Caring for a Senior Cat
Nov 2, 2020 Tracey Aston Senior Pet Care

Most indoor cats are considered seniors between 11 and 14
years old age. Indoor only cats on
average live longer than their indoor/outdoor or outdoor only counterparts. As
a senior, you cat will have different needs than when they were younger but
with a little help they can happily transition into their golden years.
The foundation of good health is nutrition
and especially true for cats who are at risk of developing kidney, urinary
tract and bladder issues as they age. Raw, fresh or homemade cooked meals are
always best. When considering proper
nutrition for cats, moisture content should always be taken into consideration.
Commercial kibble only contains around 6% to 10% water content with canned cat
food having a moisture content of over 70% water. A kibble only diet won't allow
a cat to get all the water content needed to remain healthy. Though most cats like canned food, if your cat
will not eat wet food and will only eat dry, try soaking the kibble in low
sodium chicken broth, bone broth or plain water to soften the food and add
additional needed moisture content. This
will also be beneficial to cats who are suffering from dental disease due to
aging or injury. Always make sure your cat has easy access to water.
Most cats love to jump and climb but as they age, and arthritis
begins to set into older joints, they may not be able to get into the places
they once enjoyed. Keep on food and
water dishes at a lower level that is easily accessible to an arthritic cat.
Ramps or pet steps with carpeting can help a senior cat safety
get into their favorite chair or couch. Box steps can be made to help a cat get
to their favorite windowsill or window perch.
Carefully watch your cat for signs of pain when jumping from cat trees
or higher places. Repeated jolting to the joints can exasperate already sore
joints. Provide a floor level soft cat bed with warm blankets as an option for
your cat to relax.
Senior cats still require exercise and mental
stimulation to keep them healthy both physically and mentally. There are many different mental stimulation
games for cats to choose from, it's all a matter of cost and your pet's
preference.
As your cat ages, they may be less able to thoroughly clean
themselves. You can help by gently grooming your pet with a soft brush or comb.
Long-haired cats are more likely to get tangles and mats, which can lead to skin
conditions. It's a common misconception that cats clean themselves and won't
need a bath – this is simply not true! Cats will still need to visit a groomer
or get a home bath. As most cats don't like water, it's imperative to be as
gentle as possible when helping a senior cat into water. Don't squeeze, push,
or dunk a senior cat in an attempt to get them into water. If your cat will allow pettings, give them a
gentle massage while grooming. Feline massage can help stimulate blood flow and
ease the symptoms of arthritis. Cats
still need to have regular nail trimming.
Overgrown nails can cause serious injuries like joint pain and the risk
of nails of getting snagged on carpets, blankets and rugs and becoming embedded
into their paw pads causing pain and risking infection. To trim the nails of a
cat, make sure the cat is comfortable and easily accessible, possibly by
sitting them on your lap. A senior cat may be sore and will react poorly to be
held too tightly. Gently apply pressure
to the paw pad, massaging forward to push the nail out and gently clip the end
of the nail.
If your cat is starting to have little box issues, always
check with your vet first to rule out any potential health conditions. If your
cat gets a clean bill of health and still is having litter box issues, it may
be due to arthritis. Senior cats, overweight cats, cats with joints issues or
partially paralyzed cats may find the standard height of a regular litter box
too high. If this is the case, an
under-the-bed storage container or even a shoe tray lined with a pee-pee pad
and topped with litter can be used as a substitute.
Senior cats may start to develop sight loss and need to be
protected. Baby gates can be used to block off stairs and dangerous places.
Cats often give the impression of being overly independent, but as they age they may need more help from their pet parent to continue enjoying their favorite places and things.