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You and your cat have been through a lot together. Maybe even half of a lifetime. Your cat may have met your spouse when they were just your first-date, lived in your old apartment before moving into your house, and known you when you were young and wild; before you were a parent.
Long Life
Cats can live for a very long time. The oldest living domestic cat was named Crème Puff and lived to be 38 years old. There have been several cats who lived into their 30’s, and many more who lived into their 20’s. Truthfully, the average lifespan for a cat is about 16 years. Cats who are kept indoors have a longer lifespan that outdoor kitties, so this is something to consider if you want your cat to have a longer-than-average lifespan.
If your cat is approaching his golden years and becoming a member of the senior club, there are some changes that you can expect to see. Though not all cats are the same, depending on temperament and breed, don’t be alarmed if you see your senior buddy displaying some different characteristics.
A Little Bit Louder
Your cat may begin to vocalize more than she did in her younger days. It could be that she is more disoriented do to feline cognitive decline (FCD), she might be becoming hard of hearing, or she might even be in some sort of pain. As cats age, they tend to become more anxious and reactive to stress, so this can result in more vocalization as well. Hearing loss is quite common and you might notice other signs of this such as startling when touched. Be sure to get a thorough examination from your vet to determine why kitty might be making more noise than before.
Older and Grayer: Cat Food For Senior Cats
When people age, you’ll usually notice a few grey hairs that crop up at the temples. When cats age, they may begin to go gray, too. Their coats can become thinner and you might notice that they don’t groom as well as they used to. Some supplements can help restore luster to their coat and you can help by brushing your kitty, which is a great way to spend some quality time together while helping her stay clean. Some cats get dry skin, which can require the use of fatty acid supplements, such as omega 3’s.
- Nature’s Balance Alpha Trout and Salmon Meat has plenty of omega 3 and 6 between real trout, salmon meal, salmon oil, and canola oil.
- Innova Senior is a cat food for senior cats that has plentiful omega offerings with the inclusion of salmon and herring. Plus, the addition of eggs in this formula can help with coat health. Eggs provide lots of protein, iron, zinc, copper, and phosphorus.
- Merrick Purrfect Bistro Healthy Senior is packed with salmon, oils, flax, probiotics, and alfalfa, which is rich in vitamins A & C, as well as beneficial chlorophyll.
Decrease In Dental
Dental disease is one of the most common changes in an older cat. According to some studies, 70% of older cats can show signs of gum disease. If you start a dental routine when your cat is younger, it will help as he ages. Gum disease can cause complications and illness, so make sure that your cat has regular dental checkups and sees the vet for professional cleaning.
- By Nature 95% Salmon, Mackerel & Sardines is a wet cat food that offers plenty of meat, flaxseed, and taurine to keep your cat pleased and healthy.
- Wellness Cubed Chicken Entree is a great cat food for senior cats. Full of moisture and meat, combined with amino acids, taurine, and minerals, it also includes egg whites, which boast calcium, zinc, potassium, and copper without the added cholesterol.
Joints And Muscle Changes
Like humans, cats can get arthritis. It might just be a slight stiffness or it could cause severe pain. Your vet can prescribe medications that can help relieve their pain. You can also ease their arthritic pain by using low-sided litterboxes and ramps, as well as keeping everything on the same level of your home to avoid kitty stairs. If your cat has been lazy in his older age, his muscles can become weak and stiff. You can help his joints and muscles stay healthy by encouraging him to move more often through play and activity.
- Blue Wilderness Mature Chicken contains joint support and muscle repairing vitamins and minerals such as D3, B12, calcium, and omega 3.
- Evo Salmon and Herring contains plenty of omegas from different fishes, as well as minerals that promote joint health; zinc, iron, manganese, and calcium.
- Wellness Complete Indoor Health Salmon and Whitefish contains canola oil, which is a great source of important Omega 3’s and 6’s, and glucosamine, known to promote joint health.
Common Constipation
Constipation is common in older cats, so be sure that they are offered plenty of fresh water through the day to keep them moving. Swapping out one daily meal of wet or canned food can help get more moisture in their diet. Extra hydration can also help keep kidneys functioning well, as kidney disease is very common in the older kitty. Again, if you notice any strange or out-of-ordinary behavior in your cat’s potty routines, consult with your vet for other options.
- Nutro Ultra Adult Cat Chicken and Brown Rice is a cat food for senior cats that provides plenty of fiber with oatmeal and brown rice, but also adds flaxseed which is high in Omega 3’s and fiber.
- Wysong Uretic actually contains probiotics for digestion, plenty of protein, and Montmorillonite clay, which contains a host of nutritional mineral compounds.
- Artemis Fresh Mix Wet contains real meat and chicken broth, with plenty of taurine for important heart and eye function.
Lots Of Love
Your senior cat is important to you and you want to keep him around as long as possible, but you want him to be happy and as healthy as he can be while he’s here. See your vet every 6 months to monitor his health, feed him good cat food for senior cats, and give him plenty of love for all that’s he’s done for you.
