Caring for an Older Cat
Older cats require increased attention to their needs, care, and love. Over the years, your cat has come to trust you, and as they age, they need your support more than ever.
Although modern medicine offers a wider and better range of veterinary care, aging in cats varies depending on numerous factors: whether the cat lives indoors or outdoors, how regularly and promptly they receive vaccinations, the quality of their nutrition, and the presence of any health issues.
Typically, indoor cats live longer than outdoor cats or those allowed to roam outside. An indoor cat can live up to 18 years or more, while the lifespan of an outdoor cat is often half that, although there are exceptions.
Signs of Old Age
The first signs of old age in cats include stiffness, slow movement, increased sleep, and avoidance of unnecessary jumps. Cats tend to remain mobile longer than dogs and are less prone to back pain and arthritis.
Gradual hearing or vision loss may not be immediately noticeable. You may observe this when your cat reacts less to your hand movements or vocal calls. With age, cats may experience frequent diarrhea, constipation, and urinary incontinence. These issues can be age-related or tied to kidney disease or diabetes. In such cases, consult a veterinarian to establish the causes and appropriate treatment. For constipation, vets may prescribe nutritional supplements to soften the stool and recommend adding oil to the diet. However, avoid increasing the amount of oil without a vet’s guidance, as some oils can deplete the cat’s natural vitamin supply, causing health issues.
If you notice an unpleasant odor from your cat’s mouth, consult a veterinarian. This may indicate gum inflammation or the need for tooth extraction. Diseased teeth are usually not a concern, as even toothless older cats can eat their usual food, including dry food.
Ensure your cat’s coat remains clean and inspect their skin and fur regularly. Dirt can lead to various skin diseases and parasite infestations.
Nutrition and Weight
Monitoring your cat’s weight is essential. Overweight cats face more health problems as they age, such as difficulty breathing and walking. In these cases, choose an appropriate diet for your pet.
When regulating your older cat’s diet, don’t be alarmed if they appear to lose weight dramatically or have more prominent bones. Older cats should follow a strict, low-fat diet.
Cat Care
Provide increased care, peace, and comfort for your elderly cat. Closely monitor their condition, checking for tumors, skin and coat health, and other potential issues.
Older cats need warmth, so create a warm, comfortable space for them. Avoid placing their bed too high, as it may be difficult for them to jump up.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your aging cat receives the care and attention they need to live a comfortable, happy life.
Cancer is one of the most significant health challenges facing pets today, affecting millions of dogs and cats worldwide each year. A cancer diagnosis...
Spaying is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. It helps keep the number of pets down and is very good for the health of female dogs and...
Expert Veterinary Care, Now Delivered to Your Door
At Modern Vet, we understand that not every pet is comfortable traveling to the clinic—and not...
Hydrotherapy for pets is one of the most rapidly adopted and effective rehabilitative techniques used today in veterinary medicine. The modality of...
Moving to a new house is a life-altering situation, and it is not only about packing the boxes and securing plane tickets when you have pets. Your furry...
At Modern Vet, proactive preventative healthcare lays the foundation for your pet's long and happy life. From standard blood tests to urinalysis or...
Preventive care extends beyond basic attention to caring for your dogs and cats; it is the central pillar for ensuring the happiness and well-being of...
Save our number now so you are prepared if the worst happens.
24-Hour Emergency Hotline: 800-82
Address: Umm Suqeim, Al Wasl Road, Villa #793,...
SPAY & NEUTER
Your Reliable Partner in Caring for Your Pet’s Health
One of the most responsible things a pet owner can do is to spay or neuter...
Your pet’s eyes are one of their most sensitive and important organs. Like people, animals rely on vision to get around the world, communicate with you,...
At Modern Veterinary Hospital, we know that being able to move comfortably is critical to your furry friends’ overall happiness and well-being....
Your pet requires proper oral health maintenance for their general health and wellness. Gum disease, tooth decay and infections affect dogs and cats...
Pet physiotherapy is an important and growing aspect of veterinary medicine, addressing recovery from injury, surgery, chronic conditions or poor...
Your pet requires the best care, including nutritious food, veterinary visits, and professional grooming services for year-round comfort, cleanliness,...
Holistic pet medicine originated in ancient times and now exists as a contemporary integrative system that focuses on treating the complete animal...
You want the best for your pet’s health and longevity, but feeding them well-balanced meals can be difficult. The same principles apply to humans also...
The transportation of pets in busy Dubai becomes difficult because of the combination of traffic congestion, heat exposure, limited time availability,...
Family pets hold a special place in family life, just like human family members, because they develop various skin and coat issues as they age. Skin...
The fastest-growing cities, including Dubai, need to prioritize pet welfare because their pet population exceeds available resources when not managed...
Here at Modern Veterinary Hospital, we are aware of the fact that having your furry friend deal with neurological disease can be incredibly traumatizing....
Pet cardiology functions as a veterinary medical speciality that diagnoses, treats, and controls Heart and circulatory diseases in animals. A strong...
At ModernVet, we are committed wholeheartedly to improving the wellbeing of your faithful canines with our state-of-the-art dog spay and neuter services....
ModernVet offers professional cat spaying and neutering services that deliver top-level care to feline pets. The procedures form an essential part of...
A powerful alliance based in Dubai's center has established new benchmarks for animal medical care. Modern Vet operates as a top veterinary hospital...
For every devoted cat owner, ensuring the long-term health and happiness of their feline companion is a top priority. Protecting cats from infectious...
The Modern Vet Clinic in Dubai is a top-tier animal hospital providing complete veterinary services for dogs. Our clinic provides veterinary care for...
The Modern Vet clinic in Dubai operates as the leading facility which provides specialized healthcare solutions for cats in the city. The clinic provides...
