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The Golden Years
Cats are considered to be senior after the age of 7 and geriatric once they reach age 15. With cats living into their mid twenties, there are a lot of things cat owners can do to help keep them living active and pain free lives.
There are also some things to be on the look out for that may indicate your senior cat has a medical problem.
Tips to help your senior cat with day to day life:
Think about the litterbox from your cat's perspective - size, shape, location, covered or uncovered, etc. Senior kitties are often sore and stiff from arthritis and would really appreciate a litterbox that is easy for them to get to and get in and out of. Avoid placing the box somewhere that requries your cat to use a set of stairs to get to. Make sure the area is well lit and not anywhere that there is a lot of traffic or noise. Choose a box that has low sides, uncovered and large enough for your cat to turn around in.
Cats are considered to be senior after the age of 7 and geriatric once they reach age 15. With cats living into their mid twenties, there are a lot of things cat owners can do to help keep them living active and pain free lives.
There are also some things to be on the look out for that may indicate your senior cat has a medical problem.
- First and most important is to make sure your cat has regular visits to their vet. This should be at least once a year, but becomes more important as they age so twice yearly visits are recommended. Especially for cats with known chronic medical conditions.
- Early diagnosis and treatment is much better for the overall longevity and quality of life of your cat. (at any age!)
- Know your cat's habits and watch for changes in daily behaviour.
- Watch for changes of any kind, such as change in appetite and drinking, change in weight, change in sleep habits, change in social interactions, changes in the litterbox, and vomiting.
- Excessive vocalization, especially at night.
- Hiding.
Tips to help your senior cat with day to day life:
Think about the litterbox from your cat's perspective - size, shape, location, covered or uncovered, etc. Senior kitties are often sore and stiff from arthritis and would really appreciate a litterbox that is easy for them to get to and get in and out of. Avoid placing the box somewhere that requries your cat to use a set of stairs to get to. Make sure the area is well lit and not anywhere that there is a lot of traffic or noise. Choose a box that has low sides, uncovered and large enough for your cat to turn around in.
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Consider using ramps, pet stairs or stools to help your kitty get up and down from their favourite spots, such as your bed, couch, window sill, etc. Senior kitties still have a love for high places, they just need a little help getting up there.
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Don't forget to play with your senior cat. Just because they are old, doesn't mean they don't still love to play, just maybe not for as long as they used to. Engaging in daily play time will help your senior cat's mind stay sharp and stimulated. Try new toys and maze or puzzle type feeders to keep them thinking and problem solving.
Finally, if your cat is slowing down, stiff and sore, or not jumping up anymore, there are things your vet can do to help them live more comfortable lives and even pain free. There are lots of medications for arthritis that are safe for older cats under your veterinarian's supervision, plus various supplements and even laser therapy can all help arthritic cats with their mobility and comort level.
