Older Cats Have Special Needs

You may notice your older cats behavior is changing as it gets older.  Many of these changes may occur due to  age. Your cats activity levels start to slow down.  Eating, drinking and sleeping habits may change because as well.  Do not always presume all changes are due to aging.  Any discomfort your cat feels are a clear sign they may need to see a veterinarian.

Indications of Physical and Behavioral Changes in You’re Aging Cat:

•  The skin of your older cat is starting to thin out,  reduced blood circulation,  your cat is more likely to get infections. Their immune systems are weaker and less apt to fend off diseases often associated with age.
•  Your older cat  may groom themselves less frequently. Giving them an odor or matting their hair, itching may be noticable.  It is also common for them to pick and pull bits of their hair out.
•  Your older cat may lose its appetite. There may be several reasons for this. They may have dental problems, and have little desire to eat. Their sense of smell may be decreased causing them a loss of interest in eating.
• Vomiting,  excessive urinating,  poor appetite,  loss of weight and poor grooming may be a sign of kidney impairment. Kidney failure is a common disease in older cats.
• If you notice your cat is having trouble walking,  climbing, and getting to the litter box.  Especially if they need to use the stairs, your cat may have developed arthritis or degenerative joint disease.
• If your cat goes to the litter box more often than expected, the increased soil and order may cause your cat to find other areas to use as a litter box. If this is the case check to make sure the litter box is always free of clumps.
• If your cat has painful arthritis,   gaining access to a litter box may be difficult,  especially if there are stairs present.  Climbing into the litter box may be painful for your cat; urinating or defecating in an inappropriate location would be natural result.
• It may also be necessary to relocate litter boxes to more accessible locations to prevent  your elderly cat from making messes in other locations. Purchasing a litter box with low sides, cutting down high sides, or constructing a ramp around the box may help older cats gain entry more efficiently.
• Meows more frequently.  May pace, or roam around.
• Avoids favorite resting places and finds places to hide instead.  Like under the bed,  in closets,  in the corners, some place quiet and out of the way of household traffic.
• Doesn’t come when called.  It is also common for older cats to lose their hearing.
• Changes in sleeping and or eating patterns.

Proper Nutrition

Many older cats tend to gain weight as they age. This is not always the case however. Some cats actually become too thin as they get older,  visibly as part of the normal aging process.  But progressive weight loss can also be caused by serious medical problems such as kidney failure,  cancer,  diabetes,  inflammatory bowel disease,  liver disease,  hyperthyroidism, or some other serious condition.

• Changes in weight can be a sign of disease.  As cats grow older  their nutritional needs usually change.  Proper nutrition can add years to a cat’s life and slow down the progression of many diseases.  As your cat reaches the age of seven, they start to have more health problems  especially with regards to their metabolism, kidneys and vision. 

• As a result  it’s important to feed a food that meets the changing needs of your older cat.  A diet low in fat and calories  helps maintain the proper weight.  Foods should also have balanced levels of fiber to help gastrointestinal health,  and reduced amounts of magnesium and phosphorus to help boost a healthy urinary tract and kidneys.  Lastly,  it helps your older cat to have a food that is easy to digest.

Exercise And Activity

• Exercise is very important for your older cat,  not only for weight control but overall health and activity. Your older cat typically becomes less graceful as arthritis develops and muscles begin to deteriorate. Regular play with your cat can promote muscle tone and flexibility, i ncrease blood circulation,  and help reduce weight in cats that are overweight.  During times of exercise,  be alert to labored breathing or rapid tiring that may suggest the cat has a disease.

• Set up boxes,  bags and soft-sided tunnels to create an obstacle course for your  cat’s exercise session. If you cannot find the soft-sided tunnels,  make tunnels of your own by turning boxes upside down and cutting entrance and exit holes.

• Crumple up wads of paper,  cats love the sounds and even an older cat will bat it around.

•  A wand with feathers on the end.

•  A plastic bottle cap to bat around.

Frequent Vet Visits

• As cats age, you need to increase the frequency of your routine health care visits to at least twice a year.

Stick to a Routine

• Your cat will appreciate routine and as they get older.  They will feel safer and happier if there is a steady routine in place.  Decreased hearing and vision,  and cognitive dysfunction commonly occur.  
• These changes may make them feel insecure. A solid routine can help provide a sense of security, and decrease stress. One important example is feeding, if possible feed your cat at the same time everyday.

Access

• As your cat becomes older,  they may not be able to jump to high places as well,  or maneuver through their  favorite spots.  Consider making ramps or stairs so your cat can reach their favorite sleeping spot.
• If your cat has trouble getting up onto a couch or chair, consider dedicating a pillow to provide a “step up” on the floor next to the furniture. Cats usually sleep a lot, and to help with those achy bones and address the thinner average body condition of senior cats, provide a well cushioned sleeping spot. Older cats sleep more so a lot of time will be spent there. They will love you even more if the spot is quiet.

Scratching Post

• If arthritis is preventing your cat from getting a good scratch from a vertical post then consider a horizontal or angled product such as the corrugated cardboard scratch posts.   These will provide easy access for nail conditioning.
•  Another idea that works really well,  gather a few small boxes,  break them down so they are flat. Scatter them near your cats favorite spots.  They will use them for scratching.  When they are scratched up, replace them.  This is a very effective way for older cats to use their claws without having to reach up vertically.

Grooming

• Gently groom your older cat.  Your cat can benefit from more frequent hands-on help if their self-grooming begins to wane.  Be aware that a sudden lack of grooming may signal a health problem.  This is particularly crucial for long haired cats who become uncomfortably matted.  Gently brushing or combing removes loose hairs and stimulates the cats circulation.  Not to mention making your cat feel loved.

Lighting

• Leaving a nightlight on will help your older cat with poor vision or eyesight problems navigate during the night.  If your cat is blind,  try to keep your environment as stationary and consistent as possible,  including litter boxes and other  furniture.

Finally,  your older cat enjoys spending time with you and your family.  It is important to give them extra tender loving care that they will cherish for the rest of their lives.

Links
http://www.catsplay.com/index.php3
http://www.custompeturns.com/