Kingsbury Animal Hospital

Links : Tips for Senior Cats
Many older cats have special needs.  Here are a few suggestions:

 
As cats age, their nutritional needs change.  There are many diets formulated to meet your older pet's needs.  The next time you purchase food for your cat, check to see if the brand you use makes a diet for senior cats.

   *  If your cat only eats one meal a day, they may benefit from dividing that up into a morning and evening meal

   *  Older cats may experience a decreased appetite.  Your cat's sense of smell may decrease with age.  Try warming canned food to increase the aroma.  Cats like to smell their food before they eat.  If a decreased appetite persists, your cat needs to be examined by a doctor.

   *  As some cats get older they become more stiff and it may be difficult to crouch down to eat and drink.  Try slightly elevating food and water bowls to make it easier for your cat to eat and drink.

   *  Choose litter boxes with lower sides.  Your cat may simply have a hard time getting in and out of the old box.

   *  Also, add more litter boxes to your home in easily accessible places.  Your older cat may have trouble making it to another floor or a hard to reach location.

   *  Try increasing the amount of light on stairs.  Stairways are often poorly lit and the shadows may cause some confusion for your pet.

   *  A decrease in mobility may make it harder for your cat to reach a favorite perch.  A series of steps or a carpeted ramp may make the perch easier to reach.

   *  Older cats may be more sensitive to extreme hot and cold temperatures.  Be careful to limit your pet's exposure to heat and cold

   *  Even cats that were impeccable groomers in youth may become a bit careless and require assistance from you.  If your cat is matted, a trip to a professional groomer may be needed to get things under control.  Your feline companion may need regular brushing to keep their coat and skin healthy.  You  may also need to trim nails regularly.

If you have any questions on grooming tools or how to trim nails, please ask.  Generally, a rubber brush can be used to keep a short-haired cat's coat healthy.  Long-haired cats will likely need a comb or slicker brush to get through the undercoat and prevent matting.  Grooming tools can be purchased at Kingsbury Animal Hospital or local pet stores.