As your cat ages, he or she may need special care. He or she may be prone to dehydration, chronic kidney disease, or other health problems. To prevent these issues, you should provide your cat with several water bowls. You may have to try different types of water, or you may want to add some water to their wet food. Water bowls that are elevated are often more comfortable for older cats.
Adapting the home
Adapting the home for an aging cat is an important part of cat care. Older cats are creatures of habit and become less tolerant of changes, especially in their environment. Maintaining a routine and sticking to the same timetable can help keep your cat calm and content.
Cats with age tend to be fussier about their food. This is because their senses of smell and taste can diminish. They may eat one food one day but reject it the next. It’s a good idea to put some of the food that they don’t like into a cabinet or drawer. This way, they can try it out later.
Providing a senior- or kidney-friendly diet
The food you choose for a geriatric cat can affect its overall health. The right diet can help it avoid or slow the progression of kidney disease. It will also reduce the symptoms of the disease. There are many types of foods available. Your vet can recommend one that suits your cat’s specific needs.
It is best to begin the diet gradually over a period of 14 to 28 days, in a stress-free environment. If your cat is reluctant to eat the new food, try using coaxing techniques and offering different textures. For cats with arthritis, you may also want to consider using wide, shallow bowls and handfeeding them. Elevating feeding bowls is also a good idea, as they help keep whiskers from touching the sides of the bowl.
Keeping a geriatric cat indoors
Geriatric cats may have decreased interest in activities in and around the house, but they should still be allowed to socialize and engage with their surroundings. Their hearing and vision may be impaired, and they may also be less active during the day. They may even have cognitive dysfunction, which may cause them to hesitate when entering a room. They may also develop urinary tract infections, which can mimic feline dementia and result in inappropriate urination.
As cats age, their territory shrinks. This means that they will have less stress from competing with younger cats and will have an easier time finding the litter box. Senior cats also have weakened immune systems, which make them more susceptible to infections and disease.
Providing a stimulating environment
Older cats can still be very active, but there are some changes they will experience as they get older. This includes changes in their environment and nutritional requirements, as well as certain veterinary and home care needs. These changes should be treated holistically, and you can help your senior cat live a long and healthy life.
Older cats need to able to have some space for playing, exploring, and climbing. They also need to have things to scratch and hunt. This can be especially difficult for older cats who may not be mobile. In addition to providing an area that’s free from hazards, a cat’s home should be spacious and easy for them to move around in.
