This Old Cat: Special Needs
Older cats are calmer, more sensible, more companionable. They're less likely to hang upside down from your drapes or burst through your Sunday paper. Cats are happy to watch you do nothing, as long as they can join you on the couch. Caring for an older cat is often the most rewarding part of having a pet. At around 7 years, cats gorge themselves less. They begin to prefer smaller meals, eaten more often. They don't like food that's been sitting out all day any more than you do, so offer them lighter meals throughout the day. Many cat food makers have special blends for older cats. They're often more expensive, and some cats hate them. Unless you experience problems or your vet recommends a switch, you can stick with regular, balanced cat food. Dry food is better for cat teeth, but if those teeth are sensitive or loose, it may be time for canned food. Unchewed dry food is hard to digest. Wet food is worse for healthy teeth, but you'll suddenly become more popular. As cats age, their sense of smell fades. Wet food is stinkier, which in this case is good. Young cats are made of Jello. Older cats are less limber. If you cat isn't grooming like she used to, it may be because she's stiff, and the required contortions hurt. Brush her more, and you'll both be more relaxed. You'll have fewer hairballs to clean up, too. Trim her claws, too--your cat may be too weary to dig into your furniture like she once could. |  |
Long-haired cats may not stay clean around the caboose, and it's a touchy area for brushing. Many owners opt to keep surrounding hair trimmed short.
When buying cat furniture, make sure the levels are manageable--he can't jump like he thinks he can, and he may injure himself. By all means, choose cat furniture with a nice big platform just right for lazy gazing out the window.
Kittens communicate by flying upside down onto your head. Older cats vocalize much more. Listen, and talk back. It's good for both of you.
Because older cats don't have to mess with everything, they're less likely to get rabies, leukemia and other infections. But regular vet visits are helpful for catching other common problems early, like bad teeth and urinary infections. Start watching what goes in and what comes out, and you'll notice if anything changes. If your cat can't tell you what he needs, your litter box may speak volumes. Much more than humans, cats age with grace and dignity. Watch and learn.