Caring for a Senior Cat

Your feline friend is a loyal and loving companion, and a big part of your family. As your furball ages, you will watch her transform from a bouncy kitten or vivacious adult to a distinguished mature cat. When Fluffy enters her senior years, she will become more fragile, and you may need to make a few adjustments to her basic care and routines to keep her healthy and comfortable in her golden years. In this article, your local vet Lawrenceville goes over some basics of caring for a senior cat.

Bedding

Cats are very skilled at discovering new and comfy places to sleep, but that doesn’t mean Fluffy won’t appreciate a soft, cozy bed of her own. Kitty beds are relatively inexpensive, but you can save money by making your own. Keep Kitty comfortable in her golden years by keeping cat beds in her favorite rooms, and on each story of your home.

Diet

Your vet may recommend a special diet for your furball as she ages, particularly if she develops a medical condition, such as diabetes. Feed your feline friend the best food you can afford, and treat her now and then with occasional kitty treats, bits of tuna or chicken, or even some boneless salmon. Certain supplements, such as fish oil, may also be beneficial, so check with your vet for recommendations.

Environment

As she ages, your kitty may start to have ‘senior moments.’ You may find her stuck in a corner, or notice that she seems a bit confused about navigating your home. To help her out, install nightlights, and keep dishes and litter boxes on each story of your house so she doesn’t have to navigate the stairs as much. Pet ramps or ottomans may make it easier for her to get in and out of your bed.

Stimulation

Kitties often experience cognitive decline in their senior years. Regular play will provide mental stimulation, which will help keep Kitty’s mind sharp. Use a wand toy or laser pointer to get your furball engaged. You can’t force your cat to play if she really just wants to sleep, but if you can get her attention with an enticing toy, great! Don’t worry about making Fluffy too tired, because she’ll probably just walk away when she loses interest.

Love

Older kitties may be more delicate, but petting your furball and talking to her will comfort her and make her feel loved.

Do you have any questions about caring for your senior cat? If so, we are ready to assist. Please contact us, your veterinary clinic Lawrenceville, with all of your pet care needs.

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