All cats deserve the best level of care, but senior cats require special attention for their complex health issues. As cats get older, their health requirements will change, so introducing healthy lifestyle habits can help keep your feline happy and content. If you aren’t sure where to begin, here are 5 measures that you can take today for caring for senior cat.
Keep Your Senior Cat Indoors
One of the best habits that you can practice is to make sure your senior cat is not allowed outdoors without being supervised. Cats who are kept indoors exclusively tend to live longer and healthier lives than an outdoor cat. Senior cats can learn to be satisfied indoors as long as you provide plenty of opportunities for them to be alone, as well as give them an environment they feel comfortable in.
Keep Track of Your Senior Cat’s Weight
With 58% of cats estimated to be obese or overweight, not looking after your cat’s weight can be detrimental to their health. Overweight cats will have extra stress on their body and put them at an increased risk of developing joint pain, liver problems, diabetes, and many other serious health conditions. To keep your senior cat in good shape, feeding them a balanced diet is key.
Schedule Regular Veterinary Visits
Another important habit to keep your senior cat healthy and happy is by scheduling regular veterinary visits. It’s recommended that older cats should be examined once every six months. The reason for this is so your veterinarian can identify when something is abnormal. Cats are known to be great at hiding diseases, and while they may appear well and healthy, they could have a range of underlying health problems. Your cat’s veterinarian will be trained to look for body condition problems, skin, and coat quality problems, as well as oral health problems.
Consider Taking Out Insurance
While it’s recommended to take your cat to the veterinarian, frequent visits can soon become costly. Taking out pet insurance from the beginning will ease the amount of money you have to pay out. There are websites like Quotezone.co.uk that you can use to compare pet insurance. When you compare pet insurance via their site, you’ll find plenty of different providers to pick from to help you find the best deal on the market.
Keep Your Senior Cat Active
In geriatric cats, osteoarthritis is a common condition. However, it may occur in cats who are suffering from a joint injury or abnormality. Regular exercise can be great in reducing discomfort, helping to keep your senior cat happy. There are a range of exercises that your senior cat can do to maintain activity and mobility, as well as therapeutic intervention such as massage.
It is estimated that 24% of UK adults own a cat, and if you fall into this statistic, doing everything you can to ensure your senior cat has the best level of care is important. All the advice above can help in keeping your feline happy and content in your household as they age.
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