Health Care Tips for Senior Cats

As a cat ages, its owner is required to dedicate more time to the health and well-being of the animal. The cat may not be able to care for itself as well as it used to, and may require help for certain tasks, such as maintaining its coat. If a senior cat is not cared for properly, it may develop health problems.

  1. Checkups

    • Regular checkups are essential for a senior cat. When a cat gets older, it may develop a health condition that requires immediate care, such as diabetes. A regular checkup will identify any pertinent health problems and get the cat any treatment necessary.

    Medication

    • As a cat ages, it may develop one or more health conditions that require regular administration of medication. If the medication is meant to be administered by sprinkling it in the cat's food, it is important that its owner monitor the cat throughout the day to make sure it eats the entire dosage, as a cat's appetite may diminish as it gets older.

    Grooming

    • A senior cat may be unable to properly groom itself. Little or no grooming could cause a variety of health issues, including fleas, mites, rashes and infections. If a cat is no longer able to groom itself, its owner should groom it on a regular basis, carefully watching for any signs of a health problem. Regular grooming should involve trimming its claws, brushing its fur, cleaning inside its ears and treating it for any fleas or mites when necessary.

    Activity

    • A senior cat will not have the same amount of energy it did when younger and may spend more of the day sleeping. It is important for its owner to play with it every day to insure that the cat gets the amount of exercise needed to maintain good health. If a cat doesn't get adequate exercise, it may gain weight. Obesity in a senior cat could cause a variety of health problems, including heart failure.

    Nutrition

    • The nutritional needs of a cat may change as it ages. Typical diet changes include adding more fiber to the diet. If a senior cat develops arthritis in its jaw or has some other painful mouth condition, it may avoid eating. This could lead to malnourishment and severe weight loss. If an elderly cat is no longer able to consume an adequate amount of calories on its own, its owner should consult with a vet about alternative food choices.