It is important to take good care of your cat when it gets old. Even if it is not as alert and alert as before and more than happy to lie down and stay extra long in the cozy corner, it is still important to show the cat special attention and care in older days.
It is important to take good care of your cat when it gets old. Even if it is not as alert and alert as before and more than happy to lie down and stay extra long in the cozy corner, it is still important to show the cat special attention and care in older days.
When does the cat get old?
When cats reach the age of ten, you can usually see that they become quieter, sleep more and save energy.
Domestic cats are usually around 15 years old, but it is becoming more common for cats to be over 20 years old. Since older cats sleep a large part of the day, it is important to give your cat a quiet and peaceful place in the home to sleep.
Decreased mobility
Decreased mobility in the form of stiff joints is a common sign of aging in older cats. When muscles and joints lose strength, it becomes increasingly difficult for the cat to jump up on the sofa or on the window frame, etc. You can make it easier for the cat to get up to the height by making small steps and the like. Also take the opportunity to give your cat a massage from time to time, it stimulates both the cat’s blood circulation and metabolism.
Fur care
Older cats have a harder time taking care of their fur. This is because they have a harder time reaching anywhere on the body with their tongue and paws when they get old. If your cat is long-haired, make sure you comb and brush through the coat several times a week to avoid tangles. Short-haired cats should be brushed at least once or twice a week.
Food for older cats
It is important to feed the cat properly as they get older. It is common for older cats to gain weight as they get older, especially for the indoor cat. If your cat is overweight, you should make sure that the cat is activated and fed a fair amount of food. Some old cats lose weight instead when they get older, which can be due to several different things. This is usually because the cat does not like its food or has dental problems. Older cats’ sense of taste and smell also deteriorates in the autumn of age, which can reduce the cat’s appetite. Be sure to switch to a food that is suitable for senior cats and try pouring a tablespoon of meat cloud or fish spade over the food.
Less exercise
As a cat owner, it is also important to keep the cat in good shape and activate the cat in different ways. One hour of play a day is usually enough for most older cats. You can, for example, arouse the desire to hunt by bouncing a ball in the ground or pulling on a string with a cloth mouse. Be careful not to force the cat to do anything, if the cat seems tired you should slow down or stop playing.
Water
Cats can drink less as they get older. It is therefore important that they have access to clean and fresh water every day. A tip might be to put out a couple of water bowls around the home to get the cat to drink more. You can also give the cat a food that contains a lot of water.
Dental care
Older cats’ teeth are often in poor condition and make it easier for them to suffer from various dental problems. It is important to take care of the cat’s teeth throughout life. If you make sure that the cat has good oral health already at an early age, the chances are greater that the cat will avoid problems in older days. Examine your cat’s mouth regularly and brush the cat’s teeth.
Claws
Because old cats are less active, the claws do not wear out in the same way as before. Therefore, be sure to cut the claws if they become too long. Another tip can be to try to make the claw board or claw player more attractive with, for example, catnip.
Eyes and ears
It is important to keep the cat’s ears clean and healthy. The cat’s ears need to be cleaned regularly. Wipe the outer ear with a cotton ball to minimize the risk of the cat suffering from scabies, coatings and the like. If your cat has dried secretions in the eye, gently remove it with a cotton ball.