Caring For An Elderly Cat
It may be tough for a pet owner to become aware of a pet cat growing old. On the outside, pet cats may display the same characteristics- playing with cat toys around the home, taking naps sprawled on a favourite position in the home, snuggle up with you on the couch. But inside, it may be an entirely different thing. And health care for cats when they get old may change a bit.
When caring for your aging cat, there are some things that the concerned pet owner ought to learn about. When a cat approaches somewhere between the ages of 8 and 12 years, this is the equivalent of a person getting close to middle age. This will be the time that your pet cat may just be needing some added attention.
The majority of veterinarians generally estimate that cats start their geriatric years once they reach 12 years. This will be the time that taking care of your pet cat would have to change in order to cater to the requirements that getting older brings.
A major part of looking after mature pet cats involves feeding them. As pet cats age, their digestive systems do not function as efficiently. Aging cats may need to eat smaller and more readily digestible meals in a day as opposed to just 2 square meals. Try to also ensure that you provide your cat with a variety of food to eat to ensure that it gets a nicely well balanced diet.
There are also a number of cat foods now available as food that caters for the differing life stages of one’s pet cat. There is cat food that’s specifically formulated for older cats as well as less active ones. The best advice in feeding your aging pet cat is always to consult with your vet about the dietary requirements of your cat.
When cats age, they also begin to lead a less energetic lifestyle. Whereas cats enjoy playing around and hunting throughout their younger years, elderly cats often have a preference for spending more time quietly around the home. This may be a benefit for a lot of pet owners since they will no longer have to be worried about their once playful cat overturning and breaking objects around your house. But this less active way of life may not be good for the cat. Even though your pet cat would like to rest more, you may still need to keep them active since the exercise could help keep them healthy. Try to play with them as often as possible to help keep them active.
As they age, cats may also need to have their vaccinations up to date. Older cats have a less efficient immune system and may need vaccinations to keep them protected from diseases.
Dental problems may also become a concern for old cats when they become prone to having loose teeth, tartar build up, and sore gums. This can have a big effect on your pet cat’s well-being. Dental problems may be the reason why they are not eating well so regular dental check up could be needed as part of your health care programme for older cats.