Retirement: Health for your Aging Cat
Age is just a number, right? A Human who is
60 years old may act like a young adult, while another human the same age may
at like he or she is on a deathbed. Cats are the same way! Your pet may act
like a kitten for many years or maybe gray and achy quite young. Specific
breed, environment, and genetics play a role, but in general, a well-cared for
house cat usually lives to be at least 15 years old. Some cats live to be well
over 30.
There are things you can do, however, to
provide your cat with the chance for the longest life possible. For example,
have your cat spayed or neutered. Statistics show that fixed cats live longer,
because this causes the cat to stay closer to home and be exposed to few
dangerous situations and disease. Good nutrition is also important. Make sure
that you are buying cat food that is appropriate for your cat’s age.
As you cat ages, certain medical conditions
may cause you to make special considerations for your cat. Examples include
reduced tolerance to extreme temperatures, decreased sensory perception,
susceptibility to infection, arthritis and joint stiffness, digestion problems,
liver and kidney problems, weaker bones, cancer, muscle weakness, slow
reaction, memory loss, high blood pressure, and irritability. As you can see,
aging cats have many of the same problems as aging humans!
Along with a good diet, promote healthy
amounts to exercise in your cat. You can do this by allowing your cat to go
outside and by playing with your cat every day. Toys and environmental pieces,
like scratching posts, are great for encouraging your cat to exercise.
Remember, cats may spend a lot of the day sleeping, which is fine. If you are
overly concerned, talk to your vet about your cat’s sleeping habits.
Preventative health care is, of course,
important. Make sure that your cat has regular checkups with the vet to make
sure everything is in check. You should also brush your cat’s teeth daily and
have your cat groomed regularly to prevent skin diseases. As cats age, most
grow to love grooming. Monitor your cat for diet chances, changing sleep
habits, and unsafe water consumption. The key to graceful aging in a cat is and
owner who is well involved in his or her life. Make sure that you provide
advanced care for your cat as he or she grows, and your pet should be a part of
your life for a very long time.
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