Making Your Cat's Golden Years Comfortable and Enjoyable
By Amanda Lacasse Just like people, aging cats experience a slowdown of many biological functions such as digestion, metabolism and energy levels. This is normal and doesn't mean that your older cat can't spend her senior years as happily as she did her younger days. For you, though, it means that you will want to make some simple changes in order to accommodate your aging pet.
Most importantly, keep the older cat indoors. This single change will do more to protect your pet than anything else, since older cats that can't see and hear as well as they used to are easy marks for predators. Arthritis will slow your cat down and keep her from being able to outrun enemies as well. Old cats and the great outdoors are a recipe for disaster! In my experience, older cats would just as soon stay in, anyway.
Keep your cat as "drug-free" as you can. Elderly, indoor cats no longer need vaccinating. It's not necessary, and could be harmful. Don't have your pet put under anesthesia unless it is an emergency since older bodies have more difficulty flushing these drugs from their systems, and often have nasty reactions to them. If a health problem arises, see if supplementation, a holistic diet and natural treatments don't work as well or better than prescription drugs. Never put flea medication on your old cat--it is much too toxic!
The cat box should be accessible and clean. Older kidneys process more urine, and elderly bowels--well, you get the picture. Make sure the tray is big enough for your cat to comfortably move around in and that the sides are not too high for arthritic legs to step over. If you have a hooded model, replace it. If stairs are a problem, move the box from the basement to a main-level bath. Remember, old cats are more apt to step in messes, so keep it clean!
Try to feed as much homemade food as possible. It is easier to digest, and your old kitty won't have to process all those nasty chemicals commercial foods contain. If appetite decreases, give treats of meat baby food, sardines and clams to spice things up. No tuna, please, as this is not a healthful food for cats!
If jumping up on beds and other napping areas is getting too difficult, put a step stool there to help. You might want to use a sturdy cardboard box near the side of your bed, as it hurts less when you stub your toes on it in the middle of the night! Also, make sure there are many blankets, quilts, and other soft, comfy areas around for your senior to snuggle into and stay warm. Oldsters nap more, and need more warmth.
As you can see, just a few changes around the house will make life much more enjoyable for both you and your cat. And don't forget that massaging your arthritic pet has been shown to be very beneficial to both the cat and the owner!
========
Amanda Lacasse is a writer living in the hills of western Massachusetts. Cat Chat
|
No comments:
Post a Comment