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Caring for a Senior Cat

October 1 2020

Did you know that cats become seniors as early as age 9? Our feline buddies usually live 14 to 17 years, but they can live even longer with good care. A nine-year-old kitty may still have plenty of time left! However, she will need some extra TLC as she ages. A Carmel Valley, CA vet discusses caring for an older cat below.

Beds

Senior cats are absolute masters at napping. Fluffy can spend up to 20 hours a day snoozing. Offer your drowsy furball lots of comfy beds to snuggle up in.

Veterinary Care

Fluffy will need to see her doctor more often as she ages. Your vet may recommend bringing her in twice a year. Kitties with medical issues may need to come in even more often. At home, watch for signs of illness, such as hiding, poor grooming, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or litterbox woes. Call your vet immediately if you notice anything unusual.

Ramps/Kitty Stairs

Older cats sometimes have trouble jumping up to their favorite napping spots. Set out some pet ramps for Fluffy. You can also just arrange footstools or ottomans so that she can use them as stairs.

Litterbox

Get your feline pal a litterbox with low sides. This will be easier for her to climb in and out of. If your home has more than one story, put litterboxes and water bowls on every level.

Nightlight

It’s not uncommon for senior kitties to develop vision problems. Many have trouble seeing when it’s dark. Keep a nightlight on for Fluffy after bedtime.

Playtime!

Fluffy won’t be as active as she once was, but she’ll still have her moments of friskiness. Regular play sessions will help keep your cute pet fit. They will also benefit her mentally. Try to make time for this daily.

Safety

Cats face some very serious threats outside, such as traffic, weather, and stray or wild animals. Older furballs are especially at risk. Fluffy may not be quick enough to evade danger. She could also forget how to get home, especially after dark. Keep your kitty safe indoors!

Grooming

Fluffy may have trouble bending and stretching to groom her entire body. Help your furry little diva out by gently grooming her.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if ever we can be of assistance. Contact us today for all of your pet’s veterinary needs! As your local Carmel Valley, CA, veterinary clinic, we are here to provide top-notch veterinary services.