Is your kitty entering her golden years? As Fluffy ages, you may notice some grey in her fur, and she’ll likely slow down a bit. Your cat’s basic needs–a proper diet, fresh water, clean litter, and regular veterinary care–won’t change as she grows older, but she may need some extra TLC. Below, a Bowmanville, ON vet offers advice on keeping your senior cat purring and comfortable.

Beds

Believe it or not, your sleepy furball will spend even more time napping as she ages. Senior cats can spend up to 20 hours a day dozing! Offer Fluffy lots of cozy napping spots to snuggle up in.

Litterbox

Fluffy may have an easier time using a litterbox with low walls, so you may want to get her a different litterbox. If your home has multiple stories, keep extras on each floor, so your furry pal doesn’t have to go up and down the stairs as often.

Grooming

Older kitties sometimes have trouble reaching certain areas when grooming themselves. Help Fluffy out by gently brushing her. This will remove dead fur from her coat and help reduce hairballs.

Comfort

Cats sometimes experience a decline in cognitive functions as they age. Fluffy may get lost in the kitchen or forget where her litterbox is, and could meow in distress. Just do what you can to comfort your pet: talk to her, pet her, and perhaps pick her up gently.

Playtime

Play with your cat every day, even if just for a few minutes. This will help keep Fluffy in good shape physically, and will also offer helpful mental stimulation.

Vision

Fluffy’s vision and hearing may decline with age. Keep a nightlight on to help her find her way around after bedtime.

Sickness

Watch your furball closely for possible signs of illness. Some common ones include hiding; poor grooming; changes in appetite, behavior, or vocalizations; vomiting; weight gain or loss; diarrhea; and litterbox issues. Contact your vet immediately if you notice any of these red flags.

Getting Around

Your kitty may find it hard to jump onto furniture and laps as she ages. Help Fluffy out by setting out pet ramps, or arranging footstools so she can use them as stairs. Do you have any concerns about your senior cat’s health or care? Call us, your Bowmanville, ON animal hospital, today. We are here to help!