Senior felines need extra dose of loving care
Our middle-aged and senior felines need an extra measure of tender, loving care, complemented by extra veterinary care.
As our felines age, we need to be knowledgeable about the aging symptoms so we can better communicate with our veterinarians.
You should know your feline's routines in terms of appetite, play, sleep, vocalizations. Be observant of their body mass, weight and texture of fur.
Most experts define middle-age between 8 and 10 years of age. I think it is easier to see the contrast in multiple feline homes. For example, I have four felines about 10 or older. Two are still kitten-crazy and the other two slumber more during the day.
Senior felines are about 11 to 14 years of age. These seniors are in the 65 years and up in human equivalency. Felines older than 15 are considered geriatric. Nowadays, we are pushing the limits of feline geriatrics with better foods, supplements and advances in veterinary care.
Even within these definitions, a caveat should be noted. There is an age area between middle-aged and senior, and that may be defined as shaded gray. That means every animal will not react the same at the same age.
My oldest geriatric lived two months shy of 26 years of age. That is why I am a big advocate of feeding the best food you can afford. The first ingredient should be a pure protein, not a filler. Many foods geared to middle-aged or seniors have supplements added to assist in joint care and digestion.
Just think of your older feline like an older human; they are less physically active and more mentally challenged. In addition to quality food, supplements like cosequin can assist joint stiffness, making play easier and less challenging. Extra soft orthopedic bedding can sooth aching joints, too.
You may need to think about the shape of the litter box if your feline is going right next to the litter pan. A three-sided pan, or a pan that has a low entry, may be needed. Even if you have one feline, you may have to resort to multiple litter pans around your home.
Multiple boxes will also assist a feline with impaired vision. If a feline's vision is getting gradually worse, do not change the location of the boxes, just add more boxes.
Another rule of thumb for anyone with a senior feline is to schedule veterinary appointments at a minimum of twice a year. As our pets age, their immune systems weaken just like ours. They become more susceptible to colds, infections and other ailments that can be diagnosed by your veterinarian. A simple blood test can detect the early onset of many diseases like kidney issues, liver malfunction or diabetes.
Dental problems also intensify with age, so prompt attention to feline dental hygiene is a must. Infection in the mouth may trigger a bad result on a blood test.
As your feline ages, you can sill provide mental stimulation by making your feline's environment interesting.
You should still encourage interest in toys and treats. If they think you have given up, they will stop caring about important day-to-day activities like grooming. If this happens, as a good and caring feline enthusiast, you must take over the grooming responsibilities by brushing them daily.
Our senior felines have earned that for all the many years of love and joy they have given to us.
• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is a nonprofit 501(c) 3 shelter. Call (847) 290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.