Caring for your senior cat

Concord Animal Hospital’s tips to help keep your older cat happy & healthy

A cat is considered a senior once they’re 10 years old, but don’t fear senior status! Age isn’t a disease and your senior kitty could have many more years ahead of them. We have many healthy feline patients living into their 20’s. The oldest cat on record lived to be 38!
The needs of your cat change as they age but we’re here to help keep your cat happy and healthy. Follow these five tips and, as always, never be afraid to reach out with questions or concerns.

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​If your cat doesn't do well at the vet, consider booking a Tabby Tuesday appointment to help reduce the stress of a vet visit.

Talisker getting cozy on the scale during a vet visit

1. Get to the vet! A healthy kitty should be seen annually until they’re 14 years old. At that point we recommend bringing your cat in every six months. “Many of the diseases common among older cats are treatable or at least manageable when they’re discovered early,” says Dr. McCullough, a CAH veterinarian. “We recommend more frequent vet visits for older cats so we can watch for trends such as weight loss and behavior changes and catch illness early.”
2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Keeping your cat properly hydrated will take work. Cats often don’t drink sufficient amounts of water, which can lead to GI issues, constipation and worse. Offer wet food in addition to dry food to sneak more liquids into your cat’s diet. Consider adding amino acid supplements to water to encourage more water intake or making it fun by offering your cat a drinking fountain. You can also offer water in multiple locations in the house. “Our cat, Smooch, was always drinking out of the water glass on my bedside table. Now I offer her a water bowl with amino acid supplements at the base of the bedside table,” says Katherine Wilson, co-owner of CAH. “She’s better hydrated and we aren’t sharing my water glass anymore!”
3. Offer a balanced diet: Your cat needs a balanced diet to keep their gastrointestinal tract healthy, reduce inflammation and constipation, and stave off diseases such as diabetes. Cats prefer to use protein as their primary energy source and should be fed a high protein / low carbohydrate diet throughout their lives. Ask your vet about the best nutrition options for your cat given their health, age, and lifestyle.
4. Be your cat’s advocate: “Cats hide signs of pain and illness, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t feel pain,” explains Dr. McCullough. Watch for subtle signs of illness to know when your cat needs medical attention and don’t wait until symptoms become intolerable. Watch for trouble urinating or defecating, going to the bathroom where they shouldn’t, unexplained weight loss or gain or changes their water or food intake. Also watch for behavioral changes that might indicate that your cat is in physical pain or discomfort: increased vocalization, hiding, changes in interaction with you or other pets. Basically, if you cat suddenly seems “off” don’t wait, give us a call at 978-369-3503.
5. Enrichment: Keep your cat active with toys and lots of interaction. Maintaining muscle mass, keeping weight in a healthy range and keeping your cat engaged can increase the quality and length of your cat’s life. For many cats a simple box or paper bag can provide hours of exercise and entertainment, or at least a new place to take a nap. Consider offering cat toys, cat nip, cat furniture or a scratching post. Blow bubbles for them to chase or put a bird feeder outside their favorite window. Be sure to spend time with your cat every day doing the activities you both enjoy! 

book your cat's vet visit today!

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​Regular veterinary care and great care at home can give your senior cat many more years with you and your family. As always, call 978-369-3503 or email us at contact@concordanimal.com. No question is silly or concern too small. We’re so proud to partner with you on the healthcare of your super senior!