If you move, keep its old blankets, sleeping baskets, and food bowls to restore a sense of normalcy in the new house. You may also want to keep a light on during the night so that your cat can find its way around the house. If a cat’s eyesight is fading, it will not be able to see in the dark as well as it once did. [3] X Research source
You can buy little steps for your cat to help it climb onto your bed or wherever it likes to sleep. However, in many cases you can just arrange your furniture to provide this extra step.
If you have the room, try putting the litter box in a small plastic swimming pool with a hole cut in the front. This will allow your cat to get in to do its business while containing its mess in something that can be easily cleaned.
If your cat’s weight has fluctuated, it could indicate disease or an improper diet. Have your cat looked at by a veterinarian to figure out the cause.
Discuss your cat’s dental health and any necessary food changes with your veterinarian. They should be able to point you towards a diet that will fulfill your cat’s dietary needs and that will be easy on your cat’s teeth. Wet food can also add water to your cat’s system. This is good for older cats, as they can become dehydrated easily. [6] X Research source
If your cat spends time outside in the summer, put water outside for your cat. Use a narrow, deep bowl and put it in the shade. If you want to, you can also put some ice in it to keep it cool.
It is especially important to groom the areas of an older cat’s body that it can no longer reach. With limited mobility, an older cat may not be able to clean the rear end of its body like it used to.
An older cat might not like the food it used to or it may not even want to eat at all. It might also lose a little weight. Any of these issues are reason enough to have your cat looked at by a vet. If your cat suddenly bites or scratches you more often, take it to the vet. These behavior problems could signal a medical problem that is causing your cat pain and irritability.
Cancer Urination problems Loss of appetite or weight Hearing loss Liver disease Bad odor Arthritis Vomiting
Older cats may be particularly susceptible to certain infections due to decreases in their immune systems and an inability to groom themselves as much as they once did. Elderly cats often require medications for chronic conditions. A cat with feline arthritis may need regular pain medicine as well as vitamin supplements.
Elderly cats with sore gums or dental disease may avoid eating and become malnourished. If your cat has lost weight or has stopped eating, it may be caused by dental problems.
If your cat suffers from hearing loss, everyone will need to learn to approach your cat slowly and gently in order to avoid startling it. For a cat with arthritis, you may need to introduce ramps or steps for it to comfortably access higher locations.
At minimum, get a comfortable couch or cat bed so the cat can lay on a soft surface.
Make sure it stays warm when you’re not home, either by cranking up the heat in your house or giving it a heated cat bed. Overall, you want to make sure that the cat can curl up in a warm and cozy spot to nap the day away.
You can find videos of birds, cats, and other wildlife designed to entertain cats. These videos are available for free online. You can also check with your TV provider for stations devoted to entertaining cats. Try bringing a cardboard box into your home and putting it on its side. Your older can may enjoy investigating this new item and pushing it around. [15] X Research source Another idea is to can get some fish, put them in a tank, and set them somewhere kitty will find them.
However, don’t disturb your cat when it’s asleep or if it has given you signs that it is not interested in interacting with you right now.
