water available ALL THE TIME. Provide fresh water daily, or purchase a cat water fountain to encourage your older cat to drink more.
4. Be aware that older cats sometimes become finicky. Mealtime has now become the main event in your cat’s day. Adjust your cat’s diet to include more soft food if your cat has lost teeth. This is also helpful if he shows a lack of interest in his food.
5. Let him sleep. Don't worry about your older cat's increased need for sleep. Make sure your elderly cat's snuggle spot is comfy and warm. Let him sleep as much as he wants to sleep.
6. Become your cat's regular groomer. Lackluster fur results from less grooming. Old joints sometimes prevents your cat from grooming their fur to the desired kitty perfection, and many older cats stop grooming themselves as they age. It’s your job to take over with a comb and brush. Most cats love to be brushed. They’ll appreciate this special time with your undivided attention as long as you are careful.
7. Trim those kitty nails. You’ve probably noticed your furniture isn’t taking the beating it once did from scratching. Clip kitty’s claws carefully once a month. Regular nail clippers work beautifully.
8. Make playtime fun for your older cat. You may have noticed that the evening crazies are long gone. Break out the strings and soft toys, and try to get kitty to play. Some older kitties like chasing a little laser flashlight that can be purchased at any pet store.
9. Adjust for loss of senses. You might have noticed your older cat no longer fears the vacuum. You probably noticed that your cat doesn’t come running at the popping sound of a opening cat food can. Their sense of taste, smell, sight, and hearing will all lessen as they age. Pay attention to these things as they might cause an appetite change, litter box accidents or unexplained cat howling. Soft pats and snuggles when they are agitated can help comfort them as they adjust to this loss.
Tags: your older, fresh water, older cats, Care Elderly, Cats