Page 72 - Complete Cat Care: How To Keep Your Cat Healthy and Happy

Caring for an elderly cat

Thanks to improvements in food and health care, cats now often live
beyond 12 years of age. Older cats may develop age-related conditions,
but with a little extra care your cat can still have a comfortable, happy life.

Home care to make him comfortable. Clip his washable beds or cardboard boxes
You may need to make adaptations claws regularly because they can lined with newspaper that can
to your cat’s diet and living grow harder with age and become be thrown away.
conditions as he ages (see pp.28–9). overgrown if he is not very active. Even if your cat still prefers to
Your vet may recommend a “senior” If your cat is becoming less agile, urinate and defecate outdoors,
diet, which will supply the correct put his food and water bowls and it is wise to have litter trays in the
nutrients for the changes in your a litter tray on the floor, in quiet house. Your cat may become less
cat’s metabolism and digestive places where he won't be disturbed. keen on going outdoors, either to
processes. Your cat may prefer Use boxes or furniture as “stepping avoid other cats or because he no
to eat smaller meals more often stones” to help your cat reach his longer has the urge to explore.
during the day. If he seems less favorite perches or windowsills. Even an old cat still likes to have
interested in eating, try warmer Have several warm, comfortable fun. Playing with your cat helps
or tastier foods to tempt him. It cat beds around your home, in to keep his mind active and allows
is also helpful to weigh your cat places where your cat already him to express his natural
every 2 weeks; older cats can gain enjoys sleeping. If your cat is instincts, although you will have
excess weight due to inactivity, or having trouble with soiling, use to play more gently than before.
lose weight due to difficulty with
eating or conditions such as
hyperthyroidism (see p.61). “Let the vet know if you have noticed any
Your cat may need help with
grooming hard-to-reach places, changes in your cat’s normal activities.”
so brush a few times a week

◁ Using stairs △ A cosy bed
A cat with arthritis or stiff joints may If your elderly cat has a favorite resting
find it hard to use stairs, so have food, place, such as in front of the fire, place
water, beds, and litter trays on each a blanket, cushion, or soft cat bed there
floor of your house. to help him be more comfortable.

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