The Importance of Proper Senior Cat Care
What are the common health problems in senior cats?
As cats age, you might be asking yourself, how old is my cat? We consider an animal senior at age six. If your cat is five and a half or six, we definitely recommend getting them seen. Some things we check for are arthritis. Sometimes cats can get old to the point where they are slowing down and don't hop around quite as much. They also can start to develop some metabolic diseases. Some common ones include hypothyroidism, kidney disease, and dental disease.
What should I include in a senior cat's diet?
Making sure senior cats are eating can be tricky because cats can be very picky. We recommend ensuring you're using a senior cat diet. There are many options, and we have other articles discussing diets that we recommend for animals.
What are the signs of arthritis in senior cats?
Signs of arthritis in senior cats include what we consider just getting old or slowing down. They might be more hesitant to jump on or off furniture. They might not be quite as social and may hide more. If you think your cat has arthritis, we definitely recommend a recheck. There are many things we can do for them.
What changes should I watch for in an aging cat?
As your cat gets older, watch for changes in appetite, whether it's eating more or less, and changes in weight, whether that's weight gain or weight loss. Also, note if they are not acting like their normal self, such as hiding more. Sometimes cats become more cuddly as they get older to let you know things are changing.
Keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary for your specific cat. Every cat is different!
You’re never alone in caring for your pet’s health. At Green Valley Veterinary Care, our team is here to support you every step of the way. Call (937) 358-8142 or email [email protected] to connect with us today.