Caring For Older Cats

Let's be real: Getting older sucks; and as age declines, we need help being care for. Your pet cat is no different. Your cat will require the love and support from it's pet owner to enjoy it's senior years.

Generally, cats are considered 'senior' around 7-10 years old. This is when pet owners will start to see a change in them from when they were kittens. They may start slowing down and not eating as much; or they may start sleeping more and jumping on the couch less.

Cats will start to see a decline in health as they age. Here are pet care tips for aging cats that pet owners need to know:

1. Dental Disease in Cats

Dental problems in cats can lead to painful mouths; and cats with dental issues may eat less and less. Senior cats often suffer from Kidney Disease, Thyroid Disease and other heart complications that accompany not eating. The lesson? Visit a cat dentists for care tips.

2. Regular Vet Check-ups

As cats age, they will need to visit their veterinarian more often than when they were a kitty. Visits may boost to once per month. Listen to the cat doctor and see how to best care for your older cat.

3. Set Out Healthy Cat Food

Just like humans, cats that eat low-quality food have a chance of suffering from obesity. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 58 percent of cats in America are overweight or obese. If you have adopted a cat and don't know how they were eating before you adopted them, start feeding them high protein cat food - but avoid vegetarian diets. The right food will also lead cats to become more active and alert. Read labels!

4. Increase Cat Exercise Levels

Speaking of obesity rates, cats that only eat and sit are hurting themselves more than they think. Inactive cats that do not play outside are not getting fresh air; they are lacking socialization with other animals; and they are not exercising. This is why installing a Kitty Corral in the backyard is good for your cat. Cat Fencing allows cats the chance to stretch their legs and freely run around the property without fear of getting lost or stolen. A cat fence is a sure-fire way to get your cat the exercise he/she requires to stay fit.

5. Interact with your cat

Use interactive toys to encourage cats to jump, bend, or move around. Apply cat nip to cat toys, as a bonus. Cat movement will keep hind legs and forearms strong as they age.

This August, for Senior #Pets Month, make your older cat feel young again by utilizing these health tips for adult cats.