Cats are living longer and longer, sometimes reaching 20 years. Dr Pierre Fabing shares his advice with us to best support them during their old age, by adapting their diet, their care and their environment.
A cat enters his senior phase between 8 and 10 years old. To keep him healthy as long as possible, it is essential to adapt your lifestyle.
Adapting diet and hydration: keys to good health
As cats age, their metabolism slows down, requiring a suitable diet.
- Favor them kibbles and pâtés for senior catsricher in nutrients and easier to digest;
- Do pay attention to their hydration and increase the number of water points in the house;
- Regularly offer wet food like mash or homemade meals;
- Watch their weight regularly: weight gain can lead to joint pain, while rapid weight loss can indicate a serious illness.
Make their environment more comfortable and accessible for their well-being
To improve the daily life of a senior cat, it is important to make your environment more accessible and comfortable. Here are some tips to achieve this:
- Install ramps or steps if your cat has difficulty jumping;
- Facilitate access to their bowls and litter box;
- Offer him warm places to rest, especially in winter;
- Take care of your dental hygiene by considering regular scaling or brushing;
- Stimulate him with games adapted to his age to maintain his physical and mental activity.
Also think about the annual balance sheet. Your veterinarian will then offer you regular analyzes to monitor your cat’s health and will take the opportunity to repeat his vaccinations because his immunity decreases with age.
Advice from the vet, Dr Pierre Fabing
Find out every morning The vet’s advice. Nutrition, preventive care, stress management, everything is there to take care of our pets and guarantee them a healthy and happy life.
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