Signs of aging and how to care for a cat

Getting a kitten is easy. But to teach him to behave decently in the apartment (do not rude guests and do not put paws on the table during lunch) is not an easy task. But it is even more difficult to provide comfortable accommodation for yourself and a grown-up furry neighbor, not knowing how to care for a cat that is on the verge of old age.



So today's editorial office. "Site" I decided to talk about the intricacies of caring for aging cats, so that every respectable owner of a small furry happiness was ready to support her when necessary.

The basic principles of pet care are known to all responsible owners. However, in the care of an aging cat, there are nuances that sometimes even the most caring of them do not know.

Facilitate the old age of a furry neighbor will help to understand cat psychology, as well as basic knowledge of how cats age in general.

To begin with, the weakening of the body in cats, like any other animal, occurs individually. However, the average age when a cat’s body begins to work slower is 7 years. These changes can be seen only after the cat reaches the age of 11 to 13 years.



If you compare the age of a cat with the age of a person, then 10 cat years will equal 56 human years. So pets reaching the age of 17-20 years, veterinarians note as centenarians. To your pet was among the last, you must first take care of the right diet for him.



Many people buy cat food, focusing only on the brand or price of the product. This should not be done, because for each cat age group there is a separate formula for a balanced diet.

For example, kitten food (up to 1 year old) has a large amount of protein, which allows the kitten to get enough energy. A teenage cat (from 1 year to 4 years) will find it more difficult to digest such food. And an adult, even more so.

It is difficult to understand that the cat has begun to age. As we found out above, between the ages of 6 and 7, there will be a number of changes in her body that will affect her further behavior. The owner can only be attentive and respond to alarm signals in time.



With age, the cat’s teeth dull, which is why the usual food may no longer please the pet. In this case, it is better to switch to softer food, or even to special cat canned food.

Cat joints also wear off and become less elastic. Because of this, it becomes difficult for the cat to climb to previously available heights.

Instead of playing games or asking for caresses, the previously active fluffy pet prefers sleeping alone and reluctantly makes contact? Here's another sign.



Among other things, aging cats may increase tearing, begin problems with the toilet.

In either case, you should not panic. First of all, you should contact a veterinarian. And if there are no other reasons for such problems than aging, the only thing that remains is to be patient and help the cat survive this difficult period.

How can I help an elderly pet? To avoid unpleasant situations associated with the cat toilet, you should get an additional tray. And if one tray is initially in the bathroom, then the second should be placed in the corridor or secluded corner of one of the rooms.

With age, cats increasingly begin to suffer from skin problems. This is due to a change in the work of the sebaceous glands and the inability to wash yourself due to loss of flexibility.

Prevention of such problems will be regular combing of the pet (at least 1-2 times a week). It is also not superfluous to replace cat shampoo with a softer care product.



A cat bed or house should be moved to a warmer place. Aging cats are contraindicated drafts.

In addition, it is necessary to regularly undergo a preventive examination with the pet by a veterinarian. This will help to detect possible diseases in the early stages and get rid of them in a timely manner.



But the most important thing is to show your cat your love and participation. Do not break into an old woman if she accidentally broke a vase, unsuccessfully trying to overcome the previously available height.



And certainly do not resent the animal for not wanting to be petted and kissed. When he needs your caress, you will know it.