Harmonizing with Senior Cats: Tips for a Joyful Bond

Health Checkups for Senior Cats

Regular Weighins Are Essential

It's advisable to weigh your senior cat monthly. If you notice a sudden weight loss of more than 15% despite maintaining the same diet, it could be a sign of kidney or thyroid issues, and immediate veterinary attention is necessary.

Managing Weight and Health

Obesity can strain a cat's heart, legs, and back, leading to diabetes or infections. It's crucial to control weight through diet and exercise.

Utilizing Available Services

If your cat is frequently lying down and seems restless at home during the day, consider shortterm pet boarding services or inhome feeding options. If financial constraints, divorce, family allergies, or other circumstances make it impossible to care for your cat, look into lifelong care facilities and services. Since costs and environments vary, a careful assessment is essential.

Creating a SeniorFriendly Environment

Prepare a comfortable space that doesn't burden your cat's body. Some floors can be slippery, so consider laying down carpets or tatami mats.

Streamlining Daily Life

Move the feeding area and litter box close to the sleeping area to minimize long walks. This setup allows for quick access to the litter box and can increase bathroom visits.

Providing Comfortable Resting Areas

Offer several beds in cool summer and warm winter spots for your cat to choose from. Use cushions to prevent bedsores.

Reducing Strain on Limbs

Place cushions or other items where your cat jumps down to ease the strain. Set up ramps and steps to help your cat reach favorite spots without straining.

Avoiding Sudden Changes

Moving or rearranging furniture can be stressful for senior cats. Vision changes and unfamiliar furniture arrangements can lead to injuries.

SeniorFriendly Diet

As metabolism slows and muscle mass and activity levels decrease, feeding the same food as younger cats can lead to weight gain. Opt for seniorspecific food and feeding methods.

Feeding in Small Portions

Increase the number of feedings per day to allow for smaller, more frequent meals. Soak dry food to make it softer or offer soft food to facilitate easy eating.

Switching to Senior Cat Food

Choose lowprotein, lowfat, and lowcalorie food to prevent weight gain. Avoid excessive salt intake, as it can burden the heart and kidneys.

Providing Fresh Water

Ensure your cat has access to fresh water at all times to prevent dehydration and address constipation issues.

Cat Grooming

Senior cats may struggle with grooming, so help them clean their fur. Pay attention to their eyes, ears, mouth, nose, and bottom, and regularly wipe them with a damp towel.

Gentle Grooming

Brush your cat gently, as their fur may be thinner. Brushing can also improve circulation. Use a warm, damp towel to wipe away dirt when necessary.

Keeping the Face Clean

Wipe away eye boogers and drool with a damp cloth, and wrap a gauze around your fingers to clean their teeth and gums.

Trimming Claws

Senior cats may have claws that can't retract properly, grow rapidly, and potentially injure their paws. Regularly trim their claws to prevent this issue.