Just like how we start needing extra care as we get older, our furry friends deserve the same love, care, and compassion when in this stage of their lives. While our senior kitties might not show signs of aging, just like us humans, they certainly do undergo changes as years go by. As our furry friends age gracefully, as cat owners it’s crucial for us to be attentive to their physical and mental changes, adjust their routines, and make them feel comfortable and content even in this stage of their lives. So, let’s find out why senior cats deserve special care and attention, what changes they undergo as they age, and how we can adjust their routines to ensure our furry pets remain comfortable and happy. As our cute furry pals mature, their unlimited energy might fade out a bit, and they might prefer relaxing in cozy spots, or they might just leisurely wander around the houses. They might start taking longer breaks during playtime. These changes might be due to the decline in their physical health. For instance, they might experience stiffness in joints or loss of muscle mass, which might not allow them to move, walk, run, jump, and climb like they used to. Other changes could be:

• Change in use of litter box (more frequently or less)
• They might poop or urinate outside the litter box
• Might start wandering more than before
• Decrease in self-grooming
• Aggressive behavior or increased activity levels in cats that previously had a relaxed behavior

Moreover, they might experience other internal issues, such as their immune system decelerating and their metabolism slowing down, and they might develop health conditions like arthritis, lung disease, kidney disease, or dental problems. Therefore, understanding their physical and mental changes will enable you to provide the best care for your senior furry pals. So, let’s find out what things are to be considered for providing our senior companions the care and compassion they deserve:

Veterinary Care

As compared to kittens and young cats, senior cats require more annual checkups. For the physical and mental well-being of your cats, you must make sure you make at least two annual visits with a veterinarian. Due to their age, your veterinarian might suggest you run some screening tests like blood examination and urine analysis to identify any internal health issues. Besides that, make sure they get proper vaccinations and parasite control treatments, just like mature and young cats. At a senior age, your pet might also need some emergency or urgent visits in case of any serious health issues.

Nutrition

Due to a decrease in appetite, dental issues, or other health conditions, senior cats might often experience weight loss as they age. Some might experience weight gain when they become less active or when their metabolism slows down. So, you need to make sure you understand their needs and provide nutrition accordingly. For instance, in case of weight loss, your furry pet might need caloric intake to enable them to digest their food effectively and efficiently. Moreover, if your senior companion is experiencing weight gain you should work with your veterinarian on a nutrition plan for weight loss. In case your senior cat is suffering from any chronic disease, it is best to follow the prescribed diet, which will keep them healthy and also manage their condition. You can also feed your companion with pet foods labeled for adult cats, but before you let them consume it, make sure you consult with your veterinarian.

Grooming

Due to aging, various health conditions, muscle and joint issues, or obesity, your senior cat might not be able to maintain its self-grooming routine. It might face trouble reaching the hard-to-access areas during grooming sessions, and it might develop mats that are hair knots or tangles. Therefore, make sure to visit your pet’s groomer more often and ask them to help remove all the tangles and knots. Make sure to make your senior companion’s grooming session a comfortable experience and take care of your senior friend a little extra.

Home Modifications

As we grow older, we often modify our homes according to our mobility needs. Similarly, to ensure your senior cat moves with ease, you must modify your home accordingly. For instance, you can install small ramps leading to their resting areas. If your cat has joint issues, you can get orthopedic beds that can support its joints when it rests. You can also bring raised water and food bowls if your cat experiences problems while bending down.

Take Away

Looking after your senior companion requires patience; you need to understand their conditions, monitor their behavior, adapt to their changes, and help them live a happy and comfortable life in their later years. The love and compassion they have given you throughout the years deserve nothing but the best possible care, especially in the later years.