As your cat ages, their physical and emotional needs change in response to the body’s natural aging process. This, therefore, means that you have to change the ways you take care of your cat and be more responsive to changes in behavior or physical health.

When is a Cat Geriatric?

The average lifespan of a cat is 12 – 18 years, but when is a cat considered a senior? Most cats start to undergo physical changes, indicating that they have entered their geriatric years at the age of 11 years, whereas cats that live to the age of 15 years have even been termed ‘super senior.’

Although cats are regarded as ‘geriatric’ from age 11, their nutritional needs change when they are 7 years old. During this time, the metabolism rate of the feline decreases, and usually, they start gaining weight, so they adjust their diet correspondingly. This is accurate enough reason you

How Do You Care for Older Cats?

As your cat enters their geriatric years their needs start to change. They often become calmer and more sedate and will need careful monitoring for signs of health problems.

If your cat is approaching the geriatric phase of life, here are some senior cat care requirements and wellness tips to consider.

 Nutritional needs

Meals provided to older cats should be good quality and specially formulated for the geriatric feline. There is noticeably a change in the physiological process and the metabolism of food as the cat ages. Not all nutrients in food are well utilized by the body, and it is a requirement that alters the diet for your pet. Also, an aging cat usually has a decreased caloric requirement and may be prone to gain weight. The geriatric cats become less active and are more prone to contracting diseases and obesity-related health issues.

Exercise

Geriatric cats tend to slow down and become relatively sedate, preferring a quiet stroll rather than fun-packed playtime. Senior cats must be kept moving regularly to keep their muscles and bones in tip-top condition and help reduce the risk of unwanted weight gain. Many pet owners try this alternative for caring for older cats with CBD oil for stimulation and overall well-being.

Physical changes

Senior cats may find personal care challenging as they grow older and you need to adapt your cat care routine to allow for this:

  • Older cats may not be able to fully retract their claws, so these can snag on fabrics and carpets. Check your senior cat’s claws each week and clip as necessary.
  • Painful joints will be complicated for the older cat to groom correctly. These cats will likely need grooming more frequently and possibly have their eyes and bottom wiped routinely. While it may never have been required before, an indoor litter tray could be very helpful for your older cat to avoid any unwanted accidents.
  • Watch for any changes in habits: it can be a sign of their increased or reduced eating and drinking, weight loss or gain, some physical activity, or a change in a sleeping pattern, among other factors—all of which can be early indicators of a disease and must be checked out by your veterinarian.

Conclusion

Like any of us, your cat will go through physical and emotional changes as they age, which is natural. As your cat ages, their appetite may lessen, but your old pet still finds tasty products like treats hard to resist—especially premium ones made with quality ingredients. As your cat gets older, taking care of it can be an absolute pleasure since you’ll be around to enjoy its twilight years with your furry feline friend.