Senior Cats & Grooming

Changing Habits

• Your aging senior cat's habits will change as it reaches the 10-year mark. A once energetic cat that cleans its coat 30 percent of the time now allows tufts of fur to bunch up and tangle on its back, chest and other hard-to-lick areas. Your aging cat lacks the same level of flexibility and energy of its younger years, meaning that its grooming habits are not as deft or frequent.

  As your cat's grooming habits become less efficient, you'll need to devote more time to grooming. Two five-minute sessions per day can mean the difference between matted fur and a softer coat.

Hairballs

• Hairballs are the result of poor grooming, particularly in medium- and long-hair cat breeds. Hairballs may seem normal because of their common occurrence, but they are not a healthy or enjoyable experience for your cat. Seniors can't handle hairballs as well as younger cats and have trouble passing hairs through their digestive system. They also are more susceptible to intestinal blockage and constipation because of a weakened digestive system.

  Pet grass can help improve digestion and certain pet foods offer hairball remedy additives, but nothing helps as much as sufficient grooming.

Omega-3

• If you notice that your senior cat has dry and flaking skin, it may be having trouble spreading oils. Your cat licks itself to spread oils throughout its skin and fur, which can make its coat appear shiny and smooth. Cats that don't groom as frequently or effectively tend to have coarse hair and dry skin, which causes dandruff.

  In addition to grooming regularly, adding Omega-3 to your cat's diet can help improve its skin and fur. Opt for a dry cat food containing Omega-3 and try to include more fish in your senior cat's diet.

Shedding

• Your senior cat is not able to groom itself as much as in its younger days, so more loose hairs will make their way onto your furniture and floor. Short-haired cats can shed almost as much as long-haired cats, unless you have a Devon Rex or other fine-haired breed.

  To minimize shedding, use a wired slicker cat brush to gently remove the loose hairs and collect them onto the brush. For short-haired breeds, you'll need to also use a gentle bristled brush to help collect the loose hairs and help minimize shedding.

Relationship

• Cats groom one another through mutual tongue baths and quick greetings as a type of community interaction. You too can build your relationship with your cat and improve your senior cat's temperament and sociability by increasing your brushing sessions. Building this type of connection can help you establish a bond that can aid you in calming your cat in the future, such as at veterinary appointments. Take the time to continue building your friendship with your cat and you may find that in gratitude it will groom you in reciprocation.