Senior cats need especial attentions. As humans, the aging process comes with psychological and physiological changes that affect the animal (see part I of this article). Knowing these changes and dealing with them in the appropriate manner, will help to prolong the live of your cat and also to provide him a good quality of life.

Dealing with behavioral changes

With the decrease of activity, the cat will need you to stimulate him to exercise. You should try to prevent the loss of muscle mass by playing with the cat regularly. Don’t engage in rough-playing and don’t try to over prolong the playtime. If your cat doesn’t want to play anymore, don’t insist.

Grooming will demand a lot more from you, since the cat will be much less efficient in grooming himself: clipping the nails and combing the hair needs to be done on a more regular basis.

If you are planning on having another animal, it’s better for you to reflect upon that wish. Senior cats don’t like changes and may become stressed and react aggressively to a younger cat. Notice that they are fragile and won’t enjoy playing with another kitten. Plus, they will need more attention, and may feel neglected with a cute little kitten around.

In specially hot or cold days, your cat may be a little bit more irritable. Cats don’t have the same ability to regulate their body temperature, so you may feel the need to place their bed in wormer places.

Make a soft bed for him on the ground level.

Dealing with limitations

If your cat has any disorder that limits him somehow: hearing loss, diminished eyesight, or if he is in pain, you should realize that he is probably more anxious and under stress. Notice that stress weakens the immune system and accelerates the aging process. Pay attention to the cat, but don’t force him on anything, since older cats tend to be less tolerant and respond with a little bit more aggressiveness. Don’t make sudden moves or excessive noise around him and approach him from the front.

Nutrition

Cats don’t appreciate changes, so keep his feeding hours in a strict routine. Some geriatric cats start being picky with food, a good way to make them eat it is to warm it. Notice that he needs high-quality food, but in less amounts. You can also give him special diet planed for senior cats.

Remove all the cat’s dishes and litter box from high places and set them on the ground.
Put more than one dish of water around the house. Do the same with litter boxes.

Teeth

If you cat has any teeth problem, grind the food up, so that he can easily eat it. Avoid hard toys that can break his teeth. Brush them regularly and inspect for tartar or any other teeth problem.

Veterinary

Cats are experts on hiding illness; they depend on this ability to survive in the wild, since incapacitated animals are always easier to hunt. So, don’t wait for any unusual sign to take your cat to the vet. Do regular checkups and stay alert for any abnormal behavior.

Tips:

Learn how to massage your cat and do it regularly. Take this opportunity to check for any bump or lump in his body.
Pay special attention to tits, they are a common source of stress for senior cats.

Never face the cat problems as “normal age related disorders”. Age can make your cat less resistant but it doesn’t mean that he needs to go thought pain during the last period of his life. If you notice anything unusual in your cat, take him to the vet.