Tag Archives: elderly cat care

Cat Care, General Care

Cute Ways to Pamper a Senior Cat

Did you know that it’s no longer uncommon for cats to live well into their late teens or even their 20’s? You won’t notice drastic changes happening quickly as your kitty ages, but Fluffy will benefit from some extra TLC in her golden years. Here, a Georgetown, IN vet offers some tips on keeping a senior cat comfy and purring.

Beds

All cats are sleepy, but senior ones are purrticularly tired. Fluffy may spend up to 20 hours a day snoozing! Make sure she has lots of comfy spots to curl up in. Your furry friend may have a hard time jumping onto things, so offer her napping spots that are easy for her to get on and off.

Stimulation

Your feline pal’s mental health is just as important as her physical well-being. If you’re leaving your kitty alone, leave a light and a TV or radio on for her. This will help her from feeling lonely.

Playtime

Fluffy won’t be as mischievous as she once was, but she’ll still have her kitten moments. Take a few minutes a day to play with your cute pet. This will be good for her both mentally and physically. It’s also a great way to get that little motor going!

Brushing

Your kitty may have a hard time bending and stretching, which can make it hard for her to groom her entire body. Brushing your furball daily will remove dead hair from her coat, and keep her from feeling itchy and uncomfortable.

Window Seat

Give your furry buddy a comfy spot with a good view. Our feline friends love to watch birds and squirrels! Fluffy may spend hours relaxing in a sunbeam and looking out the window.

Nightlights

Your furball may have trouble seeing at night. Setting out a night light or her will help her get around more easily.

Senior-Friendly Facilities

Small touches can make life much easier for Fluffy. Get her a litterbox with low sides. This will be easy for her to get in and out of. Pet ramps or stairs will help her jump off and on her favorite perches.

Love

The secret ingredient in any good pet care routine is simple TLC. Pay lots of attention to your adorable pet, and make sure she feels loved!

As your Georgetown, IN veterinary clinic, we are here to help! Please contact us anytime!

Cat Care, General Care

Your Aging Cat

Is your cat age six or older? If so, Fluffy is approaching her golden years. Kitties become seniors around age seven, though it varies a bit from cat to cat. While your furball’s basic needs won’t change as she ages, she will need a little extra TLC as she grows older. Below, a Georgetown, IN veterinarian discusses senior cat care.

Diet

Proper nutrition will play a huge role in your furball’s overall health. Give your furry friend the best pet food you can afford, but don’t overfeed her. If Fluffy becomes obese, those extra pounds will put additional strain on her body, and can seriously endanger her health.

Mobility

As she ages, Fluffy may have trouble hopping up to her favorite napping spots. Use pet ramps or chairs to help your kitty get on and off furniture.

Veterinary Care

Regular veterinary care is very important! Having your feline pal examined regularly will increase the chances of any issues being caught early, which can be very beneficial. At home, watch for any changes in Fluffy’s appearance, habits, purrsonality, or behavior. Contact your vet immediately if you notice anything unusual.

Senior Accommodations

Fluffy may have difficulty with a litterbox that has high walls, so you may want to upgrade her facilities. Keep extra litterboxes on every floor of your home, so your furry buddy doesn’t have to use the stairs as often. It also isn’t a bad idea to keep a nightlight on to help your furball get around after dark.

Mental Stimulation

Just like people, cats sometimes experience a decline in their cognitive functions as they age. Your senior kitty may forget how to get to the kitchen, or get ‘stuck’ in a corner. It isn’t unusual for cats to meow their distress when these things happen. Just do what you can to comfort Fluffy, and make sure she feels loved, safe, and secure.

Play

As Fluffy ages, she’ll somehow manage to spend even more of her time napping than she does now. Playing with her every day will keep her active, which is very beneficial for her physically. Playing is also great for your cat’s mental health. Plus, it will be fun for you too! Senior kitties are adorable!

Do you have any concerns about caring for your senior cat? We can help! Call us, your Georgetown, IN animal hospital, for all your pet’s veterinary care needs.