Is your feline companion approaching her golden years? Kitties normally mature gracefully, although their needs shift slightly as they get older. You’ll want to focus more on keeping your kitty companion comfortable than on entertaining her. In this article, a local Fayetteville, AR veterinarian shares some tips for keeping your cat comfortable.
How Can I Make My Home More Comfortable for an Older Cat?
Our feline friends are excellent sleepers. Unsurprisingly, one of the finest things you can do for your kitty companion is provide her with plenty of comfortable napping locations. Store-bought beds are quite good and usually reasonably priced. You can also easily make them from blankets, pillows, pillowcases, and even old clothes.
Keeping Your Older Cat Healthy
Fluffy may benefit from extra visits to our Fayetteville, AR animal hospital as she gets older. Cats, like people, become more likely to develop certain medical disorders as they age. You should also keep an eye out for warning signs of illness.
Here are a few things to watch for:
- Appetite Loss
- Weight Loss Or Gain
- Behavioral Changes
- Excessive Thirst
- Hiding
- Vomiting
- Shortness Of Breath
- Grooming Changes (Over or undergrooming)
- Lethargy
- Litterbox Trouble
- Bad Breath
- Increased Vocalization
- Diarrhea
- Changes In Sleep Patterns
- Decreased Energy
- Discharge From The Eye Or Nose
- Hair Loss
- Foul Breath
- Coughing/Wheezing
Contact your Fayetteville, AR veterinarian right away if you detect any of these symptoms or spot anything out of the ordinary for your pet.
Give Your Senior Cat a Good Litterbox Setup
You may need to get your pet a senior-friendly litterbox. These feature lower walls, making it easier for cats to climb into and out of. Fluffy’s litterbox should be easily accessible. It should not be in a dark or drafty room. You should also avoid putting it in direct sunlight.
Groom Your Older Cat
Our feline friends are quite clean, and generally take good care of their fur. However, Fluffy will find this more difficult over time. She’ll struggle to bend and stretch far enough to reach every part of her body. Furthermore, senior cats’ fur tends to be greasy. This might also make them appear untidy. Brushing your cat on a daily basis will help remove dead fur and dander from her coat, helping her both look and feel better.
Use this opportunity to quietly examine your furball’s physical condition. Pay attention to any rapid weight changes. You should also look for lumps, pimples, lesions, skin issues, fever, and swelling. If you observe anything unusual, contact your veterinarian straight away.
Make Your Home Fun!
Entertainment and enrichment are also crucial. Fluffy may spend a significant portion of her retirement peering out the windows and observing birds and squirrels outside. Giving her a comfortable window seat with a nice view should score you some purrs.
Your retired pet will still like toys, and she will never outgrow her love of boxes. Bring stuff home for her from time to time.
Provide Extra Comforts
Small touches can make a big difference here! We’ve offered a few suggestions on this below:
- If you have more than one story, install litter boxes on each level for your feline companion. Fluffy won’t have to use the stairs as often. You might also wish to set out extra water bowls. Consider getting your cat an automated feline fountain. Many pets love to drink running water!
- Night lights can help Fluffy find her way to the litterbox or feeding bowl at night.
- Offer extra protection from heat and cold. In the summer, make sure your cat has access to cool rooms and spaces. In the winter, offer her extra blankets or a thermal kitty bed.
- Handle a senior cat carefully.
- It is not uncommon for senior cats to get stiff and sore. Always exercise extreme caution while lifting up or putting down your aged cat. Kitties often become stiff and painful. Even being picked up may be uncomfortable for your kitty companion.
Keep Your Furry Pal Safe
We urge that all cats be kept indoors. This is especially true for older cats. They aren’t as agile or as sneaky as their younger counterparts, and they may be unable to avoid potential threats, such as the neighbor’s dog that escaped again. Fluffy may also grow forgetful, losing track of where she is and making it difficult for her to return home.
Make Fluffy Feel Loved
Love is the key to effective pet care. Pay attention to your feline companion. Talk to her, pet her, and let her sleep in your lap. Keep that motor running!
Book an Appointment at Your Fayetteville, AR Pet Hospital
Do you have any questions about caring for an elderly cat? Please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are your local Fayetteville, AR animal clinic and are here to help!
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