Cats and Kittens Central

How to Care For An Older Cat

How to Care for an Aging Cat

Caring for an aging cat is not a lot different than caring for a young one, except that you need to be more aware of its dietary requirements and the state of its general health. With improved nutrition and advances in veterinary medicine, however, cats are now living longer than they ever did before – some living for as long as twenty years or more. By following these simple steps, you will hopefully be able to provide your cat with the best possible care during its senior years.

Steps to take in Caring For Your Senior Cat

Step 1: Make sure that your cat always has a supply of fresh water, as kidney function can deteriorate in older cats and they can be more prone to dehydration. Always provide a good balanced diet too, that includes the correct nutrition and the right amount of calories for an aging cat – if in doubt, contact your vet for more information.
Step 2: Arrange for your cat to have regular check-ups with the vet – this will help to ensure that any problems are detected early on.
Step 3: Older cats may not be able to groom themselves as well as younger ones, and may need to be groomed more frequently to remove any matting – especially where longhaired cats are concerned.
Step 4: Older cats are more prone to arthritis and may develop less control over their bladder and bowels. To assist them, it is advisable to have more than one litter tray in the house and provide ramps, boxes, pet steps, or such like, to help your feline get up to their favourite places, like a windowsill, sofa or chair.
Step 5: As your cat gets older it may sleep longer too, so it is a good idea to provide a warm and comfortable place for it away from drafts.
Step 6: Like many older people, older cats tend to dislike change and prefer to stick to a regular routine. Some may also need more love and affection from their owners, whilst others may prefer to be left alone.
Tips For Keeping Your Aging Cat Happy and Healthy
Try plugging in a night light during the evening if your cat’s eyesight appears to have deteriorated, as this will help it to see a bit clearer.
If your cat’s hearing appears to be impaired, always approach it from the front to avoid startling it.
Remember that growing old is not a disease, so as long as your cat is being well cared for its quality of life should not be affected.
Whilst grooming and stroking your cat, keep a check on any changes in the condition of its skin and check for any signs of lumps, etc.

What Not To Do In Caring For an Older Cat

Don’t be tempted to feed your cat more if it is exercising less.

Keep your cat indoors more if it is less mobile, to avoid the dangers of traffic, dogs, and other potential problems.

Don’t be tempted to get a kitten as young company for your aging cat, as the exuberance of a kitten may be too much for an animal that wants to wind down a bit in life.