When Does A Cat Become Senior?

After a kitten has reached the age of 12 months, considers them to be “adult” cats. This stage lasts up until they turn 11. A cat that is 11 years old or older is considered a senior cat. This cat may need more care from its owner to keep it in good health.

These 10 tips will help you care for your senior cat.

Watch your cat’s weight

If your cat starts to gain or lose weight, it could be a sign of a health condition. They can be gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes and hyperthyroidism. Weight changes can be subtle and hard to detect visually. Weighing your cat weekly will help you keep an eye on the situation. Your vet can show you the best way to assess your cat’s condition. Book a vet consultation if you notice that your cat has suddenly lost or gained weight.

You can monitor their food intake

If you notice that your cat’s appetite is reduced, it may be because they are not feeling well. You could offer your cat a wet food that is highly palatable to encourage eating. Feeding senior cats often and in small amounts will ensure that their digestive system works efficiently. You can use an automatic feeder to ensure your cat gets regular meals even if you’re not home.

3. Make sure that your cat drinks enough.

This can cause health problems like constipation. Make sure your cat gets enough water, and they have easy access to it. Install a cat’s water fountain on the floor if your cat used to jump up onto the counter for a drink. You can increase your cat’s intake of water by feeding more wet food.

4. Check for signs and symptoms of pain

Cats are very good at hiding their pain. They can be in severe pain without showing their owners any visible signs. Senior cats often suffer from painful joint issues that are not noticed by their owners until the x-rays for another problem. Ask your veterinarian to examine your cat when they come in for their regular checkups. Also, if you notice any changes in your cat’s behavior, contact your vet.

5: Provide warm and soft beds

As cats age, their joints become stiffer. Once they enjoyed laying on the kitchen tile for a nap they may now prefer a more comfortable bed. Be sure to give your cat a wide range of sleeping areas. Consider buying a heated catbed for winter to keep your cat warm and comfortable.

Monitor your cat’s litter box

You can assess your cat’s health by observing their habits when using the litter box. Senior cats may become constipated easily, particularly if they are not getting enough water. Note what your cat is used to and, if you notice something out of character, speak with your vet. A higher level of urination could be an indicator of certain health conditions, such as diabetes or kidney disease. Ensure that your cat is able to easily reach the litterbox, and there are no sides too high for it to climb.

• Please read also: Why your older cat is not using the litter box (7 Reasons Most Likely)

Be on the lookout for any behavioral changes

Senior cats are more likely to develop feline cognitive dysfunction, also known as cat dementia. There are a number of symptoms that can be seen:

• Confusion and disorientation
• Sleeping patterns change
• Reduced interest in foods
• Using the litterbox
• Excessive vocalization

Schedule six-monthly veterinary visits

It is recommended that adult cats have an annual examination, while senior cats need to see their vet every six months. This will allow you to detect early signs of illnesses and create a treatment strategy. Your vet might want to do blood tests and examine your cat’s overall health, including its teeth and weight. You should call your veterinarian if you see anything concerning, like a change in weight or a dull coat.

Encourage your cat’s exercise

As your cat gets older, it might become less active, but still require plenty of stimulation, both physical and mental. If your elderly cat can’t jump into the high cat hammock, consider moving it closer to the floor. If your cat has a high sleeping place that they love, you can add a ramp for them to safely access. If your cat is older, they may prefer to play with toys that are less physically demanding. Try offering them soft kicker toys or food puzzles instead of anything that requires them pounce or chase.

Give your cat the most attention possible

While senior cats spend more of their time sleeping and resting, they still love to be loved by their owners. You might need to give your cat more attention if it has trouble getting to certain areas of its fur or trim his nails more frequently if he can’t stretch to reach the scratching post. We owe our feline friends a lot of love and joy for all they have done over the years. We should do our best to take care them when they are older.