As our cats start to age, we may notice a change in behaviour, so we may need to start changing the way we care for them as well. or if you are adopting a file Older catYou might be wondering – how can I make my big cat as comfortable as possible?
to me Help your older cat enjoy her golden yearsIn this article, we have put together this complete guide to caring for senior cats. It aims to help those silver mustaches stay happy, healthy and cuddly for as long as possible. 🙂
We’ll discuss the most important tips on how to make an older cat as comfortable as possible, as well as answer common questions that may arise for you and your distinctive fluffy cat.
included:
- Determine how old a large cat is?
- Why adopting an older cat might be perfect for you
- The two main ways to keep their health in check
- Environmental changes to help big cats rest
- Practical tricks and tips for a happy old goldfish
- Your Frequently Asked Questions Answered
Let’s move through the training when the cat is “big” in the first place!
How to take care of a big cat
Years ago, a cat was considered over the age of 8. Now, advances in nutrition, medicine, and indoor lifestyles have led to a higher life expectancy for cats.
These days, it is not unusual for vets to have cat patients in their twenties!
For this reason, it is now generally agreed that a cat reaches the upper stage of its life cycle between 11-14 years.
To put this in perspective, a 16-year-old cat would be the equivalent of an 80-year-old human. Which is why senior care for cats is so important, considering how we might feel about our surroundings at such an advanced age!
Why build a big cat?
Thinking of adopting a senior? Then you will do something wonderful by helping them enjoy their twilight years in blissful rest. In addition, there are a few additional bonuses to caring for such a mature cat:
- Character Older cats often have distinct personalities that are already clearly defined. Meaning they can make great companions with great funny quirks.
- low maintenance – If your lifestyle is busy and you don’t have a lot of time to spare, then adopting an older cat may be a good fit for you. They are usually more independent, which means you can look forward to a post-work snuggle, without dedicating large chunks of time each day to wearing that extra feline energy!
- less clutter – They are almost always fully trained at home which means less chance of any accidents happening around the house!
- family fit – Older cats usually have a behavioral history, which means you will benefit from knowing how you are likely to behave in certain situations. Like how they are around children and other pets, so they fit in with your current lifestyle needs.
Despite their beauty and charm, competing with cute cats can be tough for older cats looking for their own fur homes. But as long as you can provide them with the needs outlined below, they can make wonderful, loving pets for years to come.
Big Cats Care – Things to Consider:
1. health
What can prevent many from adopting a large cat is concern about declining health. But many vets are quick to point out that aging is not a disease.
Just as some 80-year-old humans are still active, healthy individuals – with proper care, a 16-year-old kitty can fight decently too!
Of course, older cats are likely to encounter various conditions or illnesses, but some older cats are perfectly healthy in their twenties as well.
To give them the best shot of a healthy life, choose Regular veterinary examinations. Early diagnosis is key when it comes to treating any potential problems, so regular checkups for older adults are highly recommended.
It’s also a good idea Weigh your older cat regularly, Because a swing in either direction can be the first good indication that something could go up.
be aware of Mobility issues, such as startle when touching the hind legs, difficulty jumping, or stiffness when walking. These may be early signs of arthritis.
2. feed
What should big cats be fed is a common question, and many are wondering Is food for older cats really necessary?
Let’s start with the question, What is the difference between eating big cats and regular food?
Recently Research I already found that:
“The only difference that was found between the diets of the elderly and the diets of adults is the higher fiber in the diets of the elderly.” Other than “Calories were higher in the classified diets over 11 years than those in the diets over 7 years.”
Which highlights the importance of really checking those labels. But what should you look for?
While some older cats need help maintaining their weight, others don’t. In fact, it appears that others may need a completely different diet…
This is because this study also found the following:
“Despite the common occurrence of chronic kidney disease in older cats and the evidence that diets high in phosphorous (and possibly high in sodium) cause kidney disease to worsen, the diets of the elderly in this study were no lower in these minerals than the diets of adults.”
Therefore, the best way to make sure your older cat is getting the nutrients and diet they need is this Consult your veterinarian in a detailed manner. They will be able to take into account the medical history of the elderly, their weight level, and current research on cat nutrition.
This way, you can both Choose a diet for your older cat that is chosen to meet their individual and specific needs, Which leads to a healthier and happier cat.
Do you need some options to get started? Top 5 Foods for Older and Older Cats {Comments + Guide}
3. wetting
As we have already seen a little, Older cats are more prone to kidney problems. This can be prevented or managed by increasing their water intake, which can also banish other common problems such as constipation and confusion.
To help your older friend stay hydrated, try the following:
- add to food – Some owners like to serve mashed wet food with warm water, as this can make meal times more moist and appetizing.
- Multiple sources – Have a couple of different water points around the house to encourage extra refills, and some outside sources if she’s still venturing into the garden.
- Try the fountain – There is a theory that cats like to drink more flowing sources rather than stagnant ones. Fountains can also have filters that improve the taste and filtration of your pet.
Cat Fountains We Love:
4. comfort
Some large cats may need some environmental adjustments to help them stay active and comfortable.
- warmth – Make sure sleeping areas are away from drafts to keep older parties happy. A warm cat bed is another option to keep her warm and relieve any joints.
- Noise – Older kitties may need a quieter place to rest and relax, especially if they are easy to start due to deterioration in their eyesight or hearing. a A canopy bed is a great option to help them feel safe and sound, and a nightlight can help them find their way in the dark more easily.
- game time – While they may have less energy, your furry friend will still want to have some fun! Just be sure to watch your gasping and try to maintain a moderate pace.
- Energizing – Although playtime may be less frequent, it is still a good idea to keep your elderly kitty’s brain active. Invest in some puzzle playMake your own some eco-friendly activities, or let them come up with a window spot for a bit of “cat TV” time.
- Stress – Big cats will be more affected by stress, so maintaining a consistent routine and a consistent space around them is very important. If you have to move them or make visits to the vet, try reading
A guide on how to help a stressed cat.
- lure – Keep up with regular hygiene, especially when your cat develops stiff joints or may lose the ability to properly care for himself.
5. Arrival
Your older cat may need a little extra help getting to those familiar places.
If your older cat can no longer jump on his favorite windowsill for some viewing time, try using a ramp or building some Fund steps.
Pet stairs are another great option, just make sure whatever you choose has a solid base.
This also applies to their litter box too! Be open to the idea of ​​eventually switching to a low or exposed crate to help your older cat get in and out easily. This will help prevent any unwanted household accidents!
Our favorite cat litter options:
- Create a ramp for your existing litter tray from the options above.
- If you have a compost pile, you can use biodegradable trays, and cut an easy entry way with some scissors, for an eco-friendly option.
- You can even use an old cookie tray!
- You may want to invest in a washable rug to prevent litter from escaping away as well. We love this so cute An environmentally friendly option.
Big Cats Frequently Asked Questions – Frequently Asked Questions:
Why is my old cat peeing everywhere?
Your first task is to get a check-up with your vet, as older peeing everywhere could be symptoms of a UTI, cystitis, kidney problems, diabetes, or some other potential cause.
It may also be that your older cat is having trouble reaching, stressing out, or struggling with cognitive function. Keeping your litter box accessible and easy should help, as well as keeping their routine as regular as possible.
Why is my cat so skinny?
After ruling out any medical reasons for the weight loss, your next option would be to evaluate your fur friend’s diet.
While the traditional high-fiber diet is useful for keeping our middle-aged cats skinny, this may not be beneficial for the elderly. Older cats may need a high-calorie, easily digestible diet as their nutritional needs change – especially if they are prone to losing weight. Your vet will be able to advise on appropriate food choices for your old golden pet.
Read also: 10 Tips on How to Gain the Weight of a Skinny Cat
Why is my big cat howling?
Pain from arthritis or other medical issues can cause your older cat to cry at night, as there may be less distraction. So bring up the noise with your vet and see if increasing pain relievers, or a heated bed, can help.
Cognitive dysfunction is another common reason to appear in big cats. Similar to dementia in humans, other signs include confusion, excessive sleep, and elimination outside the litter box.
Final Thoughts – Senior Cat Care
The common factor in the happiest and healthiest big cats you’ve ever met? Attentive and loving owners.
By reading this post, you are already giving your cat a great start to her twilight years, with (hopefully) plenty of helpful tips in your back pocket to implement.
My last thought? Stay connected. Whether it’s with the lovely Fluffy Kitty community, or with Seniors groups on Facebook. These groups and networks can be really helpful in spotting any issues early, providing ideas for fun activities for your cat and giving you support when you need it.
Do you have golden olds? Let’s find out who they are and how to make them feel completely comfortable. We would like to know 🙂
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