Is your feline friend entering her golden years? Fluffy will always be a kitten at heart, but as she grows older, she’ll slow down a bit, and her needs may change slightly. In order to keep your furball purring and comfortable in her senior years, you may want to take a few simple measures. A local Philadelphia, MS veterinarian discusses keeping senior cats comfortable in this article.

Veterinary Care

First and foremost, make sure Fluffy sees the vet at least once a year. She may need more frequent visits if she develops a specific health problem. At home, watch for signs of illness. Some common ones include hiding; poor grooming; changes in appetite, vocalizations, or behavior; vomiting; and litterbox issues. Contact your vet immediately if you notice any of these warning signs. The sooner an issue is caught and treated, the better!

Beds

Cats somehow manage to nap even more as seniors than they do while they’re young. Provide your sleepy furball with lots of comfortable beds and napping spots. There’s no rule that says cats should only have one bed!

Senior Facilities

Older cats sometimes find it easier to get in and out of litterboxes with low walls. If your house has more than one story, keep litterboxes on each floor, so Fluffy won’t have to use the stairs as often. Tip: don’t put your furball’s powder room in a chilly or damp location.

Vision

Fluffy’s vision may begin to deteriorate as she ages. To help your feline friend find her way around after dark, leave a few nightlights on for her after you go to bed.

Mobility

Your furball may have a hard time jumping on and off the sofa or bed as she gets older. Pet ramps or stairs will help your kitty get to her favorite napping spots. You can also simply arrange footstools so that Fluffy can use them as stairs.

Grooming

Cats are very good about grooming themselves, but Fluffy might have trouble reaching her entire body as she gets older. Offer a helping hand by gently brushing your kitty to remove dander and dead fur from her coat. Include plenty of cuddles and petting to make your feline friend feel pampered and loved. Does your senior kitty need veterinary care? We can help! Contact us, your Philadelphia, MS animal clinic, for all of your cat’s veterinary care needs.