As cats age, they experience many of the same changes that people do, from diminished hearing to arthritis. They also require a different level of care than their younger counterparts. If your feline companion is getting older, there are certain things you should look for and take into consideration to help your kitty navigate the golden years with comfort and dignity. Here are some helpful tips from a Darien veterinarian on caring for your senior cat.
Mobility Problems – Geriatric cats often have a harder time getting around than they did when they were younger. Things they used to do with ease, like jumping onto perches or running up and down stairs may now be more challenging to your feline companion. Considering installing ramps to assist kitty in getting up and down, and talk to your Darien veterinarian to see if nutritional supplements might make movement easier for your cat.
Nutritional Changes – Older cats require different nutrients than younger ones, so you may want to discuss the changing needs of your aging cat with your Darien veterinarian. He or she can recommend a good diet that will support your feline through the aging process.
Activity Level – Just as with humans, our animal companions tend to slow down as they age. That doesn’t mean that your cat should be allowed to just lounge around all day. Even older felines require a certain level of physical activity in order to stay healthy, both physically and mentally. Speak with your Darien veterinarian to see what types of activities would be best suited for your particular pet.
Frequent Veterinary Care – As the body ages, many significant changes can occur throughout, including the development of various age-related diseases. In order to stay on top of your cat’s changing health, you will need to make more frequent visits to your Darien veterinarian. This way your pet can be carefully monitored and any issues can be identified and addressed in a timely manner, improving the quality and length of your pet’s life.
Nobody wants to think of their pet as getting older, but it’s a simple fact of life. As your cat ages, he or she will experience a number of changes. Provided you are diligent in keeping up with these changes and are committed to working with your Darien veterinarian, your cat should be able to enjoy his or her senior years happily, comfortably and in good health.