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Have a cat question? Lily's our expert...
Hello!
This is Lily with another serving of purrfect advice for you readers. I've been asked a question
by Aging in Atlanta. As always, my assistants, Dr. Pepper and Bonita, will do their best to help
me answer it!
Dear Lily,
We’ve noticed that our kitty has been slowing down lately. She’s our first cat,
so I’m wondering: is this normal? What’s “old age” and what can we do to help? She turned ten in June. Sincerely,
~Aging in Atlanta
Dear Atlanta,
Don’t worry, we’ll help you sort this out gracefully! First of all, great job taking such an active
interest in your kitty! I love it when owners notice even the slightest change in their feline friends.
“Normal” can vary from cat to cat, and we all age differently!
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Determining a cat’s “life stage” is tough. Some people
use the “one human year equals seven cat years” rule, but this only
provides
an approximate age. You see, for us cats, kitten-hood is accelerated, meaning that we have to grow up quickly. We “age” more in our first year and then our aging process slows down. Pepper, did you have anything to add?
Dr Pepper: A cat who is ten years old can be considered a “young senior.” But every cat is different. You can watch for changes in sleeping habits, energy levels, and playfulness. Is kitty avoiding activities she loved just last year? Is she sleeping more and running less?
Kidney disease (CRF) is a common problem in
older cats. A noticeable warning sign of
this is an increase in urination and water
consumption. Your cat will need a blood test
to determine if it is CRF.
Consult your veterinarian to see if senior formula cat food
is needed and have kitty’s vision and hearing checked.
If your cat seems to be slow or stiff walking up and down the stairs,
it might be arthritis or muscle mass loss known as “muscle atrophy.”
Some cats do well on Glucosamine commonly
used for joint health. Again, be sure to
talk to your vet to be sure to get the best
treatment specific to your cat's needs. Bonita, did you have anything to
say?
Bonita: At ten years young, your cat should have many fun-filled years ahead of her. But thank you for being such an attentive parent – your love and care is what helps us cats stay forever “young at heart!”
At Pasado’s , we save and serve many senior cats. Unfortunately, the
"older ones" are most likely to be euthanized at shelters. But they’re also full of wisdom, love, and patience.
Please think about making a senior cat be a part
of your family.
If you’d like to welcome a cat into your home, please
click here to meet the
Misty’s Kitty City residents.
If you’re not ready to add to your family at this time, please consider making a donation. Saving those who are at the greatest risk comes at a cost – but it also offers the greatest dividends of love.
From all of us here at Kitty City, thank you!
Do you have a question for Lily and her
helpers? If so, please email her at
asklily@pasadosafehaven.org
Tips for reduced mobility and other signs of aging
- Try to keep your senior kitty's environment comfortable and stress free:
- Use soft bedding for those old joints; in winter, use a heating pad on low under the bedding or blanket.
- Consider placing steps or ramps up to favorite snoozing spots that the cat might have increasing difficulty getting up to.
- Provide litterboxes with low sides and in easily accessible places. Kitty might need more than one litter box as it ages so it can get to the box in time.
- Put food and water dishes in easily accessible places, and perhaps put more than one water dish in various places. (Important to keep the senior kitty hydrated. Feeding wet food also important since kitty gets most of its moisture from its food.)
- Keep kitty's nails clipped to keep nails from snagging or curling under or into pad.
- Older kitties have more difficulty grooming because of stiffness or if overweight, so regular brushing is good and will be a good time to bond if kitty likes being brushed.
- Kitty may be old and less mobile, but engaging it in regular play sessions is important to give kitty exercise and keep it stimulated.
- Of course, regular vet visits for blood work to catch senior illnesses early, dental check, etc. And maybe the vet can recommend supplements for joint health.
(don't forget
to ask your employer
to match your donation)
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