Caring for an older Cat
When your cat gets older it can be difficult to know how you need to care for them, and what can be done to help. Your cat may not have appeared to have changed much on the outside, but it might be time to try something new to make your feline friend more comfortable. Animal Friends has the information you need on improving your elderly cat’s standard of life.
What should you do?
Focus on the main aspects of your cat’s life and remember that cats, like humans, start to degenerate in their older age. Senses start to fail and the joints become a little rusty, so perhaps it’s time to change a few of the things in his routine. To start with, lower or replace any high vantage resting places, and put them closer to the floor – if it’s hurting him to get to his favourite spot, it will comfort him a great deal if it can be closer to the ground, and easier to reach. Keep toys in easy to reach places as well, perhaps with the newly moved bed or resting place, as this will allow the cat to familiarise with the new spot more easily.
Pay attention on your cats feeding habits. Are they eating more? Less? If a change has occurred in your cat’s diet, it may be worth changing how you feed them. Perhaps it’d be more manageable to have more feeding times and smaller amounts at intervals throughout the day – cats are less inclined to eat food that has been sitting out for some time, so providing a little fresh food every so often may allow your cat to manage all the food it needs to eat. Also remember to keep a fresh bowl of water topped up – not only will your cat need the hydration, but it can also provide an early warning as cats that are constantly drinking water may have problems related to their kidneys. If your cat is less inclined to walk to the water bowl, then perhaps the placing of a number of water bowls around the house will be more suitable.
Keep on top of any health problems or issues you face. If something seems odd or worries you, consult your vet. In older age cats, treatments work so much better if the problem is caught early, so do not tempt fate. Regular vet care is a must – stay on top of vaccinations and worming injections to maintain your cat’s general health. In combination with the right nutrition and exercise this can only extend your cat’s lifespan. In coordination with this, remember to keep your cat’s dental hygiene at a high standard, as tooth decay and dental problems are a common occurrence in the elderly feline, and dental problem can stop all desire to eat, leaving your cat effectively starving itself. Regularly check your cat at home, looking for any swelling or redness that is causing discomfort.
As a cat ages, its joints may become painful, leading to the cat jumping and stretching less. This may mean your cat can no longer reach areas of its body to groom, and may simply stop altogether if this is the case. In this example, you may wish to help the cat in his grooming regime by applying a damp cloth over his coat. By grooming him in this way, you not only spend quality time with your cat but you can also use this time to look for fleas or ticks, or any other sources of possible discomfort. Simply the feel of the wetness on the coat may tempt your cat into grooming itself, so always allow room for independence if it does take the initiative.
Establishing a set routine will help your cat feel comfortable and secure in your home. Many cats begin to develop a form of senility in their older age, and can occasionally wake up disoriented and confused. In this example, the cat can be intimidated until it is reminded of its surroundings. Familiar smells, as well as toys and people, can help in this regard, so allow the cat to adjust before approaching it. In families with children, now is the time to set the rules about leaving the cat alone to do his own thing, as any unwanted attention or rude awakenings will serve only to upset the poor cat. Feeding the cat at the same time/s each day, as well as waking and settling down to sleep at the same time will ensure a routine that the cat can comfortably live with. As cats are not animals that adapt well to change, moving furniture around is not something to consider, as this small disruption can be quite unsettling.
When a cat ages, bowel control may become an issue. In this case, placing an extra litter tray closer to the cats bedding will allow you to reduce the risk of accidents in the night. Your cat will not be comfortable if it has problems excreting, and so any methods taken to alleviate this problem should be taken. Should your cat be unable to clear his bowels or bladder, then serious action may need to be taken, so consult your vet at the first sign of any difficulty.
Take the time to understand
Just remember that like us humans, cats also have feelings and no doubt they will want all the support you can give them once life starts to become that bit more stressful. Accept that your cat is no longer the sprightly kitten it once was, and give it all the emotional support it needs to live a fulfilled and happy life, allowing you to get the very best out of the relationship you have with your feline friend.
Remember that as cat’s age, they can unfortunately become more prone to illness and disease, and with rising vet fees, this can become costly. Animal Friends Insurance offers a wide range of comprehensive cover suited for your needs, so check us out online or telephone us on 0845 55 70 300 and ask how we can help your animal friend today.
