Did you know that kitties can become seniors at just nine years? Fluffy may live well into her teens or even her twenties, so she’ll still have a long, relaxing retirement. However, as your pet ages, she’ll go through changes, just as we do in our golden years. You’ll want to pay some extra attention to your furry buddy as she ages. A Las Vegas, NV vet offers some advice on this below.

Playing

Playing is just as beneficial for kitties as it is for us. Take a few minutes a day to hold a laser pointer or remote-controlled toy for your feline buddy. Chasing her ‘prey’ will not only provide Fluffy with a great workout, it’s also great for her mind!

Naps

You’ve probably noticed that Fluffy is very, very tired. Senior cats are even sleepier than other kitties, perhaps because they’ve had so much napping practice. Make sure your furry friend has lots of comfy beds to curl up in. These should be easy for your furball to get in and out of.

Veterinary Care

Fluffy will benefit from going to the vet more often. Just like people, kitties’ risk of developing certain health conditions goes up over time. You’ll also need to be on the lookout for signs of trouble, such as vomiting, diarrhea, weight gain or loss, changes in appetite, withdrawal, respiratory trouble, fever, and/or lethargy.

Safety

We recommend keeping all cats indoors, but this goes double for senior ones. For one thing, Fluffy may be quite forgetful, which increases the risk of her getting lost. She also may not be able to see or hear as well as a younger kitty, which could mean she may have trouble detecting and/or evading certain threats. Keep your feline pal safe and sound indoors.

Brushing

Older cats sometimes have a hard time grooming their entire bodies. Brush your furry pal regularly to keep her fur soft and smooth.

Comforts

Our feline friends are usually pretty good at keeping themselves comfortable. However, you can help your kitty out a bit. In summer, make sure Fluffy always has access to rooms cooled by climate control. Offer some pieces of furniture that are close to the ground, and a litterbox with low sides. Lap space also counts, of course.

As your Las Vegas, NV animal clinic, we’re dedicated to providing top-notch care. Contact us anytime!