Discussing The Best Ways To Care For A Senior Cat To Increase Their Health, Happiness, And Quality Of Life
Cats are truly wonderful creatures that make amazing companion animals. They enrich our lives and increase our capacity to love. That being said, cats don’t live nearly as long as people do. According to VetWest, indoor cats usually live for about 12 to 18 years. However, some cats have been known to live up to 20 years or more!
Regardless of how long your cat lives for, the quality of those years are even more important. This is especially true in a cat’s later years. This article will discuss the best ways to care for senior cats and give them a quality life worth living. Below are just a few examples of ways you can improve your senior cat’s life.
Nutrition
One of the most important things you can do for your senior cat is give them a balanced, nutritious diet. As cats age, their needs change. That’s why we recommend giving your senior cat a diet specifically catered to them. There are multiple brands that offer cat food specifically made for senior cats.
Senior cat food usually contains concentrated amounts of protein, controlled amounts of fat, and easy-to-digest carbohydrates. Consult with your veterinarian to decide what senior cat food is best for your cat. For a full breakdown of the best senior cat foods on the market today, click here.
Exercise & Stimulation
Even in a cat’s senior years, they still need daily exercise and stimulation. The best for cats to get both of these things is through playtime. We recommend spending 20 to 30 minutes a day playing with your senior cat. It doesn’t have to be anything too strenuous. A simple mouse toy to swat or a wand toy to chase will suffice.
This daily playtime will help keep your senior cat physically active and mentally stimulated. Keep in mind your senior cat’s limitations and don’t push them harder than necessary. You can also invest in interactive toys so they can play with them at their leisure. For more information on interactive cat toys, click here.
Daily Brushing
As cats age into their senior years, they typically become more lax about their grooming habits. This is especially true in cats with arthritis as they can’t bend and stretch like they used to. That’s why we recommend brushing your senior cat on a daily basis. Daily brushing helps prevent tangles and mat.
Also, it helps promote healthier skin by removing any dead, loose hair. This will also help prevent your senior cat from getting hairballs. Additionally, daily brushing allows you to closely monitor your cat’s skin health. You can keep an eye out for things like dandruff, fleas, sore, lumps/bumps, and bald spots.
Easy Access To Basic Needs
Your senior cat shouldn’t have to struggle when it comes to basic needs like food, water, and litter box. That’s why we suggest putting all of these things in convenient, easy-to-reach places for your senior cat. Try putting all of your senior cat’s basic needs on one floor of your home. This way they don’t have to walk up or down steps unnecessarily.
Routine Checkups
Lastly, senior cats should see the veterinarian twice a year (or every six months). This is because senior cats are more susceptible to illnesses, diseases, and cancer. Taking them to the veterinarian regularly can help catch these illnesses in their early stages. Most illnesses are more treatable during the early stages.
Routine checkups also help you monitor your cat’s weight and overall health. Talk to your veterinarian about scheduling out appointments for your senior cat every six months.
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