Aging is inevitable, isn’t it? Humans, animals, and all living things age as time progresses. Did you know that your kitty is considered as a senior by the age of 7? That’s right, sweet Mittens is getting up there in age already! As the aging process pushes forward, there are a few things to keep in mind and to be on the lookout for in your feline.

As your cat ages and enters into the senior years, it’s recommended to bring them to the vet every six months to get a head start on detecting any diseases or illnesses early on. As always, preventative is the best option when it comes to health.

Watch how much water and food they’re ingesting. As felines age, their intake of food and water tends to shift. If they are drinking and eating more or less than usual, it can be a sign of illness or painful tooth decay. Start to take notice of little habits that are fluctuating and if you notice some significant changes, it may be time to head over to the vet.

Some senior cats may begin to prefer lower to the floor litter boxes especially if they begin to develop arthritis. A lower litter box makes for less pressure on the joints. Additionally, ramps allowing them on to higher objects like the bed, couch, or cat tree may be necessary if you notice it becoming more difficult for them to jump.

Be sure to look out for unusual behavior, like peeing outside the litter box or suddenly not wanting you to touch certain areas of their body, as this can be a signal of a larger problem. On your next vet visit, be ask if you can do a titer test to reduce the amount of vaccines your kitty needs as well as inquiring about how to stay on top of your feline’s dental health.

Senior cats hold a special place in our hearts, and seeing them happy and healthy is the primary goal! If you have any questions about grooming a senior cat, I’d love to talk about that with you in depth.