One of the best things about cats is that they can live 15 years (or even longer with good health and extra TLC). Caring for a senior cat can feel daunting. How will you know if an increased tendency to sleep is due to age or something else?

The team at All Cats Care Center would like to share what we know about making sure senior cats receive as much time with you as possible. 

Cat Care for Aging Felines: 3 Tips

1. Twice-Yearly Vet Visits 

Once your kitty celebrates her 7th birthday, it’s time to bump the veterinary visits from once a year to twice a year. 

Our feline friends age a lot faster than we do! Keeping close tabs on their health is key to catching potential problems sooner. 

Ideally, your veterinarian will do a full physical exam and bloodwork during both of these visits. Your vet will also check your kitty for symptoms of arthritis, diabetes, dental disease, and other chronic illnesses that can creep up with age. 

With early diagnosis and treatment, your furry friend can continue to enjoy her golden years, even if she has these conditions. 

Make sure you notify your veterinarian right away if you notice any changes in your cat’s health or behavior. It might be related to old age, but it also might not. Play it safe and see your vet. 

2. Accessible Spaces 

Aging cats might not jump and leap like they used to, which makes it harder for them to reach their favorite cozy spot in the cat tree by a sunny window. Your goal is to create an environment that’s comfortable and accessible for your elderly kitty. 

Place a cat bed on the floor by the sunny window instead. Or, set up a ramp so your feline friend can reach her favorite nook without straining her body.

Bring home the type of litter box that’s designed for cats with mobility issues and place one on each floor of your home. Put extra food and water bowls in different areas of your house, too, and replace the water every day. Strategically place nightlights throughout the home so your kitty can easily see where he’s going. 

Above all, avoid bringing new stressors into the house if you can. If you have young children, make sure your cat has access to a safe, quiet space away from the mayhem. 

If you want to bring home a new kitten to learn the ways of your old, wise cat…don’t. That would be like sending a toddler to live in a nursing home. 

3. Help With Grooming

Younger cats can groom themselves with little help from you, especially if they have short hair. But as they age, cats may not groom themselves like they once did. To avoid matted fur and dry skin, gently brush your kitty every day. This will help release dead hair and spread your cat’s natural oils throughout her skin. 

If you have any questions about cat health for aging felines, contact our veterinary team at All Cats Care Center. As a cats-only practice, we live and breathe all things kitty. We’re here to help you keep your senior feline healthy.