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Caring For A Geriatric Cat

March 15, 2023

Thanks to advances in modern veterinary medicine and a growing awareness of proper kitty care, our feline friends are living longer than ever. It’s not uncommon for cats to live into their late teens or even early twenties these days. Of course, just like people, Fluffy will become quite frail in her golden years, and will need extra attention. A Cornelius, NC vet offers some tips on caring for a geriatric cat in this article.

Ease Of Access

When Fluffy was younger, she may not have minded running from one end of the house to the other to reach her dinner station or litterbox. Now, however, that may be more arduous for your furry pal. Set out some extra water bowls for her. If you have a large place, you may also want to add extra litterboxes, especially if your home has more than one floor.

Kitty Comforts

Cats in their golden years spend most of their time napping and relaxing. Offer your furball lots of soft beds to snuggle up in. She may also appreciate an enclosed bed or cat condo. Fluffy will still enjoy birdwatching, so make her a comfy spot before a good view. Pet ramps or stairs will make it a little easier for your feline buddy to access her favorite perches. 

Veterinary Care

Once Fluffy reaches her geriatric kitty stage, she’ll benefit from more frequent visits. Your furball will likely need to come in twice a year, or even more often. Follow your vet’s recommended appointment schedule.

Signs

Kitties often instinctively try to hide signs of sickness. In the wild, this serves them well, as predators single out animals that show signs of weakness. However this self-preservation instinct can backfire. Sometimes people don’t notice that there is something wrong with their pets until they are quite sick! Pay close attention to Fluffy, and call your vet if you notice anything off.

Playtime 

Fluffy may not be as active as she once was, but she’ll still benefit from regular activity. Take time to play with her daily! 

Safety

One thing we always recommend is keeping kitties indoors. This is particularly important for senior cats, as they are prone to getting lost. They are also very vulnerable to threats from traffic and wild animals. Keep Fluffy in! 

As your local Cornelius, NC animal clinic, we are dedicated to providing top-notch veterinary care.