Caring for Senior Cats: Tips for Companionship & Comfor

Signs of Aging in Cats

Contrary to humans, cats typically begin to age around the age of seven, and those over twelve are considered senior felines. However, each cat's health varies, so age alone isn't a universal indicator. As a result, pet owners should be particularly vigilant in observing any changes.

By paying attention to your cat's physical appearance, health, and behavior, you can determine if your beloved pet is gradually entering its golden years.

There are numerous signs that a cat is aging:

Decreased vision, reduced hearing acuity, and an increasing amount of sleep;

A decline in appetite, dull and lifeless fur, and the appearance of gray fur similar to human hair;

Increased shedding, diminished agility, and a reluctance to jump to high places, among others.

Additionally, pet owners should be aware that as cats age, their eyes can become prone to cataracts, which can lead to injuries due to poor vision.

How to Care for Senior Cats with Tenderness?

Dietary Nutrition

For senior cats, a wellbalanced diet is crucial. Cats over ten years old require more calories as they age, but their absorption capacity decreases with age. By the time they reach twelve, their ability to absorb fat and protein is only about 60% of what it was in their youth.

Therefore, it's advisable to include more meat in their diet and avoid highfiber grainbased cat food, which can be difficult to digest. And don't forget to provide fresh, clean water continuously—it's essential.

Avoid Intense Exercise

Senior cats have less energy, so when playing with them, avoid games that require vigorous movement. Opt for interactive toys and schedule playtime appropriately and moderately. This not only keeps your cat mentally and physically engaged but also helps maintain its health and delay the aging process.

Make Daily Life Easier for Your Cat

More than 70% of cats over the age of 14 suffer from arthritis. Cats are natural painhiders, and they may not show signs of limping like dogs, making it easy for owners to overlook their arthritis.

In daily life, be mindful of lowering the height of water bowls and litter boxes if they are too high, as this can make drinking and using the bathroom difficult for cats.

Create a Quiet Space for Your Cat

When there are multiple cats in the home with a significant age gap, there are certain details pet owners must pay attention to. Since older cats have less mobility than younger ones, it's best to separate feeding times to prevent older cats from being outcompeted for food by younger ones.

Additionally, allocate a suitable area for senior cats to ensure they have their own space to rest and reduce the chance of being disturbed by younger cats.

Don't Neglect Minor Illnesses, Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Lastly, just like humans, older cats have a weakened immune system and are more susceptible to bacterial and viral infections, which can lead to illness. This means that in daily life, it's important for owners to observe their cat's habits closely so that they can detect illness early and seek medical attention promptly.