Sooner or later, your cat will get old and have physical changes. This is most likely to happen between the ages of seven and ten. However, some people can hold off on major changes until they are about 12 years old. There are a few things that must be done when the time comes. Keep reading for helpful tips on how to care for older cats.
Most people take their cats to the vet for a checkup every year. It's more important for older cats to see the vet more often than younger cats because they are more likely to get sick. It's best to have a health checkup every six months.
As your cat gets older, you'll also have to change what you feed it a little. They will most likely become fat if they stop moving and are still fed the same calories as when they were younger. Obesity is a big problem for older people, so a veterinarian-approved diet would be the best thing for them to do.
When looking after older cats, make sure they always have fresh water to drink. It is easier for cats to lose water as they get older. Their bodies won't be able to handle long-term dehydration, either. Older adults usually have the most trouble with their kidneys, and dehydration won't help them.
As cats get older, they get arthritis, just like humans do. When arthritis starts, your cat won't be able to do as much physical work as he used to do. Keep an eye on him, and don't be surprised if he stops climbing stairs or jumping on the windowsill. If your cat has arthritis, they may have trouble getting into their litter boxes. The best way to help yours is to get a smaller box or put stairs next.
Cats of all ages need to have their teeth cleaned. For older cats, it becomes more important. The risk of getting dental disease only gets worse with age. If your cat has this disease, it can be so painful that it won't want to eat.
Your cat may also not be able to keep himself clean and tidy. You don't want him to get a dry or very dirty coat. You may also have a problem with mating if you have a dog with a lot of hair. If you want to help your older cat, you can brush him yourself every day or a few times a week.
Physical changes aren't the only things that happen to your cat when it's old. He may also have mental problems, just like older people do. He may wander around or even look lost from time to time. People don't like it when their cats become more talkative and meow too much for their good. Also, keep in mind that senior cats may not be able to adapt to changes very well. Try to keep everything in the house the same so that they can get used to the same things.
There are a lot of illnesses that are common in old cats. Hypertension, kidney problems, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes mellitus are some of the most common conditions that can happen to people. As cats get older, they are also more likely to get different types of cancer.
With the rise in the risk of these diseases, it's important to watch your cat for changes. A vet might be able to tell you what to do if you see something that's different. Exams should be done twice a year, and they should be able to find any diseases early on, making them easier to deal with.
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