Caring for an older cat: accessories and lifestyle changes

When do cats start getting old? If the pet is 7 years old, it’s time to think about purchasing special accessories and food for her. Comfortable beds, litter box and food for older cats can help ease your cat’s transition to old age.

Accessories for older cats

As your pet grows, his lifestyle should change. The task of the owner is to help the cat adapt to such changes. They do not have to be cardinal or explicit. Dr. Emily Levin, an animal behaviorist at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, says: “We don’t forget to give them medication, but we tend to forget food, water and toilet issues.”

Small adjustments to a cat’s routine as they approach old age make a big difference in how your cat’s senior years go.

Old cat care: toilet

The joints of a cat age with it. Arthritis may make it difficult for her to get in and out of the litter box. For this reason, some animals may refuse to use their toilet, in which case it is necessary to contact a veterinarian. It will help to exclude medical reasons for refusing the tray.

If the health of the cat is all right, you just need to buy a new tray with a low rim.

It should have low walls so that it is easy to climb into it. You can make it yourself by cutting a low door into a plastic storage container with high walls. This will provide the cat with personal space and make cleaning easier. It is important to make sure that the tray is neither too deep nor too shallow. You need to clean it at least once a day and reward the cat for using it for its intended purpose.

If the pet lives in a large house, trays should be placed on each floor so that she does not have to go far or use the stairs once again.

If your cat is incontinent or urinates past the litter box, cat diapers can be used. They need to be changed every one to two hours, the Best Friends Animal Society emphasizes, because “they accumulate urine and feces, do not allow air to pass through, and can cause wounds and secondary infections.” Therefore, it is better to start with the organization of a suitable tray.

If a cat has incontinence, what to do in this case, the veterinarian will definitely tell you. He will rule out medical causes as this could be a sign of a more serious health problem. If any of the diagnoses is confirmed, he will tell you how to maintain the health of the pet.

How to care for an older cat: changes in the house

Remodeling your entire home to make it comfortable for your aging furry friend isn’t worth it, but small changes can make a difference. Make sure your cat can get to his favorite places, such as a bed or sofa, by placing sturdy ramps or ladders next to them. This is especially true if she likes to relax in the cat house or sunbathe on the windowsill.

Love for cozy places and beds in cats only grows over the years. It is better to arrange a sleeping place for your elderly friend away from drafts and buy a heating pad for him, especially if he suffers from arthritis. If your pet’s vision is deteriorating, additional lighting at night can also make it easier for him to move around the house.

You can place one or two extra mats on smooth surfaces such as tile or parquet. This will provide better traction and make walking easier for aging joints.

Old cat: care and feeding

A regular cat grooming regimen, including brushing or combing and brushing teeth, is essential. It is important to bathe your cat periodically, because as cats age, they take less care of themselves.

Proper nutrition is important for animals at all stages of their life. In old age, this aspect becomes especially important. It is advisable to consult with a veterinarian and select a food for older cats that will contain all the necessary nutrients. They are usually balanced to support the brain function of aging pets and help control their weight.

Hill’ Science PlanSenior Vitality is formulated with aging pets in mind. How can you help a cat? Many pets remain energetic and mobile in old age. If you provide them with the necessary care and nutrition at an older age, they will be able to please you for many more happy and healthy years.