Caring for Senior Cats

[Texasmujer]

ALthough you may have a well-thought-out diet, exercise, and activity plan for your cat, cats can develop slightly different neeeds as they age. Becoming familiar with common health issues for older cats can help ensure you make the right changes at the right time. Be ready with these 3 steps:

1. ADJUST YOUR PET'S DIET As your feline friend ages, adjust his or her food to accommodate changes. For example, some cats become more obese with age, while others get too thin. An aging cat's sense of taste or smell may make them pickier eaters. And older cats with deteriorated teeth may find chewing food painful.

2. PRACTICE ROUTINE CARE Preventive health care is important for your senior cat. In addition to regular veterinary visits, routine evaluations at home can help you spot trouble early. When petting and grooming your caaat, feel for lumps or bumps. ALso, check gums and teeth for redness or decay, and check earflaps and canals for signs of ear mites or other disorders.

3. MAKE EXERCISE EASIER Senior cats need exercise, but arthritis and muscle atrophy may inhibit them a bit. To help your kitty adjust, encourage modrate play to help maintain muscle tone and flexibility, increase blood circulation, an help slim down seniors.

If yor cat quickly becomes exhausted or begins to breathe heavily, stop play immediately. In senior cats, these symptons may indicate illness.

Age-appropriate diet, care, and exercise will help keep your senior cat in good health for years to come.