Alice White
As you get older, your cat has new needs and desires, which is why it is extremely important to pay increased attention to caring for your pet during its ageing period.
Domestic issues
As the cat gets older, it loves more and more to hunt for something mobile and soft. Older cats often have health problems, and for this reason, like no one else, they need cosy beds that provide adequate comfort. Your pet’s sleeping place should be warm, away from drafts, so that the cat can fully enjoy the serenity and peace of mind.
To reduce pain in the joints of a cat, it is advisable to keep its bowl of clean drinking water as close as possible to the place of its usual rest – then your pet will not need to go on a long journey when he wants to drink. In addition, the proximity of the bowl will encourage your pet to drink more and more often to stay hydrated, which will also help keep his urinary system healthy and clear his urinary tract infections more quickly. Another good idea is to place a litter box somewhere nearby, even if the cat has never used it there before. Now, in old age, your pet may well need a toilet located nearby, so that the cat does not have to make long journeys every time.
Whatever your pet prefers to do: watch people from the window or sleep on the couch – in any case, his favorite place should be on an elevation compared to the floor level. Although cats love to climb and jump, nevertheless, during the aging period they are no longer able to climb as high as in their youth. At the same time, if you create something like stairs for the cat, it will be much easier and easier for her to get to the right place. For example, you can put the footrest on the floor to make it easier for the cat to climb onto the chair, and then it will need to make two small jumps instead of one big one!
Exercise and gymnastics
Like humans, cats also lose their mobility as they get older. Reduced physical activity in furry pets can reduce calories burned, which means your cat may well gain weight.
At the same time, by carefully choosing a cat’s diet, you will help her stay in shape. Portions of food of the right size, specially prepared for older cats, will provide your pet with all the necessary substances and trace elements.
Cats are different from dogs in that they usually do not need to be walked in order to encourage exercise. However, it is better to take your pet outside, playing outdoor games with him and encouraging him to explore the surrounding area. All this will allow the cat to avoid the accumulation of excess weight, and will also help to maintain the flexibility and elasticity of its joints.
Schedule
Over time, as the cat gets older, her life takes on a fairly measured nature and is characterized by a strict daily routine. Try not to disturb and maintain your pet’s habitual lifestyle in every possible way to maintain its physical well-being and mental balance.
The weakening of the organs of perception
With age, the cat becomes calmer and wiser, but at the same time, over time, she loses the keen sense of smell and touch. However, there are some things you can do to slow down this process.
For example, before serving raw food to a cat, it can be slightly warmed up so that a pleasant and attractive aroma is carried around the house, which the cat can smell, then it will surely develop an appetite. You can use a microwave to do this, but remember not to overheat food by making it too hot.
Try not to make any loud, unexpected or unusual sounds for your cat. The same goes for your pet’s eyesight: if your cat does not see clearly enough, always approach her carefully, but purposefully, so as not to suddenly scare her.
Emotional support
As the cat ages, some changes will begin to occur in the cat’s body, which at first may seem strange and unusual to you. Keep in mind, however, that your cat will endure years of ageing much more easily if you become as tolerant as possible, while still creating an atmosphere of love and affection around her. You just need to slightly change your behaviour in relation to the pet, as well as regularly take him to the veterinarian to maintain the physical shape of the cat – and believe me, your relationship with her will remain as warm as it was in her youth!
