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Cat Care for Older Cats
If your cat is over the age of the age of 10, she is considered to be old. While most cat
owners are aware of this fact, what they may not know is how to best help their cat stay
healthy and active during their twilight years. Does the cat need different foods? More
exercise? Frequent medical care? Exactly what changes will my cat be going through?
When a cat ages, its body goes through much the same types of changes that we see in
humans. For example, there is a natural decrease in muscle mass, along with a coinciding
increase of body fat. This particular change can lead to a fat cat if precautions are not
taken early to prevent it. Because the energy needs of the typical cat begins to slow
around the ages of 7 to 9, changes in food intake and exercise must be made to prevent the
cat from become unhealthy.
There are foods on the market today that are specifically designed for the elderly cat.
They contain less calories and protein and more of the essential vitamins and minerals that
keep a cat strong and vibrant. Talk to your veterinarian about which is best for your cat.
If you have any questions as to whether or not your cat has officially entered old age,
watch for some of these outward signs: moving slowly, sleeping more, loss of agility, not
being able to jump as well. You can help your cat cope with some of these old age
symptoms, for example, by providing a ramp or pet step, this will help to eliminate the need
to jump so high. Keep the house a little quieter to help the ageing cat sleep more peacefully.
Arthritis in older cats is a big issue because as cats age the absorption rate of calcium
into their bones becomes inadequate. A general rule of cat care is that arthritis becomes
an issue for cats at about the age of 12, even earlier if the cat happens to be obese. If
your veterinarian diagnosis your cat with the painful illness of arthritis, there are some
steps that can be taken to minimize its effect on the cat. For example, this can often be
treated with a combination of weight loss and medication.
As your cats age progresses, its care becomes even more crucial. When a cat becomes very
old, it can suffer loss of sight and hearing, just like humans. And, just as with older
humans, cat care becomes a little harder at this age. Care needs to be taken to make sure
the cat is as comfortable as possible.
Nutritional aspects of cat care are important as a cat ages too. Be sure to choose a food
that is made for the elderly feline, most stores will have a variety to choose from. Pay
close attention also to your cats teeth, as with any living creature, the teeth of an older
cat can cause it eating issues. See our article on 'cat teeth'. Make sure that your cat
gets as much exercise as it can handle, this will keep it from becoming fat and out of shape
in old age.
Wonder how old your cat might be in human years?
1 year = 20 years
2 years = 24 years
3 years = 28 years
4 years = 32 years
5 years = 36 years
6 years = 44 years
7 years = 48 years
8 years = 52 years
9 years = 56 years
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