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As your cat grows older, you may notice some grey in her coat, and she may slow down a bit. While your kitty’s basic needs won’t change, you may want to tweak your pet care routine, to help keep your aging feline comfortable and happy. A Milwaukie, OR veterinarian discusses caring for a senior cat in this article.

Grooming

As your pet ages, she may have a hard time reaching her entire body during her daily beauty rituals. Brush your cat gently to remove dead fur and dander from her coat. This will also help reduce hairballs.

Litterbox

Older cats may find it easier to use litterboxes with low walls. If your house has more than one floor, keep extra litterboxes and water dishes on every story. That way, your senior kitty won’t have to navigate the stairs whenever she gets thirst or needs to use the powder room.

Beds

Cats love to snuggle up in comfortable spots for naps. Offer your aging kitty plenty of soft, cozy napping spots.

Veterinary Care

Your cat may need to see the vet more frequently in her golden years, so your vet can monitor her health and check for signs of potential issues. At home, keep up on parasite control, and watch for any signs of illness. Hiding; poor grooming; lack of appetite; litterbox issues; and changes in vocalization, habits, or behavior are a few common ones. Contact your vet immediately if you notice any of these red flags, or if your cat just doesn’t seem like herself.

Vision

Your cat’s vision may decline as she ages. A nightlight will help your senior feline find her way around after dark.

Diet

Making sure your pet is getting proper nutrition is extremely important. Choose a good, high-quality cat food, but don’t go overboard with fatty snacks. You don’t want your kitty becoming obese, as being overweight would be very bad for her health. Ask your vet for specific recommendations, including advice on changing your cat over to a senior-formula pet food.

Love

To keep your older cat purring and happy, be sure to pay her lots of attention. Talk to her, play with her, cuddle her, and let her sleep on your lap if she likes.

Do you have any questions about caring for a senior cat? Contact us, your Milwaukie, OR animal hospital, anytime. We are always happy to assist!