How to properly take care of the senior cat

The time has passed quickly since you brought your little friend into your home. It is a grown-up cat now, still looking good. 

Cat owners often wonder how to take care of the senior cat. Is there anything you should change in the cat's daily routine and how to monitor senior cat health?

We will try to answer all of these questions so you can check if you are doing everything right.

Is my cat considered old?

According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners, 7-10 old cats are classified as middle-aged, while cats that are 11 to 14 years old are considered senior.

Senior cat health

Visit a veterinarian more often

If you have an older cat, you have taken good care of it in recent years. Now is the time to take your pet to the vet more often, every several months. 

In old cats, many changes can occur in six months, which, if noticed in time, can be treated quite well.

Arthritis in senior cats

Arthritis in senior cats is a typical condition. This disease makes jumping and climbing difficult and causes pain. If your feline used to take rest on higher shelves or chairs, it will become more challenging for it to do so. 

You can set up stairs or ramps to make it easier for your kitty to climb onto their favorite resting spots.

Senior Cat's Diet

As your furry friend ages, switching to a special "senior" cat food is more than recommended. Senior cat food contains fewer calories and helps the cat maintain optimal body weight since it becomes less active. Senior cat food provides high-quality protein, and many have vitamin E added to strengthen your pet's immunity.

Sense of smell and taste in older cats begins to wane, along with their ability to chew. Older cats' owners should provide them with smaller and softer pieces of food.

Making the environment as comfortable as possible

Make some minor adjustments to your older kitty's environment. Cool your pet in the summer and keep it warm in the wintertime. Provide it with easy access to fresh food and water.

Your feline may start taking a nap on a pillow on the floor. 

Providing your cat with a warm, comfortable, safe place to rest and nap will surely make it happy.

Also, consider buying a cat litter box with lower sides so your cat can step in and step out easily.

Senior cats also need to play

You may have to experiment with various toys and activities before finding out what catches your older cat's attention. If your older cat has sight problems, entertain it with interactive toys that make interesting sounds.

The average cat lifespan is approximately 12-15 years. Although they might feel young at heart, felines older than seven years are not young anymore. As they age, we start thinking about how to take care of the senior cat and adjust its diet, surroundings, playtime, and healthcare.

We hope this article was helpful so you can prepare for many more days to enjoy them with your favorite pet.