Just like humans, cats are also getting old and become seniors. For a cat to be considered a senior, it needs to be about 8 to 12 years of age. As a cat owner, it is your responsibility to look after the health and overall welfare of your pet. This is especially true when your cat turns into a senior, because just like humans, as cats grow older they will needing special love and care. So it is up to you to make sure that your cat lives a happy and healthy life as it approaches its twilight years. Here are some tips to help you on how to care for senior cats:
When your cats get older, their health will sure slowly deteriorate, so it is imperative that you always take your cat to a veterinarian in a regular basis. As cats get older, they also become more susceptible to conditions and disorders such as arthritis, diabetes, heart failure, kidney failure and dental problems. With regular veterinarian visits, you can quickly find out if your cat is suffering from health conditions.
As cats get older, the more it is necessary for you to supervise its diet. For cats that are suffering from medical conditions, you might want to consult a veterinarian and see if your cat may require a special diet plan. Senior cats can really benefit from a highly palatable diet because their sense of taste has deteriorated which can cause the loss of appetite.
Exercise is yet another important aspect to consider when it comes to caring for a senior cat. Most old cats would rather stay in place and sleep all day, which can lead to eventual obesity because of lack of exercise. Obese cats are more prone to diseases such as diabetes and heart problems. So make sure that your cat gets the daily exercise it needs.
Mobility, or lack thereof is another problem that most older cats face. This is because it is highly likely that they may have developed arthritis. The least that you can do in this case is to make your cat's living space to be more accessible and comfortable. Examples of this is building ramps, providing a soft bedding, placing its food and water in the floor and so on.
As we all know cats are very good when it comes to grooming themselves, but as they grow older they won't be able to groom themselves properly like before. A can that isn't properly groomed may run into some health issues later. So make sure that you regularly groom your senior cat like brushing its coat, cleaning its teeth and ears.
When caring for an older cat, you will be needing a lot of patience and devotion. Senior cats have special needs, so they will also require special care. If you run into any difficulties or problems, then make sure that you consult with a veterinarian right away. As the cat's parent, it is your responsibility to make sure that your cat transitions well into its senior years.
Jerri Torres enjoys writing for Petflow which sells Natural Balance and innova dog food as well as a host of additional products.
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