It’s normal to feel a bit sad when your once-energetic feline is now a little old man or lady cat. But there are upsides – more quiet snuggles and less kitten mischief! To help keep your gorgeous old kitty fighting fit, check out our care tips.
Grooming
Most elderly kitties benefit from gentle grooming assistance with slicker brushes and deshedding tools twice-weekly to remove dead fur and prevent matting. Older long-haired cats may require “hygiene clips”, where our veterinary team clips the hair around their tail, back legs, and bottom to prevent toileting messiness.
Teeth
Dental disease is very common in older cats, and leads to pain and infection. We will assess your cat’s dental health during routine check-ups, but you should monitor them for any signs of picky eating or bad breath in the meantime. A dental scale and polish procedure may be recommended to clean the teeth, and the vet can explain more about what’s involved.
Joints
It’s very common for older cats to develop painful arthritis, causing symptoms such as stiffness after rest, reluctance to be handled around their legs or back, or difficulties jumping. Let our vets know if you see any of these signs, as there are supportive medications and supplements that can be recommended to help your pet’s comfort.
Regular health/weight checks and monitoring
It’s best for any cat of eight years or above to be seen for twice-yearly health checks where we can check their weight and perform a full physical examination. This assessment, combined with your report of your cat’s activities, and intermittent screening blood and urine tests, help us detect any developing health issues, such as kidney disease or hyperthyroidism. Early management of these conditions improves your cat’s health and long-term quality of life.
Phone us to book a check-up appointment for your older kitty!
