How to care for an old cat: tips and rules

Every pet unfortunately ages over time. Over time, the cat cannot properly care for itself, and its metabolism decreases. The owner’s task is to change the conditions of detention and delve into some of the features of caring for an aging animal. The greatest attention should be paid to the quality of nutrition and body weight of the animal.

Any changes in the body negatively affect the condition of the cat’s body and can shorten its lifespan. Excess body weight creates an increased load on the pet’s cardiovascular system, also affecting the organs of the respiratory system and musculoskeletal structures.

Lack of body weight also leads to serious consequences, causing exhaustion of the body. If your cat is not eating well, the cause may be changes in the sensory system. In this regard, secondary changes occur, the sensitivity of taste buds and receptors responsible for smell is weakened.

Decreased visual acuity and hearing

The first thing that cat owners pay attention to as they age is a decrease in hearing and visual acuity. This is indicated by a number of symptoms:

Disorientation in familiar space. Increasingly, the cat bumps into furniture and cannot follow the movement of household members and objects.
Lack of response to loud, annoying sounds.
The cat does not respond to its name, does not run to the sound of food being poured into a bowl.
Changes in behavior and the manifestation of aggressive traits are a symptom of hearing loss. This happens for the reason that the cat does not hear the owner approaching her and gets scared.

Owner actions. To help your pet you need to:

Change the location of the tray and food bowl to make it easier for the animal to navigate.
Provide the cat with maximum comfort, both moral and physical, and spend more time with her.
Do not sneak up on your pet from behind, do not get angry if he does not respond to his name. Pets are good at feeling the mood of their owners.

It is imperative to consult a veterinarian. A specialist can prescribe drops for the eyes, ears, and vitamins that help prevent the worsening of pathological processes.

Caring for an old cat

We are touched by looking at little kittens, watching with pleasure how they grow and become smarter every day. We rejoice seeing the beautiful form and dexterity of the young cat. We admire the intelligence and skills of an adult cat. But, realizing that the pet is aging, we begin to worry and ask ourselves questions: “How to arrange the space around so that the cat is comfortable? How do you know if everything is okay or if you need to contact a veterinarian for help?” First things first.

First of all, it’s worth finding out at what age we can talk about a cat’s advanced years. There are no exact data, since each animal is an individual. Therefore, all figures are only approximate. It is believed that a cat lives on average 15-17 years, and from about 12-13 years old it can be considered a “special aged cat”. Moreover, this does not mean that its days are numbered; some have been pleasing their owners for more than 20 years. (A table of the approximate age ratio of a cat and a person can be found at the end of the text).

Wool and skin

Aging cats experience a number of problems with their skin and fur. It should be understood that the changing condition of the coat not only looks unsightly, but also brings a lot of discomfort to the animal:

Thinning, excessive dryness and flaking of the skin are accompanied by severe and frequent itching. Due to frequent and severe scratching, abrasions and wounds may appear on the epidermis.
Long-term healing of skin lesions.
The coat becomes dull, may turn gray and fall out.
Formation of multiple mats.

How to help ? The owner will be required to perform certain actions:

Frequent and thorough combing of the coat with special brushes. When combing a fur coat, it is recommended to carefully inspect the skin each time. If any lumps or bumps are noticed on it, this is a reason to immediately contact a veterinarian, since as cats age, there is a high risk of developing cancerous tumors that last for a long time without any symptoms.
Adding vitamins to the diet to help normalize the condition of the coat and its appearance.
Treating wounds with disinfectants and applying healing ointments. If the wound on the skin is deep and the cat often scratches it, use topical preparations containing an antibiotic.

Claw care. The animal's claws require no less attention. With age, the nail plate becomes thin and brittle. At the same time, the claws continue to actively grow, but the pet stops regularly grinding them down. Owners need to monitor the length of the cat’s claws and, if necessary, cut them with special scissors.

Good to know

Why Cats Hide That They're Hurt
Savannah or Serval cats
Feline urinary retention in cats: a real emergency. Helping a cat who can't urinate
8 Causes of Pain in Domestic Cats. An Approach to Recognizing and Providing Therapeutic Care to Your Pet
Orofacial pain syndrome in cats (causes, pathogenesis, diagnosis and therapy)
Catnip for cats (uses, similar plants). The world of smells in the animal world
Why does the cat sneeze?

Teeth and oral cavity

Veterinarians recommend brushing your cat's teeth once every 2 weeks.

For the procedure, a special toothbrush and toothpaste are used, which can be purchased at a pet store. The peculiarity of toothpaste for animals is that it does not need to be washed off with water.

Not all cats like to have their teeth brushed. If the animal reacts inadequately to this procedure, it is recommended to purchase specialized dry food that helps keep the oral cavity clean.

Mobility and games

An aging cat prefers to spend most of its time lying down. But activity and mobility are the key to ensuring that your pet will not have problems with the musculoskeletal system.

The most common disease in older cats is arthritis.

It and a number of other pathologies can be prevented by following medical recommendations:

Regular games with your pet are required . Even an elderly cat will not refuse to spend time with its owner playing actively with its favorite toy. But you can't overdo it with activity. It should be remembered that the animal gets tired quite quickly.
Limiting contact with children . If there are small children in the house, it is recommended to protect the cat from frequent contact with them. Elderly pets need peace and quiet. If children frequently tug on your pet, this can cause severe stress, which will further worsen the health condition.
Arranging a home to suit the needs of an aging pet . Trays, bowls, and the cat's sleeping place should be within easy reach.
Preventing cats from walking up stairs . It will be difficult for the animal to do this.
It is important to pay special attention to the litter tray. Many cats find it very difficult to get into a tray with high sides as they age. In such cases, the pet has no choice but to relieve itself near him. You should not scold the animal. It is necessary to purchase a tray with the lowest possible sides.

No unsupervised walks

Keeping your pet outdoors increases your chances of getting wounds and infectious diseases such as feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus. A more obvious danger lies in other aggressive cats and dogs, as well as in cars passing nearby. An older cat finds it more difficult to cope with life situations, and its reaction to stimuli becomes less active.

If your adult cat is used to walking outside and often asks to go outside, train her to use a leash. Walking accompanied by the owner is much safer, because the animal is under constant supervision. A leash can be stressful for some cats. In order for your pet to feel comfortable, it is important to accustom it to a leash in a familiar environment – at home. After the cat gets used to it, take it outside, taking some goodies with you.

Nutritional Features

Just like humans, cats experience some digestive problems as they age. Changing a cat's diet is always a big stress.

In order not to subject the animal to such a test as a sudden change in the daily menu, veterinarians advise changing the diet starting from the age of 7.

And this needs to be done gradually.

Owners of older cats will have to deal with various features of their digestion:

Slow digestion of food, intolerance to heavy meals and poor absorption of nutrients.
Inability to eat food that is served in large pieces.
Non-acceptance of many previously familiar foods by the digestive system.
Stool disorders, manifested in the form of frequent constipation or diarrhea.
Nausea and vomiting.
Dysbacteriosis.
Bloating.
Weight loss or, on the contrary, rapid weight gain.

All of these symptoms cause a lot of inconvenience and anxiety not only for the cat, but also for the owner.

Solving problems with the gastrointestinal tract. To protect your cat from problems with the digestive system, you must follow the appropriate recommendations and rules:

Consultation . The most correct way to organize nutrition for an elderly pet is to consult a veterinarian. The specialist will diagnose the state of the digestive system and select nutrition in such a way as to prevent the development of diseases if there is a risk of their occurrence.
Fractional meals . Older cats prefer to eat little but often. The recommended frequency of serving food is 3 to 4 times a day.
Serving food . The food is crushed because cats will not be able to chew large pieces. For better digestibility, it is recommended to warm the food a little.
Vitamin supplements . Cats that are accustomed to eating only natural products should, in addition to them, receive special vitamins intended for older individuals.
Serving meat dishes . They should always be supplemented with mineral complexes.
Supplements . A small amount of vegetable oil should be added to vegetable and fermented milk dishes. Just 1 drop is enough. Recommended oils are olive, flaxseed or corn.
Replacement of feed . The industrial food familiar to the animal must be replaced with specialized dry food appropriate for old age.
Prohibited Products: fatty and heavy foods, sweets and confectionery, baked goods and baked goods, fried and salty foods, marinades.

In addition, owners should ensure that the pet regularly drinks enough water.

Obesity

A sedentary lifestyle, a slower metabolism and a number of age-related changes in the functioning of the digestive system are factors that provoke the development of obesity in an elderly cat. Neutered pets are especially susceptible to this. Obesity causes many serious diseases in cats: diabetes, kidney and liver problems.

To avoid rapid weight gain, it is necessary to feed your pet the right, healthy and low-calorie foods, and provide specialized food for older cats. Don’t forget about regular but moderate physical activity and outdoor games.

Find out at what age your cat qualifies as a “Senior Pet”

Since many cats live well into their twenties, it's easy to understand why owners wonder: When does a cat actually reach old age?

Although many believe that your individual cat is as old as she feels, most cats reach advanced age status somewhere between 11 and 14 years of age. Here are the typical age ranges in which older cats reach various life stages, according to the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP):

Thermoregulation

Paying a lot of attention to the cat's nutrition and appearance, most owners forget about such an important point as thermoregulation, which is disrupted with age. Pets become more sensitive to cold and drafts, and they find it more difficult to tolerate too high temperatures. It is quite possible to help an animal if:

Monitor the temperature in the house. Both cold and extremely high temperatures should be avoided.
Set up a warm place to sleep. In winter, it is recommended to move the cat bed closer to the radiator and other heat sources.
After bathing, thoroughly dry the coat with a towel and dry it with a hairdryer.

In spring and autumn, the pet must be protected from being in a draft.

Regular preventive measures

A common problem in animals is internal and external parasites, so the main attention should be paid to preventive measures. For prevention use:

Anthelmintic drugs. They have a wide spectrum of action to protect against various types of helminths. Used for the prevention of nematodes and cestodes.
Anti-flea collars. If a cat is infected with fleas, it is first important to get rid of them, and after 3-4 days put on a collar that will provide protection against fleas for up to four months.
Drops against ticks. They are necessary for those cats that are often outdoors. The effect of the drops lasts for 1-2 months.

By taking preventive actions, you can avoid many diseases that are difficult for older cats to tolerate.

Symptoms in older cats that should alert the owner

As a cat ages, the owner must closely monitor it and respond appropriately to any changes in behavior and habits. Any deviations indicate the presence of certain diseases and pathological processes that can occur for a long time without pronounced symptoms:

Increased thirst . If the cat begins to frequently approach the bowl of water, regardless of the ambient temperature, this indicates a possible abnormality in the functioning of the pancreas or kidneys. You need to immediately consult a doctor for a detailed diagnosis.
Sudden change in appetite . This manifests itself in different ways. Some animals may refuse to eat at all, although at first they will run to the bowl. This sign indicates possible diseases of the oral cavity. The cat wants to eat, but the process of chewing food causes pain.
Disturbance in the process of urination . The cat began to run to the litter box too often, and the owner noticed that the daily amount of urine had increased. The opposite situation may also occur, when the cat does not go to the toilet for a whole day or more, the amount of urine excreted is no more than a few drops. Often the presence of blood is detected in the urine. These signs are highly likely to indicate urolithiasis, one of the most common diseases in older cats.
Constipation . The pet does not go to the litter box for a long time, and going to the toilet causes pain, causing the animal to meow while sitting on the tray. The presence of constipation in older pets is associated with slowing and disruption of intestinal motility. You need to immediately change your diet. It is recommended to add a few drops of vegetable oil to food. If there is no positive result within a few days, you should contact your veterinarian. Giving laxatives or giving enemas without a veterinarian's prescription is strictly prohibited.
Loss of coordination of movements . The cat bumps into pieces of furniture, its gait has become unsteady. Often, the owner may notice that the pet drifts to the side when walking. Causes: hearing and vision impairment, neurological diseases. Treatment is prescribed only by a veterinarian.
Rapid weight loss . The reasons are an unsuitable diet, diseases of the digestive system, hormonal imbalances, and cancer.
Deterioration in appearance, appearance of hairballs, dry skin . Old cats often stop grooming themselves. Therefore, this mission is entrusted to the owner. Another reason why a cat stops licking with age is diseases of the oral cavity, the presence of ulcerative formations on the tongue.

The owner of an elderly cat must be prepared for the fact that she may develop various diseases, sometimes very serious and requiring urgent medical attention. Symptoms that are an indication for prompt contact to a veterinary clinic are shortness of breath, increased or decreased body temperature, lethargy and apathy. These signs may indicate heart disease.

Also watch the video on how to care for an elderly cat:

How does a cat change as it ages?

First of all, external changes begin: the fur turns gray, begins to get tangled, and shedding intensifies. Teeth may begin to loosen or even fall out. The character becomes worse, taste preferences change. Everything is like people. Old cats sleep more; they don’t want to run around the apartment and misbehave.

Then internal changes begin. Metabolism is disrupted (slows down noticeably). From here, characteristic diseases for old cats begin to develop. Kidney stones are most often caused by poor metabolism. Diabetes mellitus is often recorded, and yes, in cats (as well as in dogs), it also develops due to disruption of the cells of the beta islands of the pancreas.

Sense organs

Old cats lose their sight, hearing, and sense of smell. They have practically no protective instincts left, so it is very important not to leave your pet alone for a long time. Try to secure your apartment so that the cat does not accidentally harm itself.

Joints and internal organs

Arthritis is a problem for older cats. The paws hurt, the joint area swells and hardens. It is difficult for the pet to move and bend its limbs. Often the cause of arthritis lies in an infection that “rages” due to decreased immunity. And the immune system weakens, again due to old age.

The functioning of internal organs is disrupted. The heart is acting up, the rhythm is lost, and swelling appears in the evening. A cardiac cough may even appear, which often bothers the cat at night. This is easily explained by the fact that during the day the cardiac system gets very tired, hence the “night symptoms”.

Digestive system

The digestive system also does not fully perform its functions. Digestion of food occurs much slower, because the amount of enzymes decreases. An aging liver does not produce the required amount of bile, so feeding fatty foods is not recommended. Stones can also form in the gall bladder, which is very painful. In addition, the stone can get stuck in the duct, which will lead to an overflow of bile into the organ. If veterinary care is not provided in time, death is possible.

Constipation may begin. It is extremely important to create the right diet for an old cat. Give plenty of fluids to avoid constipation.

Genitourinary system

The genitourinary system is also subject to aging and “wear and tear”. In addition to urolithiasis, atrophy and degeneration of organs may occur. Malignant tumors can develop in the reproductive system, especially if the cat has not been sterilized. She may develop tumors of the mammary glands, uterus, and ovaries. Males that are not castrated have prostate cancer. As you can see, aging changes in cats differ little from “human” ones. And such animals require a lot of care.

An old cat is unable to hold urine or bowel contents. You shouldn't scold her for this. It is not her fault. It's all about weakened sphincters. Old age. There are special diapers, diapers, and oilcloths on sale. You may need to place several litter trays to give your cat time to run.