Caring For Your Cat

The cat lives more than half of its life in the senior years. As cat owners
we want to keep that in mind and be sensitive to their needs as they grow
older, including what they should be eating.  You want your cat to live a
long enjoyable life.

As cats age, you will want to watch for is an increase or decrease in weight.
To help your cat maintain a healthy weight, choose a diet that meets their
nutritional needs.  Shop for foods that address the different life stages of
cats, whether you have a kitten or a senior cat.  You want to pick the right
formula to ensure your cat gets the nutrients it needs.  There are several
brands and varieties to choose from, if you find it difficult to decide you
may want to discuss with your veterinarian what is recommended for your
cat at its current stage.

As a cat enters into its senior years, there could be a gradual decline in its
ability to maintain regular body functions and adapt to its surroundings
when it becomes stressed.  This is when weight changes could occur and
some diseases.  They also could begin to lose their sense of smell and taste,
which will affect their eating.

As your cat gets older and enters into their senior years you can help them
by providing a proper diet, watching their activity levels, and any habits
that they have adopted.  When you notice any changes in your cat report
them to your veterinarian.

Aging is a normal part of a cat’s life and does bring about changes in their
diet and behavior.  You can help your cat to stay as healthy as possible by
providing the nutrients it needs and by scheduling regular visits to the
veterinarian.  Scheduling regular visits is good practice during the senior
years as many potentially serious conditions are treatable if caught early.