Senior Cat Care

Did you know that cats become seniors around age nine? Fluffy ages gracefully, so you’re more likely to see minor changes taking place over time than sudden, drastic ones. However, your furry pal will need some extra attention as she grows older. Here, a local vet offers some tips on keeping a senior kitty happy and healthy.

Comfort

Keeping your cat comfortable is very important! Fortunately, this is pretty easy. Start by offering your kitty lots of beds to snuggle up in. In winter, your furball may enjoy thermal beds, or soft blankets folded up and put on ottomans. (You get extra purrs for putting some of Fluffy’s napping spots in sunbeams.)

Safety

We recommend that all cats be kept indoors. This is particularly important with older kitties. Fluffy may not be quick enough to escape a predator. Or, she could get confused and forget how to get home.

Litterbox

Your feline pal may have trouble using a litterbox with high sides. Get her one that was made specifically for senior cats. These have low walls, and are often much easier for older kitties to manage.

Grooming

Cats are very clean, but they sometimes have a hard time bending and twisting to clean themselves as they age. Brush Fluffy gently to help get dead fur and dander out of her coat.

Veterinary Care

Fluffy will benefit from more frequent appointments as she grows older. Your vet can recommend an appointment schedule. In between visits, watch for signs of illness, such as withdrawal, weight loss or gain, poor grooming, respiratory issues, vomiting, diarrhea, and litterbox issues. Call your vet immediately if you notice anything amiss.

Mental Health

Cats sometimes experience a decline in cognitive functions as they age, just as people do. Regular play sessions can help quite a bit with this. Timing those tricky pounces offers your furball beneficial mental stimulation, just as doing a crossword puzzle does for us. Fluffy might also forget how to get around sometimes, and may meow in frustration. Just gently comfort her when this happens.

Purrs

Keeping that motor going is also important. Pay lots of attention to your kitty, and make sure she feels warm, safe, comfy, and loved. Talk to her, pet her, and play with her. Senior cat purrs are really very special!

Our Advice on Senior Cat Care

When does a cat become a senior?

A cat is considered a senior around age nine, but some breeds may become seniors earlier, while others may take longer. The transition to senior status is gradual, with minor changes in behavior and health over time. Giving senior cats extra attention and care is essential to ensure their well-being as they age gracefully.

Why is keeping senior cats indoors vital?

Keeping senior cats indoors is essential because older cats may need to be more agile or quick to escape potential dangers, such as predators or traffic. Indoor cats are safer and less prone to accidents, ensuring their well-being in their later years.

How can owners assist with grooming for senior cats?

Owners can assist with grooming for senior cats by gently brushing their fur to remove dead fur and dander. This helps keep their coat clean and prevents matting, especially if they have difficulty grooming themselves due to age-related limitations.

What mental health changes might senior cats experience?

Senior cats may experience mental health changes, including cognitive decline. They might forget familiar routes, become disoriented or vocalize in frustration. Regular play and interaction can provide mental stimulation and comfort to help mitigate these changes.

Why are senior cat purrs special?

Senior cat purrs are unique because they signify contentment, comfort, and the bond between the cat and its owner. They offer warmth and a sense of security, making them precious moments in a senior cat’s life.

Do you have questions about senior cat care? Contact us, your local veterinary clinic in Hudson Valley, NY, today!