Caring for an Older Cat: 2 Tips

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Mahatma Gandhi said, "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." How incredibly insightful and true. When my children were growing up, we always had various pets on our property. My children were constantly bringing home strays to be nurtured and loved. I still have plenty of animals around because my children leave their pets with 'grandma' when they go travelling. At present, I have two dogs, three cats and a parrot! Over the years, I've always stressed the importance of regular vet visits. As soon as a stray was brought home, I would make an appointment. The simple preventative treatments provided by our vet saved a lot of money and heartache. I like to keep up to date with the latest vet treatments. I hope this blog provides useful information for those who care about animals. Thank you.

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Caring for an Older Cat: 2 Tips

21 June 2017
 Categories: , Blog

If your cat is getting old, you may be wondering about the steps you need to take to protect it and keep it in good health. Below is a guide to two things you can do to look after your older cat.

Increase the number of check-up appointments at the vet

Younger cats only need to visit the vet for a check-up once a year. However, once a cat reaches the age of 7, you will need to start taking them for a check-up twice a year. When your cat turns 10, it is recommended that you take them for quarterly check-ups with the vet. The reason for the increased number of visits is the fact that as cats age, they face an increased chance of developing certain diseases and disorders. 

While it may seem like a bit of a pain and an extra expense to take your cat to the vet more frequently, it could actually save you money in the longer term. Regular check-ups on an old cat will increase the chance that any problems will be detected and treated at the earliest possible stage, which should help to reduce your vet bill, while also increasing your cat's lifespan.

Make sure you are feeding your cat an appropriate diet

Feeding an elderly cat a varied and nutritious diet can help to reduce the chance that they will develop health problems. Older cats often require increased levels of protein, which will help to combat muscle loss which occurs because of a reduced level of activity. You should look for pet food which contains high levels of protein and vitamins.

Older cats can also develop dental problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease. If your cat has lost teeth, you should choose food which is soft enough for them to eat without too much chewing.

If your cat is suffering from the effects of arthritis, you should ask your vet about Omega-3 supplements which can be added to their food. Omega 3 is an oil which plays a vital role in keeping joints healthy by reducing inflammation. Some types of cat food contain higher quantities of Omega 3, so you should check out the label when buying food for your pet. 

If you would like more information about caring for an older cat or if you have any concerns about your pet's health, you should contact your vet today for further help and advice.