How to Help Your Senior Cat

Cats are living much longer now than was the case 20 years ago, thanks to better nutrition, veterinary and home care. In recent years, feline ages and life-stages have been redefined, cats are considered to be elderly once they reach 11 years with senior cats defined as those aged between 11-14 years and super-senior cats 15 years and upwards.
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As many cats are living longer lives what can we do to ensure they are living the best life …..

• Regular vets checks are a must, every six months is recommended and should include blood work to check for issues such as hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, and diabetes.
• Giving your older cats medication doesn’t have to be a highly stressful thing for both you and your cat. Many medications can be specially compounded into a treat form, or a transdermal cream that is absorbed through the skin. Chat to your vet if you are worried.
• Arthritis is common in cats over 8 years and the signs are subtle. Perhaps your cat is reluctant to jump up or down from surfaces that caused no hesitation when he was young. There are excellent pain management drugs available for arthritis in cats.
• Check that your litter trays have low enough sides for your senior cat to easily access and that the tray is 1.5 times the length of your cat’s body.
• More water dishes around the home but not right next to the food dishes, will encourage your cat to drink more.
• Many older cats with mobility issues prefer to use a horizontal scratcher. Older cats claws need to be checked regularly as they can grown very quick and sometimes grow into the pads. Because older cats can have arthritis, scratching to get rid of claw sheaths often isn’t done.
• Just because a cat is older doesn’t mean they don’t want to play, often cats will like to attack toys and kick them. Large soft toys that can be hugged and kicked with back legs can be popular especially if filled with catnip etc.
• Puzzle toys can be a great way for an older cat to get some mental stimulation.
• Lots of comfy cat beds and heat pads can be invaluable to older cats, great on chilly days when the homes heating may not be turned on.