Sooner or later, your beloved cat will start to age and undergo physical changes. This usually occurs between the ages of seven and ten. However, some are fortunate to avoid major changes until about 12 years of age. However, when the time does finally come, you will need to make a few changes to the way you care for your pet. Read on for helpful tips on caring for older cats.
Most owners take their cats to the vet for an annual exam. Older cats should be seen by the vet more often than their younger counterparts, as the risk of problems has increased. It is best to schedule a wellness exam every six months.
You will also need to change what you feed your older cat a bit. Older people who become less active but still get the same amount of calories will likely be overweight. Obesity is particularly a problem for older people, so a vet-approved diet would definitely be in order.
When caring for older cats, always make sure they always have access to fresh drinking water. Dehydration occurs more easily as cats age. Your organs won’t respond very well to chronic dehydration, either. The kidneys are often the biggest problem in older people, and frequent dehydration certainly won’t do these vital organs any good.
As with humans, arthritis becomes a problem for older cats. Once arthritis sets in, your cat will not be as physically active as he used to be. Don’t be surprised if you stop climbing the stairs or jumping onto the windowsill. Arthritic cats can even have trouble getting into their litter boxes. If you notice that yours has a problem with this, you can accommodate it by getting a shorter box or even putting a set of stairs next to it.
Dental care is important for cats of all ages. For older cats, it becomes increasingly important. The risk of developing dental disease only increases with age. This disease can cause enough pain to prevent your cat from eating.
Your cat may also lose the energy to stay well groomed. You don’t want him to develop a dry or excessively dirty coat. Mats can also become a problem if you have a long-haired breed. You can help your older cat by brushing him yourself daily, or at least a few times a week.
The changes that occur in your older cat are not just physical. It can also show mental problems just like elderly humans. You may wander occasionally or even appear disoriented. Some cats become much more vocal and meow too much for their owner’s liking. When caring for older cats, also keep in mind that they may not respond well to changes. Try to keep everything at home the same, as they do best with family routines.
There are quite a few diseases that are common in older cats. Hypertension, kidney problems, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes mellitus are among some of the most common. Different types of cancer are also more common in older cats.
With the increased risk of these diseases, it is important to closely monitor your cat for changes. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, you may want to let a vet give feedback on it. It is hoped that the exams performed twice a year will detect any disease early, which will hopefully facilitate its treatment.