Caring for Your Pet

Advances in pet nutrition and veterinary medicine are enabling our pets to live longer, healthier lives. And that’s good news. But it also means you have to learn to reduce, relieve and manage the problems that come with your cat’s old age. Keep these tips in mind when caring for your senior kitty.

Make sure he goes in for twice-annual veterinary check-ups.

While an annual check-up is fine for a healthy adult cat, when your cat gets older, illness and injury become more common. Even if your pet appears healthy, your veterinarian will likely want to do a full blood test, blood count, fecal test and other tests in order to catch any potential illnesses before they become a problem. Hyperthyroidism is a common illness in older cats, so expect your veterinarian to perform a blood test for that as well.

Keep them active.

While older cats may love to lounge, it's important that they also get plenty of exercise. Keeping older cats supplied with plenty of toys and playing a few games with them yourself can help to keep them fit and sharp, which is the best way to keep them feeling young.

Make sure they get proper nutrition for their age.

Like all of us, as cats age and become less active, they need fewer calories to maintain optimal health, even if your fuzzy friend still enjoys eating just as much. Consider a food specially designed for older cats. If he’s gaining weight, cut back on his rations and consult your veterinarian. Being overweight is the number one risk factor associated with heart disease. And if there’s a rapid change in his weight – either up or down – consult your veterinarian immediately.

Adjust things to their declining abilities.

Older cats won’t be able to do all the things a younger cat can do, or not as consistently. So you may need to make some accommodations, including moving his food and water to a more accessible area, moving his bed, and making sure that he has a safe place to rest away from other pets and children.

Manage your pet's pain.

As chronic problems like arthritis advance, your pet may experience chronic pain just like a human would. If you think your pet is in pain, talk to your veterinarian. There may be treatments that can alleviate pain, which will help to keep your cat active longer.

Manage your pet’s sensory failure.

Your cat's eyesight, hearing and other senses will begin to gradually fail as they age. Making small adjustments can make life easier for him, such as being sure that food and water aren’t moved unnecessarily. And if you notice a sudden loss of hearing or eyesight, consult your veterinarian; it could be a sign of a deeper problem.

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