Introduction
According to Matt Davies Harmony Communities, similar to humans, cats need more help and care as they get older. Their bodies get weaker, and they aren’t as healthy and robust as they used to be, so they need that extra attention. Let’s check out what you need to know about your aging cat and keep it safe.
The Details
1. Schedule regular checkups – As your cat gets older, it needs to see the vet more often, even if nothing seems wrong on the surface. Unlike humans, cats age much more quickly. That’s why you need to be on top of the changes in your pet’s body every few months. Cats between the age of 10 to 15 years require a checkup every 6 months while cats older than 15 years need to see the vet every 4 months.
Vets can make sure that your cat is at optimum health for its age and detect diseases early on. That’s why it’s very important to develop a close relationship with your cat while it’s young and healthy. This lets your vet get to know the cat on a deeper level and detect subtle changes that may indicate an underlying problem.
2. Learn your cat’s habits and pay more attention to changes – Cats like to hide pain and illnesses and tough it out more often than you think. This can be very dangerous as your cat gets older and is more susceptible to serious illnesses. That’s why you need to know your cat’s habits with a journal. That way, spotting changes becomes easier. With a journal, you can track even subtle changes like hiding and sleeping and consult your vet on it.
3. Changes in weight are alarming – While minute changes may not be a cause for concern, unexplained weight loss and sudden weight gain are alarming for senior cats and require a visit to the vet. Excessive weight shortens the lifespan of your senior cat and increases the risk of chronic diseases. On the other hand, unplanned weight loss may be an indication of underlying issues like intestinal disease, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes.
4. Create a comfy environment for your old cat – Senior cats aren’t as agile and strong as young cats. That’s why you need to change their environment to make their life a bit more comfortable. Place litter boxes, food, bedding, and water in multiple locations of your home for easy access. Locate the favorite resting and sleeping spots for your cat and provide extra padding or soft bedding at those places. If your cat has a degenerative joint disease, provide them with raised water and food bowls so that they don’t need to bend down.
Conclusion
Matt Davies Harmony Communities suggests that you use the tips mentioned above and provide the best quality care for your aging cat. They need to visit the vet more frequently and need more attention so that pain and changes in weight can be caught and responded to appropriately.
