Tag Archives: senior cat care

Cat Care, General Care

Pampering A Senior Cat

It’s Happy, Healthy Cat Month! Kitties are very adorable pets, who somehow manage to become even cuter and more lovable as they age. And, just like people, they benefit from some extra TLC as they grow older. Proper veterinary care is of course a must, but there are also some things you can do at home. Here, a Roanoke, VA vet discusses keeping Fluffy happy, healthy, and safe in her golden years.

Proper Nutrition

Good food is important for cats of all ages. As Fluffy gets older, her nutritional needs will change a bit. She won’t be as active, and/or may benefit from foods and supplements that contain things like fish oil or glucosamine. Ask your vet for specific advice, including tips on serving sizes.

Playtime

Older cats may not be as spry or frisky as kittens, but it’s still good for them to let their inner lions out. Take time to play with Fluffy regularly. Jumping and pouncing are great kitty workouts, while timing those ‘attacks’ offers your furball beneficial mental stimulation.

Beds. Lots And Lots Of Beds

Kitties get progressively sleepier in their golden years. By the time your furry pal is a senior, she’ll be a master napper, capable of snoozing up to 20 hours a day. Set out lots of beds and comfy napping spots for her.

Senior-Friendly Facilities

Make sure that your feline friend’s litterbox and food dishes are in spots that are easy for her to get to. You may want to get her a litterbox made for older cats. These have lower sides, which are a little easier for your kitty to get in and out of.

Beauty Sessions

Fluffy will get stiff and sore as she ages, and she may have a hard time twisting and turning. This will make it hard for her to reach her whole body when grooming herself. Brushing your pet gently will get that dead fur and dander out of her coat, which will keep her more comfortable.

Cuddles

Kitties may get dismayed and confused by the changes they go through with age. Fluffy may become quite cuddly, and she may want more attention and snuggles than she used to. Indulge those cute requests for pets and lap space. Your furry pal’s purrs will never stop making you smile!

As your Roanoke, VA animal shelter, we’re dedicated to offering great care. Call us anytime!

Cat Care, General Care, General Health

Caring for an Aging Cat

Did you know that cats are officially considered seniors by the time they are 11? Our feline friends usually age slowly and gracefully, so you probably won’t’ notice major changes happening very quickly. However, as your furry buddy grows older, you will want to make some changes to her care routine. Read on as a Roanoke, VA vet offers some advice on caring for an aging kitty.

Grooming

Older kitties sometimes have trouble reaching their entire bodies to groom themselves. Brushing Fluffy gently will help keep her fur from getting matted or tangled. This is a good time to check your pet for bumps, bruises, or other signs of trouble.

Playing

Playing is actually great for your kitty! Running and jumping keep her in shape physically, while timing those pounces offers her mental stimulation. Try to play with your feline pal every day. Don’t worry about overdoing it: if Fluffy gets tired, she’ll just walk away and find her next napping spot.

Kitty Luxuries

Fluffy will spend most of her retirement napping and relaxing. Make sure your home has plenty of comfy kitty napping spots. Store-bought beds are fine, but your furball will also enjoy sleeping on an ottoman or chair with soft blankets.

Safety

We recommend that all cats stay indoors. This is especially important for older kitties! Fluffy won’t be as quick or agile as she once was, and may not be able to escape predators. She may also forget how to get home, and will be at higher risk of getting lost.

Confusion

Just like people, cats can get a bit confused and forgetful in their golden years. Fluffy may forget where her water dish is, or get lost on the way to her litterbox. She may meow loudly to vocalize her angst. Just try to soothe her.

Litterboxes

Speaking of litterboxes, you may want to get one with low sides. We also recommend keeping litterboxes on every floor of your home. That way, your cat won’t have to navigate the stairs as much.

Purrs

The most important thing you can do for your feline buddy is just pay attention to her, and make her feel loved. Just be very gentle when picking Fluffy up or putting her down!

Please contact us, your local Roanoke, VA vet clinic, for all of your senior pet’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!

Adoptions, Cat Care, General Care

5 Things You Learn When You Adopt a Senior Cat

November is Adopt A Senior Pet Month! This is a wonderful cause, and one that we are happy to support. Older cats have many wonderful qualities, but they often have a very hard time finding forever homes. That’s really sad, because there are some great benefits to adopting a senior furball. Read on as a Roanoke, VA vet lists some things you find out when you bring home a kitty in her golden years.

No Surprises

When you get a kitten, it isn’t always easy to know what your furry buddy will look like as an adult, or what sort of purrsonality she’ll develop. With older cats, however, what you see is what you get. If Fluffy is cuddly at the shelter, she’ll likely be just as snuggly when you get her home.

Senior Cats Are Very Calm

When you adopt a kitten, you’re basically bringing a tiny, four-legged bundle of mischief into your home. Kittens are adorable, but they need lots of supervision and training. Older cats, however, are more interested in snoozing on your lap than in pouncing on your toes or climbing the counters. There is a lot to be said for having a sleepy, relaxed pet!

Small Touches Make Kitties Happy

Sometimes it’s the little things in life that really make us happy. This is also true for cats! Keep Fluffy comfy and cozy by offering kitty luxuries like soft beds, pet stairs, and thermal blankets. Your pet will also appreciate having a litterbox with low walls. Leaving a nightlight on for your feline pal is another small touch that can make a difference.

Older Cats Are Adorable

There’s no denying that kittens are almost impossibly cute. However, our feline buddies are just as charming as adults as they are when they are little. Older kitties are also very cute and lovable, and are often extremely affectionate. Purrs from senior cats are truly precious!

Helping A Kitty In Need Feels Great

Giving a sweet older furball a home is a beautiful act of kindness, and something to really feel proud of. You’ll also be helping other cats, both by promoting great animal welfare and by freeing up space at the shelter.

Please call us, your Roanoke, VA vet clinic, with any questions or concerns about your senior cat. We love keeping older kitties healthy and purring!