The lifespan of cats is way shorter than humans. By the time the cat has crossed the age of 10, she is considered an old cat. Your pet cat will endure many behavioral and health changes as she transitions from an adult cat to a senior cat. An old cat will have a weaker immune system, having more risk of health related problems. Also, your old cat will not be as active as it used to be. The nutritional and health requirements of your cat will also change as it grows older. That is why your older cat needs extra care. Here are some tips you can follow to take care of your old cat.
Pay attention to their diet
You need to make some dietary changes as your cat ages. She has different nutritional needs, and you need to feed her a diet with lower protein and fewer calories. As your cat gets less active with age, you need to give her a low-calorie diet to help maintain a healthy weight. Also, an older cat can have trouble digesting high levels of protein. So, choose low-protein foods for your senior cat so that her digestive system can function well. If your old cat has any medical condition, you may need to consult a veterinarian if she needs a prescription diet to help manage her health. Furthermore, feed your cat with small and frequent meals to improve her digestion.
Ensure proper hygiene and grooming
Older cats require better hygiene care in order to prevent them from infections and diseases. You should keep your old cat clean as much as possible. Keep her indoors. Don’t let her go outside without full supervision. Cats tend to live longer when they are kept exclusively indoors. So, if you want your old cat to be healthier, keep her inside. You can keep your old cat happy indoors by providing them with an entertaining and healthy environment in your home. Also, you should pay more attention to her grooming as she gets old, especially if your cat is long-haired. Trim her hair and brush them more frequently. Use durable diapers for your old cat if she is having accidental stools. Washable cat diapers are available now at Pet Parents.
Don’t neglect their dental health
Dental Disease is very common in aging cats. Older cats can get gum disease, broken teeth, and an oral tumor that can drastically affect their quality of life. Mouth infections in your cat enter her bloodstream and gradually affect her liver, heart, and kidneys. That is why you should pay special attention to your cat’s dental health when she is in her senior years. Maintain her dental health by brushing her teeth and ensuring that she gets regular veterinary care. Therefore, regular veterinary checkups and at-home dental care can help extend her lifespan.
Schedule biannual vet visits
When your cat has crossed the 10 year mark, you should see the vet every six months for the sake of her wellness and health. Biannual examinations and blood work can be helpful in the early detection of health issues before they get worse. The vet will also weigh your cat to analyze her trends in weight gain or loss that could give clues to her overall health changes. Thus, regular vet care is critical to ensure the longevity of your old cat and her quality of life.