Is it normal for cats to get older?
There are lots of people celebrating their cat’s 20th birthday. As a rule, we think of cats above the age of 10 as older, and at that point serious age-related medical issues could affect them. If you keep your cat lean, that’s going to keep it healthier longer. Indoor cats live a lot longer than outdoor cats.
What should I do for my senior cat?
Some older cats also do better with several small meals per day instead of one or two bigger ones. Senior cats sometimes fail to drink enough water, leading to dehydration and constipation. Be sure your cat has constant easy access to clean drinking water.
What are the physical changes in your aging cat?
Let’s look at some of the common changes that occur in aging cats, and then see what we can do to keep our geriatric kitties healthy and happy. Cats tend to lose the ability to digest and absorb fat as they grow old.
What happens to a cat when it reaches senior status?
When a cat reaches senior status, its body will start to slow down. The cat will no longer be as energetic as it once was. Your cat may develop arthritis/joint problems, and sickness will be tougher to recover from as quickly. A geriatric cat may start to display signs of cognitive dysfunction as the end of its life approaches.
What should I do if my senior cat is gaining weight?
Dietary requirements may change as your cat ages. It’s important that you provide your senior cat a pet food that is age appropriate. Some older pets tend to gain weight and may need a diet for less active cats. Others may have difficulty holding their weight and may need a diet with a higher calorie content or better palatability.
“Growing older is not a disease,” he emphasizes. “While it’s true that senior cats are more likely to get different conditions, some older cats are perfectly normal and don’t change at all.” Older cats tend to be less active and playful, they may sleep more, gain or lose weight, and have trouble reaching their favorite places.
Why does an older cat need a diet?
Some older pets tend to gain weight and may need a diet for less active cats. Others may have difficulty holding their weight and may need a diet with a higher calorie content or better palatability. Older cats also may have diseases that can be manipulated and/or controlled at least partly through diet.
What should I do if my cat is getting old?
If the problem is nutritional, a change in diet might help (see Feeding Your Cat, and Keeping Your Cat’s Weight Under Control). Your older cat’s coat might also benefit from more frequent grooming (see Keeping Up with Your Cat’s Hygiene).
