Content
- Feeding the old cat
- Taking care of your mouth is essential
- Elderly cat care at home
- Veterinary follow-up of the old cat
- rest and rest
Cats are long-lasting animals, this because they are animals that can live up to 18 years and even on certain occasions can exceed 20. It is important to consider that if your cat is over 12 years of age it should start to receive special care and attention on a regular basis, as it is an elderly animal.
For this reason, in this article by Animal Expert, we want to work to offer you useful advice that will ensure that your pet receives the best care in this very delicate stage of an elderly cat's life. Keep reading and discover this complete guide to care for old cats.
Feeding the old cat
Visually, cats retain a youthful and active look that doesn't make us think they need extra care, but that's not quite the case. Your bones, muscles and organs start to work more slowly and suffer over time.
To start this care guide for older cats we talk about feeding. It will be essential to pay attention to your diet and consult the veterinarian for a change in your food to a range senior or light.
This type of food is recommended for older cats as it is less fattening than other feeds (ideal for their progressive reduction in daily activity) and allows them to control their weight, something that is essential at this stage. Remember that cats or other overweight animals have a shorter life expectancy, help them to maintain a healthy and stable figure.
Another consideration that must be taken into account is that you must confirm that the animal drinks and eats properly. Make sure you drink water and food frequently, otherwise you should go to the vet.
Taking care of your mouth is essential
THE lack of appetite it may be due to the formation of dental plaque that causes painful gingivitis in our cat and prevents him from chewing his food. Tooth diseases are common in older cats and are often accompanied by bad breath.
Also find advice on how to remove tartar in cats from the Animal Expert. In very serious cases your elderly cat may need veterinary intervention.
If you notice that you don't eat pet food, try stimulating it with moist food that, in addition to being tasty and easy to eat, contains a lot of water, something that is ideal for older cats.
Elderly cat care at home
In addition to what was mentioned above, it is important that at this stage of life we pay attention to our little friend offering him extra attention.
To foster a healthy and active cat, even in this old age stage, it is important to avoid the apathy of the pet, playing with him and getting his attention on a regular basis. Toys, caresses or massages are perfect options to keep you fit and healthy.
In the same way that when he is awake we will try to motivate our cat to be active, when he is sleeping he must respect his sleeping hours, offering him a comfortable and cozy bed so that his bones do not suffer.
Another specific care for elderly cats is attention to problems related to the senses, such as blindness or deafness. As they get older they can start to get disoriented within the same house where they have always lived and they can also lose capabilities that we must discover through careful observation.
Although the Internet has a lot of advice to apply to older cats, in fact the best advice can be given by yourself because you are the one who lives with the cat and knows its needs and needs. Be sure to observe and pay the necessary attention to pass this step together with the best possible person, which is you!
Veterinary follow-up of the old cat
During old age, health problems begin to be more frequent than in other stages of the cat's life. We must be informed and attentive to any physical changes that are observed: hair loss, appearance of tumors, irregularity when walking, etc. In the face of any symptoms, it is important to go to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
Depression or prostration can be signs of illness and we should take this seriously. Lack of appetite and increased thirst can be signs of various disorders: kidney problems, liver problems, gastritis. These problems are more common when the cat ages, so it is recommended to have blood tests regularly from 8 or 10 years. Making an early diagnosis is the key to successful treatment of problems that the elderly cat may have.
Although you don't see any signs of illness in your cat, it's also highly recommended. go to the vet approximately every 6 months for an analysis and general review. In this way, possible anemia or allergies that may have gone unnoticed are ruled out.
rest and rest
Rest is essential in an elderly cat's life. From the age of 8 we start to notice how he needs more hours of rest and that's normal, don't be alarmed by it. For this reason, buy a new comfortable bed and lots of pillows so that you can rest well.
Whenever the cat is resting, provide a peaceful environment and do not disturb him. Also, as extra advice, if you find it difficult to climb the stairs, you should help to hold him. It is also recommended to place some pads next to the heaters so that it can lie around. Anything you can do to make your cat's life easier and more comfortable is welcome.