IF you have an elderly cat you will want to look after it to the best of your ability. So at what age is a cat considered “elderly”?
You may have seen changes from about the age of seven, but by the time they are 12 they may have some age-related conditions. So you will need to be vigilant to ensure your cat enjoys they best health it can. If you catch some conditions early, they are controllable or curable.
The immune system of elderly cats will not be so efficient and some conditions will dehydrate your cat so you will need to make sure he or she has plenty of clean water always available.
You may notice that your cat is not such an efficient groomer and that their fur is becoming matted. They may suffer from skin odour and inflammation. Regular brushing or combing will become necessary.
Their claws may thicken and become more brittle so you may have to clip them.
They more become more senile, appearing to become disorientated or wandering more.
You must check their ears for hearing loss and their eyes to see if there are any changes. Conditions like high blood pressure can affect sight.
Elderly cats are also prone to tooth decay, so get them checked regularly.
Some elderly cats get kidney disease, arthritis or bowel disease.
If all this sounds like a litany of despair, don’t worry. There is much you can do to ensure your cat has a happy and healthy old age.
What can you do to help your senior cat? Here are some tips:
Schedule regular visits with your veterinarian. Your cat needs to be examined at least yearly if it appears healthy, as many diseases are hidden and not apparent. Remember it is much cheaper to prevent disease than it is to treat it.
Ask for a body condition evaluation during each vet visit. Body condition is crucial to determining whether your senior cat is overweight, underweight, or at an ideal body weight. In fact, you should also ask your veterinarian to show you how to evaluate your cat's body condition at home.
Feed your older cat a diet with adequate protein levels. Avoid vegan or vegetarian diets. Cats are obligate carnivores. They require nutrients such as taurine and arachidonic acid that are only found in animal sources. They also require a higher protein level than dogs, comparatively. Learn to read a pet food label and feed a cat food that is appropriate for your cat’s age and lifestyle.
Feed your cat to remain at its ideal body weight. Overweight cats have a higher incidence of diseases such as diabetes, liver disease, skin disease, even cancer. Your veterinarian can help you choose an appropriate diet for your cat. Your cat must be fed carefully to make sure all his nutrient needs are met. Some obese cats may require a specialized diet that is lower in calories but nutrient rich. Diets that are high in L-carnitine can be helpful in weight loss. The level of carbohydrates in cat food are controversial but a proper carbohydrate blend can help keep your cat feeling satiated.
Consider fortifying your senior cat’s diet with fatty acids such as DHA and EPA.They have been shown to be useful for cats with mobility issues due to arthritis or other joint diseases. Supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin are also beneficial for senior cats.
Consider a special diet if your older cat has heart or kidney disease. For example, diets lower in sodium are sometimes advocated for cats with heart disease, while diets which help control phosphorus, calcium and other electrolyte levels are given to cats with kidney disease. Your veterinarian can help you choose the best food for your cat based on your cat’s individual situation.
Ask about special diets for cats with hyperthyroidism. Diets with restricted iodine levels are now available as a potential management method for cats with hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland.) However, it is important that cats with normal thyroid function not consume these diets. If you have questions, ask your veterinarian for advice.
Take care of your cat’s mouth. Brushing your cat’s teeth may seem like a silly idea but it can help keep your cat’s mouth healthy. If you cannot brush, consider cat dental treats that help keep the teeth clean.
Environmental enrichment is important for cats of all ages and should not be abandoned for senior cats. Cat interactive toys, food puzzles (particularly for overweight cats), even supervised access to the outdoors through the use of "catios" or cat leash walking can help keep senior cats entertained as well as helping to burn excess calories and keep muscles and joints healthy.
Provide your older cat with special accommodations. For instance, cats with arthritis might benefit from cat litter boxes with lower sides for easier access into and out of the box. Providing soft bedding for your cat, either with a cat bed or with towels or blankets to rest on, can help your cat be more comfortable. Be sure that food and water are easily accessible. Don’t force your arthritic senior cat to go up and down stairs to eat, drink or use the litter box.
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