Nightlights help older cats with poor vision or eyesight problems navigate at night. Gently brushing or combing removes loose hairs and stimulates circulation and sebaceous gland secretions, returning luster to the coat. (Be aware that a sudden lack of grooming may signal a health problem.) This is particularly crucial for longhaired cats who become uncomfortably matted. Older cats can benefit from more frequent hands-on help if their self-grooming begins to wane. The idea is to provide firm footing for example, cover steps or a ramp with carpet to prevent slipping. This also works for a cat that wants to reach a favorite chair or sofa. If your older cat can no longer jump on his favorite windowsill, create box steps, ramps, or purchase pet stairs that allow him to safely reach a special spot on his own. This may mean placing food and water bowls in more than one place as well. "Older cats should have easy access to food, water, and litter boxes, so if they choose not to climb stairs they don't have to," she adds. To help solve this problem, use a litter box with very low sides (try a large cookie sheet) or place newspaper around the litter box, she advises. In addition, some older cats may climb into a normal litter box to urinate but not to defecate. It's a good idea to install litter boxes on every floor to make them easy to reach. As cats age they are more prone to getting arthritis and may have reduced control over their bowels and bladder, Dr. Too much heat, though, can potentially burn a cat who can't move quickly, so be sure to think warm, not hot. Make sure your older cat's favorite soft bed or resting place is not in a drafty area of your home. Cats like to seek out warm places to rest. "For healthy cats, a yearly geriatric exam - including blood work and X-rays - along with a smaller exam in between, is ideal," he recommends. "Six-month checkups for geriatric cats are great," Dr. ![]() Schedule regular veterinary exams to enhance your older cat's well-being. To help your older cat enjoy her golden years, consider these simple suggestions. Indeed, many cat owners don't realize the practical things they can do for their aging cats. "We remember to give them medications, but we tend to forget about addressing food, water and litter box issues," she says. ![]() Making sure older cats have easy access to the things they enjoy and/or need is critical, says Emily Levine, DVM, animal behavior resident of the Animal Behavior Clinic at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Such changes can be signs of common diseases or dental problems that should be addressed by your veterinarian. Don't chalk up health or behavior changes - often gradual - to old age, however. Older cats tend to be less active and playful, they may sleep more, gain or lose weight, and have trouble reaching their favorite places. "While it's true that senior cats are more likely to get different conditions, some older cats are perfectly normal and don't change at all." "Growing older is not a disease," he emphasizes. Thanks to improved nutrition, living indoors, and advances in veterinary medicine, cats live longer and are now considered older at 12 to 14 years, says Richard Goldstein, DVM, assistant professor in small animal medicine at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, whose oldest feline patient reached a healthy 22 years old. Today, it's not unusual for veterinarians to have feline patients in their twenties. Not long ago, cats were considered seniors at eight years old. When your favorite feline friend is aging, give some extra TLC.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |