Is your kitty aged six or older? If so, your feline friend is approaching—or perhaps already in—her golden years. While Fluffy may always be a kitten at heart, as your furball ages, her needs will change a bit. Caring for a senior cat is more about keeping your pet comfortable and purring than making sure she has lots of toys and stimulation. Below, a Matthews, NC vet offers tips on pampering a senior kitty.

Soft Beds

Senior cats are master nappers, capable of sleeping up to 20 hours a day. Make sure Fluffy has lots of comfy beds and napping spots. Kitties often seek out warm places to snooze in. Put a bed in a sunny spot, or offer lots of soft blankets for Fluffy to burrow into. Your furball may also appreciate a thermal or self-warming bed.

Window Seat

Birdwatching is great fun for our feline pals. Offer your kitty a cozy spot where she can relax and watch birds and squirrels. It’s also important to play with your cat regularly. Even if Fluffy only wants to play for a few minutes, the activity and mental stimulation will do her good.

Veterinary Care

Your vet may recommend that you bring your furry friend in more often as she ages. Regular exams greatly increase the odds of medical problems being caught early. If your kitty develops a health problem, such as arthritis, you’ll be able to discuss specific treatment options and get home care advice early on. Follow your vet’s recommended appointment schedule.

Senior Facilities

Fluffy may appreciate a litterbox with low sides, which will be easier for her to get in and out of. If your home has more than one floor, keep litterboxes and water bowls on every level, so your cat doesn’t have to navigate the stairs as much. Setting out pet ramps will help your furball reach her favorite perches more easily. You can also just set out footstools or chests so they double as kitty stairs.

Love

Pay lots of attention to Fluffy. Talk to her, pet her, and let her snuggle up with you. Older cats are often very lovable and cuddly! Just be very gentle when you pick your kitty up or put her down. As your local Matthews, NC pet hospital, we provide excellent pet care for senior cats. Please contact us anytime!