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Just like their human companions, cats’ health and wellness needs change as they age. Felines over 7 to 10 years old are in the senior range, and they are at an increased risk for health issues such as arthritis, dental disease, and kidney failure. Help your aging furry friend enjoy their golden years with these senior cat care tips and by working with your local veterinarian.

5 Care Tips for Senior Cats

1. Schedule Routine Pet Wellness Exams

Take your older cat to the veterinarian and create a pet wellness exam schedule based on the animal’s current age and health. You may need to see your veterinarian twice or more a year as preventive health measures. Discuss what changes you can make if your cat is overweight, underweight, or has any other issues such as dental plaque and tartar.

2. Provide a Healthy Diet High in Protein & Good Fat

veterinarianHelp your senior cat maintain its energy level, muscles, and bones with a diet high in protein and fatty acids. EPA, glucosamine, and DHA are among the best fatty acids for senior kitties. Ensure your cat’s food and drink dishes are easy for the feline to access by keeping them on the same floor as the litter box and bedding. If your cat is arthritic or has any other mobility issues, these items should not be hard to get to as the feline may have trouble climbing stairs.

3. Exercise Your Cat

Encourage your older cat to exercise with treat puzzle toys and other items that help your cat move, such as motorized and catnip mice. While cats sleep more and more as they age, helping your kitty move every day prevents them from getting stiff.

4. Watch for Physical & Behavioral Changes

Look for any physical and behavioral changes in your older cat that can signify a deeper health problem, such as unexplained weight loss, decreased urine and fecal output, accidents around the house, lack of appetite, increased thirst, and irritability. The more your veterinarian knows about any recent changes during your pet wellness exams, the more customized care your animal will receive.

5. Give Your Older Kitty Plenty of Love

Pet, talk to, play with, and otherwise spend quality time with your older cat. It’s not uncommon for older felines to want more attention, so snuggle with them as often as possible. Also, make sure they have plenty of soft areas to sleep and get brushed routinely to keep the coat and skin healthy.

 

Schedule pet wellness exams with the veterinarians at Thompson Animal Medical Center in La Crosse, WI, to keep up with your senior cat’s health. Pet vaccines, boarding, spaying and neutering, and dental care are among the many services provided here, including those for exotic small animals such as rabbits and snakes. Call (608) 788-8820 today to schedule your cat’s wellness exam, and visit the veterinarians online for more information. Get the latest tips and animal hospital updates on Facebook.

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