Over the years, your cat has provided you with countless hours of love, laughter, and friendship. Now that she's older, it's up to you to reward her unconditional love with extra attention and care in order to ensure that her golden years are as happy as possible.
Senior Cat Symptoms
Some cats display age-related physical indications as early as seven years old, while others are still as frisky as kittens at ten years old. A cat is considered "senior" if she is over 11 years old, according to a general guideline. As the owner of an older cat, you'll want to keep an eye out for any changes in behavior that could indicate a problem. Here are five age-related symptoms and illnesses to look out for in an older cat:
On a window sill, a striped green-eyed cat.
Sleeping all the time...or not at all: While it's natural for cats to slow down as they become older, if you observe your cat sleeping all the time or more profoundly than usual, it could suggest a more serious health issue. Cats that are more active at night and don't sleep as much as they used to maybe undergo age-related changes. An elderly cat who suddenly appears to have a lot more energy could be suffering from hyperthyroidism, according to the Tree House Humane Society in Chicago. If you have any worries about her overall health, speak with your veterinarian.
Confusion: If your cat becomes perplexed by simple actions or objects she is used to navigating, such as locating her bed, she may be nearing the end of her life. If you notice this type of behavior, speak with your veterinarian. It could be an indication of a wider cognitive disorder.
Arthritis affects many senior cats, making it difficult to climb stairs or jump. While your cat may not limp or display other visible indicators of joint pain, you may notice she has greater difficulty jumping into the litter box, climbing stairs, or jumping on furniture than she did previously.
Weight gain or reduction that is unintentional: Weight loss in an older cat can indicate a variety of issues, ranging from heart and kidney disease to diabetes, according to the University of Illinois School of Veterinary Medicine. When cats transition from adult to senior status, their food, and energy requirements may increase, and they may lose weight quicker than they can consume to keep up. On the other hand, as cats age, their metabolism slows, and they don't require as many calories as they once did. If you notice your cat is gaining weight, it may be time to switch to senior cat food that is better suited to her biological requirements.
Changes in behavior: Is your cat having accidents that she has never had before? Is she trying to stay away from people? These could be indicators of kidney failure, discomfort, or mental confusion in a cat, all of which are more common in older cats. Your veterinarian can assist you in determining the cause of your cat's changes in behavior.
Matted or oily fur: A cat who has stopped grooming itself may be suffering from arthritis or dental problems.
Every six months, older cats should see a veterinarian. However, if you observe any changes in your cat's behavior or look, you should contact us right once. After all, a veterinarian is well-versed in all the indicators of aging in cats.
Taking Care of Your Golden Child
You can also improve your cat's quality of life in her senior years by taking some simple steps at home:
Select a high-quality senior cat food such as Vitality of Youth 7+ Cat food, for example, is designed to promote brain function, energy, and vitality, as well as healthy kidneys and bladders, a healthy digestive system, and luxurious fur.
Provide her with a cozy place to sleep: She'll appreciate it if you move her bed from a drafty spot, especially if she has arthritis.
Consider providing her with easy access to a litter box, water bowl, and food bowl on each floor of your home. If she's having difficulties climbing into the litter box, try using an old baking sheet or one with lower edges.
Help her groom: Because cats are such wonderful groomers, many people don't bother brushing them. Brushing your cat as she gets older offers a dual benefit of interacting with her and keeping her coat healthy when she can no longer do it herself.
Continue to Work Out With Her: Here are a few simple things you can do to keep your senior cat active.
It's critical to keep in mind that aging is not an illness. Aging is a natural process, according to Cornell University's Feline Health Center, and the body — whether human or feline — goes through many complicated physical changes as the years’ pass. Even if some of your cat's ailments aren't easily cured, they can most likely be managed. Make sure your cat has access to veterinary care and receives enough love and attention at home to help her enjoy her golden years.
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