Caring for Elderly Cats
Caring for Elderly Cats
There's nothing quite so sad as watching your beloved older pet reach their twilight years. Your playful kitten that attacked your ankles from under the sofa now reclines on the cushions, barely waking from a nap when you enter a room. It's tough watching your cat age. Making them comfortable and happy should be your primary goal.
Caring for an elderly cat can be demanding. I know, I have two 16-year-old kitties. I'm lucky because I'm home all day. At times, they are more demanding than my baby. They meow loudly for no reason, demand copious amounts of food, and beg like dogs for table scraps. While I know these are symptoms of aging, I worry like a mother hen over these cats. Here are some suggestions for what you can do to ease their lives and your own worry.
Vet Visits. Regular vet visits are important for older cats. Take your elderly cat twice a year for a checkup. Older cats can develop diabetes, hyper thyroid, or any number of diseases without showing outward symptoms. A regular vet visit will help catch illnesses early.
Vitamins. Purchase a tube of vitamins from your vet and mix with the cat's wet food. Just as with humans, an elderly cat's body needs additional vitamins and minerals. Elderly cats experience more hairballs. The soft vitamins keep things moving in their digestive tract.
Water. Make sure there is fresh water available ALL THE TIME. I purchased a cat water fountain and I have to admit, they drink much more often now. And stick their paws and heads under the water too, just for my entertainment.
Food. Mealtime has now become their main activity. Adjusting their diet to include more soft food might be necessary if your cats have lost teeth or if you've noticed a decrease in appetite.
Sleep. Elderly cats spend most days lazily snoozing away on the sofa or on a sunny spot on the carpet. Make sure their snuggle spot is comfy and warm. And don't be surprised if your kitty sleeps the whole day away.
Grooming. Your elderly cat's fur might be looking a little lackluster. Many older cats stop grooming themselves as they age. It's your job to take over with a comb and brush. Most cats love to be brushed. They'll appreciate this special time with your undivided attention as long as your are careful and don't pull too much at matted fur.
Claws. Trim those kitty nails. Your older kitty isn't nearly as active. You've probably noticed your furniture isn't taking the beating it once did from scratching. Clip kitty's claws carefully once a month.
Playtime. Yes, it's still necessary to older kitties. You may have noticed that the evening crazies are long gone but your older cat still has some spunk left in him. Break out the strings and soft toys and try to get kitty to play. Some older kitties like chasing a little laser flashlight that can be purchased at any pet store.
Older cats loose their acute senses too, just like people. Their sense of taste, smell, sight, and hearing will all lessen as they age. Pay attention to these things as they might cause an appetite change, litter box accidents, or unexplained cat howling. Soft pats and snuggles when they are agitated can help comfort them as they adjust to this loss.
The hardest part of being a pet owner is knowing when it's time to let go. Somehow, someway, most of us are lucky enough to have that sixth sense tell us it's time. Making this decision is heart wrenching. Say goodbye to your dear friend, grieve for your companion animal, and be patient with yourself as you move step by step through the grieving process.
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Thanks for the tips on Kitty Care
Celanith
We have a 14 year old fellow, He still like you said has his moments to play. But he does sleep more and I think he is going deaf and is stiffer in joints than he used to be. He does like to go out often and roam the yard and surrounding wooded area. Sometimes he stays out a day or two and has his favorite hidey places to sleep or sit one is a sunlight old cushion on a table in the barn. He likes his freedom and hates the other cats except for one who is the youngest and looks just like Herman only they are not related. Herman was neutered when young. As is Sydney. They play togather on occassion but Herman sometimes boxes his ears and lets him know he is not in the mood. LOL. Herman also is cranky at times with the grandkids or hides from them but the older ones he tolerates. He likes his chin scratched and petted. He is older but still going strong. I know one day we will lose him though.
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Colostrum For Pets
I am taking a health food supplement which I hear is great for pets too! In fact, from what I've read it has been used for centuries by vets. It is called Bovine Colostrum. It is sold in the pet supply stores for pets, and in the health food stores for people. Sorry people it is identical, just a different label. It needs to be refrigerated after opening. Oh, and only give your small pet one freeze dried pill a day, a child's dose. My friend gave a full adult dose, 6 pills a day to her aged toy poodle, which turned him back into a puppy, and he almost had a heart attack trying to catch his tail! Find out more at www.symbiotics.com I take 6 a day. Closest thing I've found to the fountian of youth!
Thanks eveyone...
At the time this article was written, I had 3 elderly cats who all were extremely ill from the tainted pet food of the pet food recall. Two 16 and one 17. My 17 year old girl crossed the Rainbow Bridge just 3 months after the initial recall due to kidney failure. I lost my sweet boy cat, Dude, just a month ago. Again, kidney failure.
I still have one old kitty left. She suffered so when her brother died - she howled all night and day. After a week of this, I went in search of a companion for her. We found a gentle cat who'd be rehabbing in a foster home after losing a fight with a car. He picked up her spirits and helped her heal from losing her brother. O'Malley's story is on my blog, if you're interested as is his picture :)
When I was writing this article, I was thinking how totally obligated we are to our elderly animals. I'm so lucky that I'm home with mine all day (or was, since I've lost 2 of them). They needed extra care, extra pats, and more attention. I'm thankful I was here for them.
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Cat(ch)y Account
Its so warmly written...I was a cat lover during my childhood when there were at any time 3-4 stray cats around our home...they even used to snuggle at my feet during night. but somehow with time i have grown alienated from these gentle creatures to such an extent that i am scared to let my kids play with them...
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Thanks for the kind words!
mamamia, I would be worried about letting my kids around strays but never a cat in my home. I think they provide a wonderful combination of aloofness and need to help train kids to care for small animals but also, to recognize when to leave the animal alone. I have a toddler and she's adjusted to the new kitty quite well. He barely tolerates her :) But my girl is so gentle with our old kitty that it's heartwarming to see.
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Great Tips!
+1
Our cat is getting up there in years and this will definitely help us out. Thanks.
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Kitty Cats
Thank you so much for that. I have a 12 year old cat and a few that are a few years younger but not by much. Its nice to see other people out there who care
Love my cat
Some good tip for caring for older cats. I have two mature cats. A 13 year and a 14 year old. They are very healthy and spunky, taking good care of them is essential. Good article.
+1
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