The population of older cats is growing. In North America, 35-40% of all households have a 7-year or older pet cat on their premises.
As your cat ages, its needs change. While they may not be able to play as vigorously as they used to, it doesn’t mean that you can let them sit around all day. In fact, it’s important for your senior cat to stay active and engaged in order for them to maintain good health.
Learn about some simple things you can do to ensure that your senior cat is happy and healthy.
Meet Their Nutritional Needs
In 2021, food products aimed toward senior cats were expected to account for more than 81% of the market share, owing to the extended life of cats and fast growth from kittens into adulthood. The segment is projected to reach a value of US$ 46,830 million in 2031 as well.
The above statistics show that it’s not hard to find adequate food products for your old cats to meet their nutritional meets. Here are a few things to consider when it comes to meeting the nutritional needs of a senior cat:
- Choose a high-quality cat food: Look for cat food that is formulated specifically for senior cats, and that is made with high-quality, easily digestible ingredients.
- Consider supplementing their diet: Some senior cats may benefit from supplements to help meet their nutritional needs. For example, they may need additional protein, fiber, or vitamins and minerals. Consult with your veterinarian for recommendations.
- Monitor their weight: Senior cats may be more prone to weight gain or loss, so it’s important to monitor their weight and adjust their food intake accordingly. It is very common for senior cats to be underweight.
- Consider feeding smaller, more frequent meals: As cats age, their metabolism may slow down, so they may do better with smaller, more frequent meals rather than larger ones.
Overall, the key to meeting the nutritional needs of a senior cat is to choose high-quality cat food and to monitor their intake and weight to ensure that they are getting the nutrients they need. Consult with your veterinarian for specific recommendations.
Visit The Vet Regularly
One of the most important things you can do to take care of your senior cat is to visit the vet regularly. Visit the vet at least once a year, preferably twice, to make sure your senior cat is in good health and has all their vaccinations up to date.
You should also ask your vet if they are spayed or neutered as well as check for fleas and ticks. It’s vital that senior cats get enough nutrition because they may not be able to metabolize food as efficiently anymore.
Consider Joint Supplements Or Pain Medication
Studies have found that between 70% and 90% of cats over 12 years old suffer from chronic arthritis, which is often painful and hampers the daily activity of the pet.
Joint supplements will keep the bones strong, and they’re easy to give them in the form of a pill. These supplements usually contain ingredients, such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and/or MSM, which can help support healthy joint function and reduce pain and stiffness.
They may be given orally, in the form of tablets or liquid, or topically, as a cream or ointment applied directly to the affected joints.
Make sure that you buy these products from reliable pet care stores like PetCareRx. Through these online stores, you can shop from the comfort of your own home and have the items delivered directly to your doorstep.
Online pet care shops like PetCareRx often have a wider selection of products than local stores, so you have more options to choose from. Additionally, shopping online can be more cost-effective because you can easily compare prices and take advantage of sales and discounts.
It’s important to consult with your veterinarian before giving your cat any supplements, as they can interact with certain medications and may not be appropriate for all cats. They can also help you determine the appropriate dosage for your cat.
Keep Them Hydrated
Proper hydration is important for cats of all ages, but it becomes increasingly important as cats get older. This is because older cats can be more susceptible to dehydration due to a number of factors, such as reduced kidney function, decreased water intake, and increased water loss through the skin and urine.
Dehydration can lead to a number of serious health problems in cats, including kidney failure, urinary tract infections, and constipation. Ensuring that your older cat stays properly hydrated can help to prevent these problems and promote overall good health.
You should also make sure that the bowl you are using is big enough for them to lap comfortably and easily. If you find that your cat is drinking too much or not enough water, then it could be an indicator of something more serious going on inside their bodies.
Provide Mental And Physical Stimulation
You can help your senior cat stay active by providing mental and physical stimulation. Cats love to play, so you should make sure to give them toys, even if they don’t seem interested at first.
If your senior cat seems bored, consider getting some interactive toys that will keep their interest. Some of the best options are laser pointers and balls with bells inside them or crinkly paper inside the ball itself.
You should also take your senior cat on short walks around the neighborhood every day, if possible. Even just a few minutes of fresh air will do wonders for their health!
Make Their Environment Clean And Safe
To make the environment clean and safe for your senior cat, you can start by regularly cleaning their litter box, bedding, and feeding areas. Remove any toxic plants or household chemicals from their reach, and consider making any necessary adjustments to your home, such as blocking off stairs or adding ramps to make it easier for them to navigate.
Consider getting your senior cat a comfy, elevated bed to sleep on, and provide them with plenty of toys and activities to keep them entertained. Lastly, make sure to keep an eye on your senior cat’s health and behavior, and visit the vet regularly to address any potential issues as they arise.
We hope these tips help you comfort your pet cat as they grow older.