Senior Cat Health Care

Caring for a senior cat usually involves a bit more responsibility than caring for an adult cat. Senior cats may have specialized health care needs, which may require constant attention. Most cats are classified as “senior” once they are over seven years of age. At this time, it is best to research some of the health conditions that may affect senior cats, which will allow you to provide them with the best possible pet care.
When your cat enters the senior life stage, you may notice that their behavior may begin to change. Senior cats may sleep more, and show less interest in playtime or normal activities. Senior cats are also slightly more receptive to stress, and may become agitated at any small changes in their environment. A common problem some cat owners encounter with senior cats is that they seem to forget where their litter box is. Though this is a normal part of a cat growing older, it could potentially be indicative of a health condition. It’s best to schedule a veterinary appointment if your cat seems to have lost control of their bowels.
Caring for a senior cat’s health is a bit more involved, and requires that you keep a close eye on any changes in your cat’s health. Most senior cats have specialized nutritional needs, and may require a different type of cat food formula. Most cat food companies offer a formula designed for cats that are in the senior life stage, and it is best to begin feeding a specialized formula to your cat. Some senior cats may require additional supplements in order to maintain optimum nutrition, which are usually available in most pet supply stores.
Older cats may also require additional grooming, as they may begin to have an increase in shedding. The best thing to do is to schedule a time twice per week in which you can groom your cat, in order to minimize shedding. A senior cat’s coat may lose some color as well, as some of their fur may appear to turn white. This is completely normal, and should not be a cause for concern. However, if you notice any strange skin colorations in a senior cat, it is always best to schedule an appointment with a veterinarian.
Senior cats are usually less active, and may not be as eager to play. However, it is still important that they recieve some amount of exercise. Any excercise that a senior cat participates in should be monitored, since an older cat’s joints tend to become much more fragile as they age. There are some “joint care” supplements available for older cats, which can usually be purchased from a pet supply store. If your senior cat seems to be losing mobility, try adding a joint care supplement to their diet.
These are some of the most important things to remember when caring for a senior cat’s health. If you follow these basic guidelines, you will be able to give your cat the best possible care in their senior years.