Senior Cat Care

While cats aren’t going to need Botox or face-lifts as they grow older, they will need you to keep caring for them the way you have been — with love and devotion. Caring for a senior cat is really no more difficult than caring for a kitten or an adult cat. But there are a few things you should watch for.

Avoid Mr. Magoo-itis

Like people, a cat’s eyesight worsens as it gets older. Make sure your vet examines the cat’s eyes on the next regular checkup. If your cat should become blind or its eyesight diminish, a familiar routine will be very important. Keep things clean and in their normal spot, and make sure the cat’s water, food bowls and litter are all in the same place.

Also check out: Why Cats Howl When They Get Older.

Did Someone Say Supplements?

Have your cat’s bone density checked. If your cat is losing density, it may need to be given calcium supplements. Also, you can keep an eye on your cat and make sure it doesn’t need to jump up on furniture to get to things. If the cat likes to sit in a window, on a chair, or sleep on your bed, perhaps you could try those doggy stairs. Just name them kitty stairs. They won’t know the difference, and it’ll make them feel younger.

See Also: Fantastic Cat Facts

Image Credit: Umberto Salvagnin / via Flickr

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Read more: Cats, Everyday Pet Care, Pet Health, Pets, Safety, senior cats

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
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Diane L.

12:09AM PDT on May 6, 2013

Nancy P., I'm sorry about your senior kitty with hyperthyroidism. I dealt with that with one of my seniors. She was quite active right up to the very end, still hunted and was very successful, but no matter how much she ate, she was very thin. I gave her free choice kibble, and 2 cans of the best "soft" catfood I could buy (a day) and she still was losing weight. I would have increased that, but she couldn't eat any more! The vet said she was "hyperthyroid" and put her on medication. It didn't help, and he adjusted the dosage twice. Then he called in a prescription to a human pharmacy for a "custom" formulated medication which was a liquid that I put in her ears via a syringe. "Sassafras" lived to be 17 and her demise was trying to take on coyotes, I think. She almost won that battle as well

May 6
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Nancy P.

6:41PM PDT on May 5, 2013

I have three "senior" boys and they get regular check-ups. I have one that was recently diagnosed with hyperthyroid. We caught it very quick before it caused kidney or heart problems. Know your senior cats and know when something isn't quite right with them and promply take them to the vet.