Care for Older Cats

Feeding

• Proper nutrition is important for a cat of any age. Just as kittens need food that provides them with nutrients that support a healthy development, older cats need food that gives them the nutrition they need, but also is easy on their digestive system. According to the article "Growing Old Gracefully: Caring for Older Cats" by Sarah Hartwell on MessyBeast.com, you should feed an older cat three or four small meals per day instead of feeding two large meals. If you have an older cat that has dental problems such as missing or unhealthy teeth, you should first take the cat to a veterinarian for an examination and instruction on appropriate foods. Wet food or semi-moist food is a good choice for feeding older cats, especially if the cat seems particularly finicky. Older cats have a diminished sense of smell in most cases, so they may not be eager to eat dry, seemingly scent-less food. You can also add gravy or warm water to dry food to help your cat consume and digest it. If you're concerned about the nutritional content of your older cat's food, just remember that the lower the grain content, the better. Most widely available cat foods have a high grain content as the grain provides carbohydrates and helps the cat feel satiated faster. Too much grain can contribute to liver, kidney, and digestive problems. When reading the label for a cat's food, make sure that the first three or four ingredients are not grains such as wheat, gluten, or corn meal.

Exercise

• Older cats still need exercise, even if they aren't able to get around the way they used to. Older cats may experience arthritis and difficulties in agility, but continued exercise is essential. According to the article "Normal Aging and Expected Changes in Older (Senior, Geriatric) Cats" by Holly Nash, DVM on PetEducation.com, older cats will lose muscle tone over time. You may be tempted to let your cat be sedentary, but this can negatively influence your cat's overall health. Exercise is key to keeping a cat healthy no matter its age, so try to keep your cat active by providing it with slow-moving, silent toys that won't scare or upset it. If your cat is used to going outside, you can allow it to sun on a porch or window sill, or invite it to stroll with you as you work in your yard. Older cats are homebodies and will rarely run away when outside, provided you keep an eye out for other cats or animals that may attract their attention.

Living Space

• Older cats also need a comfortable place to sleep, eat, eliminate wastes and relax. Sarah Hartwell's article "Growing Old Gracefully: Caring for Older Cats" suggests letting your cat sleep in a cat bed or a box lined with a plush blanket or large pillow, big enough for your cat to easily get in and out of. Due to joint problems and muscle tone loss, older cats may have some problems curling up in a small ball, so make it easy for them to get cozy by giving them a sleeping area that offers lots of space and privacy. You also want to keep the cat's sleeping area away from drafty windows or doors, as older cats can also have problems regulating their body temperature. Cold air can make your cat uncomfortable, especially if it has joint problems. You can also keep an older cat comfortable by providing it with a quiet, peaceful area to relax that's all its own. The lowest shelf in a closet or a corner in a bedroom are good places for older cats to relax. Heavy traffic areas such as the kitchen or living room can irritate an older cat and cause unnecessary stress.