Thanks to modern medicine and excellent care from their owners, cats live longer and better lives now than at any other time in recorded history. As any cat lover can tell you, older cats make wonderful companions. even though they’re no longer crazy about kittens, older cats still enjoy playing and often make great cuddle buddies.
It’s important to recognize that older cats have different needs than their younger counterparts. By knowing what age your cat is considered senior and how that affects her health, you’ll be better able to care for her during her golden years.
how old is my cat senior?
In most cases, a vet will consider a cat to be an adult when it’s between 7 and 10 years old. by the time your cat is 10 or older, a common term you may hear from your vet to describe your cat is “geriatric.”
This term is also used in human medicine to distinguish people who are elderly and require special care. If your vet classifies your cat as geriatric, this simply means that in order to promote a good quality of life and longevity, he or she must pay special attention to your cat’s health.
what are the signs of aging in cats?
Spotting the signs of aging in cats can be tricky because felines tend to hide ailments and illnesses. they do so because, in the wild, cats are considered both predators and prey, and if they show signs of weakness or illness, they are more likely to fall prey to them. therefore, cats have evolved to hide any signs of pain, weakness, or illness.
That doesn’t mean you can’t spot the signs of aging in your cat. you just need to be on the lookout for more subtle clues. signs of aging or underlying disease may include the following:
* weight loss or gain
* decreased energy and more sleep
*loss of interest in jumping or playing (may indicate hidden joint pain)
*change in appetite
* decreased vision or hearing
* coat changes: increased matting, oiliness, dandruff or hair loss
* change in vocalization
* changes in behavior
*increased anxiety or aggression
* increased water consumption
*increased urination
* cat litter box problems, including urinating or pooping outside the litter box
how do I care for my senior cat?
adequate nutrition, exercise, mental stimulation, pain control and veterinary attention are the main recommendations for the care of older cats.
nutrition
Proper nutrition means not only providing the right foods, but also providing the right amounts. If your cat is overweight, then he is at higher risk for type 2 diabetes and arthritis pain. however, cats cannot be placed on a drastically reduced calorie diet because such a major change could stress them out and affect their liver health. if your cat is overweight, work with your vet to determine a healthy weight for your cat, and then create a safe and effective weight loss plan.
Senior cats may not be able to digest food as easily as their younger counterparts, so feeding them a complete and balanced diet for seniors, such as Blue Buffalo and Healthy Aging Chicken & brown rice recipe for adult cats, is vital for their general well-being.
physical and mental exercise
Obesity and arthritis are common concerns for older cats, so keeping your cat fit is an important part of keeping her healthy. Older cats enjoy playing with toys, like feather wands, and most can’t resist catnip-enhanced cat toys.
You can also throw kibble for your cat to catch. Or, take your daily food allowance, divide it into four or five servings, and place them around the house, preferably elevated so your cat has to jump on it. All of these options can help sharpen your cat’s mind and trim her body.
pain control
Because cats hide pain, many pet owners don’t know their older kitty is silently suffering from arthritic pain. Arthritis is very common in older cats. a 2011 study showed that 61% of cats older than 6 years had osteoarthritis in at least one joint.
If you’ve noticed your older cat slowing down, jumping or playing less, or hiding more, then arthritic pain could be the culprit. talk to your vet about pain management options for older kitties. there are many remedies available today, from acupuncture to pain medication.
In addition to working with your vet, there are many things you can do at home to help an arthritic kitty. these include:
*provide your cat with a warm bed to relieve joint pain
* give your cat a litter box with lower sides to make it easier to get in and out
* place ramps or stairs around your house so your cat can climb up and down things
veterinary care
Things can change quickly in an older cat’s body, so older cats should get an exam from a local vet every year, and in some cases twice a year. During an annual exam, your vet can perform lab tests to check for common ailments, such as kidney or dental disease.
With just a little attention, any senior feline can live well into their teens and beyond. Plus, by knowing what to expect ahead of time, he can set your cat up for a wonderful quality of life during his golden years.
