Mary Allen
Old cats: those who love their velvet paws will accompany them throughout their lives. This is how your senior gets through the last few years healthy and happy.
With cats it is no different than with us humans: With increasing age, some things become more difficult, the body changes, and special care is required. Cat owners who know what to expect with a senior can make life a whole lot easier for them. You should know the following things.
When is a cat considered old?
This mainly depends on the state of health. Healthy cats are said to be seniors from around ten years of age.
How old do cats get?
Here too – as with us humans – health is of course decisive. But the type of housing also determines how good a cat’s chances are of growing old.
Outdoor cats are more at risk than indoor cats. This is not only due to the threats in road traffic, but also to the higher risk of infection: cats that meet other animals outside can contract worms, giardia, or other dangerous diseases more easily than indoor cats.
Healthy cats that escape the dangers of everyday life and don’t get any serious illnesses live to around 15 years of age. However, there are always animals that grow significantly older.
How does a cat’s behavior change with age?
Many cats see and hear less well after they have been roaming the world for many years. They then become more cautious because they can no longer assess exactly what surprises the environment has in store for them.
The animals often become more clingy and increasingly seek physical contact with their humans. Overall, the velvet paws become calmer with age and need more sleep.
We have cat breeds that are real cuddly kings at any age here for you: These cat breeds are particularly cuddly.
Older cats: What physical changes are there?
Older cats are still real contortionists, but overall the cat’s body gradually becomes less and less elastic with age. Muscle mass also decreases in old cats, which is also related to the fact that the animals are less active as they age. This, in turn, causes many senior cats to gain weight quickly. In addition, the metabolism is shut down in old cats. Calories consumed are consumed less well and are more easily applied.
Has your cat also become a rounder? Then take a look here: 10 tips – How to make your cat slim again.
If the cat shows symptoms such as increased thirst or restricted movement, a veterinarian should be consulted immediately. He can professionally assess the changes and rule out diseases. If the cat behaves normally, six-monthly check-ups are sufficient, during which the veterinarian can identify more serious illnesses at an early stage.
Does an old cat need different food?
It is difficult to make a general statement for all old cats. It is best to consult your veterinarian as to when you should switch from the previous food to a special diet for seniors. As a rule, he will advise you to do so from the age of about eight to ten years. He also has all the other information and tips that are important for you and your cat.
Senior food is easy on the kidneys and easier to digest. Please do not save at the wrong end here and try out different varieties if necessary to find the one that your cat accepts well. In the years that follow, this becomes more and more important for your health.
When changing over, make sure that you first mix the new food with the old one, so as not to unnecessarily burden your mini tiger’s organism. Otherwise, there is a risk of diarrhea or constipation. Your cat will thank you.
Do you have to adjust the amount of food?
You should carefully reconsider the amount of food you feed, especially if you change your feed. On the one hand, your velvet paw needs less energy in old age, and at the same time, senior food provides less of it. Again, ask your vet what amount he recommends. He has all the important information. So your sweetheart gets exactly what he needs even after the food change.
Old cats: what to consider when drinking?
Many cats are less enthusiastic about eating and drinking as they get older. However, adequate fluid intake is important to keep the cat hydrated and to protect the kidneys.
Many cats can be persuaded to drink water more often with a drinking fountain. If this doesn’t work, you can mix the food with water and see if your cat accepts it.
How should you deal with your old cat?
Give your sweetheart as much love as they want and give them the rest they need. However, do not show any false consideration, but challenge your cat mentally and – as far as possible – physically, even in old age. Intelligence games for cats are a good idea here, but smaller hunting games also keep your darling fit. Watch your cat closely to see how much is good for her and when it becomes too much for her.
Recognize when it’s time to say goodbye
As horrible as it is and as little as you want to admit it – at some point the day will come when it is time to say goodbye. Of course, we would like to keep our velvet paws with us forever. Recognizing when the cat is no longer able or willing is, therefore, the greatest proof of love that you can show your cat.
Make sure your animal has a dignified final journey. Have the cat cremated or buried when the end has come. This way she will find her final resting place and you will have a place to mourn. This can be very helpful in dealing with the loss.
We wish your darling a long, healthy, and happy life!