Cats can make the most wonderful pets. They are loving and full of personality, although they can be a little mischievous sometimes as well. But with a significantly shorter lifespan than humans, if you do decide to get a cat as a pet you need to be prepared to look after it not just when it’s a kitten, or in its prime, but also when it’s an older as well. So read on to find out just how to do this.
Food
To keep your kitty in tip-top shape even into their older years it’s important to feed them right. But what is right? Well, there are actually special pet food brands that offer an option for more senior cats. These are designed to have the right nutritional load for their needs and to alleviate some conditions like stiffness.
It’s also important that you ensure that they steer well clear of the more toxic human foodstuffs that are around the home, like chocolate. As these can cause severe health problem for you cat, and an older cat may not have the resilience to survive them.
Accessibility
Something else that it is important to do when you are caring for an older feline is to keep an eye on their mobility. Just like us humans, when they age cats may lose some of their ability to get around. This may manifest in staying indoors more, or not being able to reach their favorite nap spot.
They can even have trouble being able to climb up onto your bed, even if they have slept there every night for years. But all’s not lost. In fact, with a little clever thinking, you can help them get to most of their favored spots.
All you need to do is install small ramps or steps that they can walk up and down, instead of jumping to their destination. You can find out more about there here.
Vet care
Obviously, as you feline friend ages it’s important to take them to the Vet more regularly. When there, it is worth asking them to give them a body-condition check. As you can tell a lot about the general health of a cat by checking their weight, fur, and teeth.
Peace and quiet
It’s also vital that you provide some place of peace and quiet where you cat can be alone if they choose to when they get older. This is because it can be stressful for them to be stuck in the middle of the family’s space with lots of noise and activity.
Cats tend to retreat when they feel overwhelmed, so by providing them with a space to go to you can help them be happier and less stress during their twilight years.
Dental care
Lastly, as cats age, their teeth can sometimes be a problem. Some folks suggest that you teach them to allow you to brush their teeth when they are kittens. But if for whatever reason you haven’t been able to do this, then you can take them to get the plaque scaled off at the vets.