My Cat Is Getting Older - How Can I Improve Their Quality Of Life?
There is no better friend to have at your side than a beloved pet. If we’re lucky our cats will be in our lives for many years, and we will have the privilege of watching them age. Along with this privilege comes the need to support them through these changes, and make sure their lives are as comfortable as possible.
Our cats will encounter a variety of health and behavioral changes as they age, but there are many ways that we can improve their quality of life throughout this process. Vetted wants to give you the necessary to make your senior cat as happy as possible, so let’s discuss some of the best ways to improve your cat’s quality of life as they get older!
Age Is Not A Disease
Before we discuss the most effective ways to promote comfort in your senior cat, we should first start by saying that age is not a disease. Aging is a natural process for the beloved pets in our life, so it does not mean that any less effort should go into caring for them. We may not be able to reverse the changes their bodies are enduring, but we can certainly promote their happiness to the best of our ability.
Sometimes pets that have entered their senior years will have some of their needs ignored, and our team at Vetted wants you to know that it does not have to be the case. We know that your senior cat deserves the world, so we want to help you give them just that!
If you ever have any questions about the changes that your senior cat is going through, our Vetted Vet Pro team is happy to help! A Vetted membership offers you 24/7 access to our Vet Pro chat, where you can find all the skilled guidance you need for your little one.
How Can I Improve My Senior Cat’s Life At Home?
There are so many ways that we can make our homes more comfortable for the aging little ones we love. Let’s discuss a few of our favorite senior cat care tips below!
Make Sure They Stay Hydrated
It is extremely important to make sure your cat stays hydrated as they enter their senior years. Cats are known to have a decreased sensitivity to thirst as they age, making them more at risk of dehydration. Dehydration can make a cat more at risk of complications such as decreased immune health and poor blood circulation, so we want to keep them as interested in water as possible. Some of the most effective ways to do this is by offering them cat water fountains with circulating water, putting tasty water additives in their bowl, and even supplementing their standard diet with wet food.
Keep A Close Eye On Their Dietary Habits
Adequate nutrition is essential for maintaining your senior cat’s health over the years. Some cats will experience a decrease in appetite due to changes in their sense of smell, as well as the development of health complications that impact their interest in food. Any decline in their standard appetite can tell you that you either need to switch up their food routine, or that they may require a check up at the vet.
If you ever have any questions about your senior cat’s appetite, you can always reach out to the Vetted Vet pros on the Vetted app. We are happy to offer you any suggestions on how to improve their appetite, and we can also help you determine whether or not your cat needs to be seen by a vet.
Make Sure Their Favorite Spots Are Accessible
Many believe that arthritis only impacts the canine friends in our home, but this is not the case at all. Cats can develop arthritis in their joints as the years go by, leading to chronic joint pain that can make life more challenging. Due to this, some of their favorite spots throughout your home could be more difficult for them to access.
Many cats like to rest in elevated spaces around your home, so we suggest making it as easy as possible for them to access these points. You can do this by placing steps leading up to furniture, adding helpful cat shelves on the wall, or even creating cozy spaces that are lower to the ground.
It’s also important to keep in mind that it may be time to speak with your veterinary team about your cat’s mobility if they are struggling with activity. Our team at Vetted can speak with you about your cat’s current struggles, and help you determine if it’s time to start an approved joint supplement moving forward.
However, if your cat is experiencing signs of significant joint pain such as severe stiffness or difficulty with movement, it may be time to pursue prescription joint support with your veterinarian. Your vet can then determine a proper management plan for their painful joints moving forward.
Keep Night Lights Around Your Home
Many cats will experience a decrease in vision capability as they age, so it can be more challenging to maneuver your home at night. This is especially important for areas near their litter box and food and water bowl, as you want to make sure these areas are easy for them to locate. Adding a few night lights around your home and in the areas they frequent can alleviate any struggles when moving around in the dark.
Brush Them Often To Promote Skin & Coat Health
Many senior cats will stop grooming themselves as often once they enter their senior years. This could be due to a loss of cognitive function, pain with grooming positioning, and even due to excess weight they put on in their senior years.
While many of these issues can be addressed separately, you will still want to brush them often to assist in maintaining their skin and coat health. Most cats do well with a 3-5 minute brushing sessions a few times a week, but you can increase this frequency if your cat is struggling with dandruff or fur that easily tangles.
Consider Your Cat’s Specific Needs
Every senior cat is different, so they will require a tailored approach that meets their specific needs. By monitoring their daily habits and behaviors in our home, we can better create a comfortable environment for them to enjoy their senior years.
You can offer your senior cat the most comfortable home by monitoring their eating habits, drinking habits, activity level, joint flexibility, weight, coat appearance, and resting habits. By doing this, you can identify any areas in which they are struggling.
The Vetted app also has a weekly check in feature that allows you to input any health concerns as the weeks go by. This can help you better understand your cat’s overall health as they age, as well as track the specific changes in their health that you are concerned with. We’ll monitor those changes for you and send them to your veterinarian every quarter so that they are always in the loop!
Act On Any Changes In Health Or Behavior Quickly
If you do notice any changes in your senior cat’s health or behavior, we always suggest reaching out to your veterinary team for guidance. This can involve either chatting with our Vetted Vet Pros or reaching out to your vet’s office, as these changes can indicate underlying health complications. Our beloved pets are more prone to chronic illness as the years go by, and diagnosing them early can offer your pet the best prognosis moving forward.
Final Thoughts
Our senior cats may encounter a few health challenges as the years go by, but we can always address these changes and support them each step of the way. Vetted knows just how much your senior little one means to you, which is why we offer you a 24/7 pet parent support system through our app that can professionally guide you through it all.
