Learn a lot of tips for taking care of cats
It probably does not surprise anyone that an older cat has different needs than a young cat. But how do you know when your cat is older?
In general, cats older than 7-10 years old should be considered elderly. With the increase in age, changes in the body also occur. For example, in one study, it was observed that approximately 90% of cats over 12 years old had radiographic evidence of arthritis. It goes without saying that pain and mobility arise with arthritis. If your older cat has become less active and is now reluctant to jump over counters and other areas that you used to frequent, it may be because your cat has developed arthritis.
Similarly, without proper care, dental disease can be a problem, especially for older pets. You may be surprised to learn that veterinarians find evidence of dental disease in many pets at 2-3 years of age. If nothing is done to take care of your cat's mouth, when your cat is in his / her third age, he may have lost some teeth. Dental disease can be painful, making it difficult for your cat to eat or even avoid eating. This can result in weight loss and sloppy fur.
Dental disease is certainly not the only disease that can lead to weight loss. Older cats often suffer from kidney, thyroid, liver, heart disease and other conditions that can cause weight loss.
On the other hand, some older cats may have the opposite problem. Some cats will become less active with age, they will basically become addicted to television and gain weight as a result. Obesity is a major health problem in cats of all ages, and older cats are no different.
What can you do to help your older cat? Here are some tips:
Schedule regular visits with your veterinarian. Your cat should be examined at least once a year if it looks healthy, since many diseases are hidden and not obvious. Remember that it is much cheaper to prevent disease than to treat it!
Ask for an assessment of body condition during each veterinary visit. Body condition is crucial in determining if your senior cat is overweight, underweight or an ideal body weight. In fact, you should also ask your veterinarian to show you how to assess your cat's body condition at home.
Feed your older cat with a diet with adequate levels of protein. Avoid vegan or vegetarian diets. Cats are obligate carnivores. They require nutrients such as taurine and arachidonic acid that are only found in animal sources. They also require a higher level of protein than dogs, comparatively. Learn to read a pet food label and feed a diet that is appropriate for your cat's age and lifestyle.
Feed your cat so that it stays at its ideal body weight. Overweight cats have a higher incidence of diseases such as diabetes, liver disease, skin disease and even cancer. Your veterinarian can help you choose an appropriate diet for your cat. Your cat must be fed carefully to ensure that all your nutrient needs are met. Some obese cats may require a specialized diet that is lower in calories but rich in nutrients. Diets rich in L-carnitine may be useful for weight loss. The level of carbohydrates in cat food is controversial, but an adequate combination of carbohydrates can help your cat feel satiated.
Consider strengthening your senior cat's diet with fatty acids such as DHA and EPA. It has been shown to be useful for cats with mobility problems due to arthritis or other joint diseases. Supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin are also beneficial for older cats.
Consider a special diet if your older cat has heart or kidney disease. For example, low sodium diets are sometimes recommended for cats with heart disease, while diets that help control phosphorus, calcium, and other electrolyte levels are given to cats with kidney disease. Your veterinarian can help you choose the best food for your cat based on your cat's individual situation.
Ask about special diets for cats with hyperthyroidism. Diets with restricted levels of iodine are now available as a possible management method for cats with hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland). However, it is important that cats with normal thyroid function do not consume these diets. If you have questions, ask your veterinarian.
Take care of your cat's mouth Brushing your cat's teeth may seem like a silly idea