Ways to Protect the Health of Senior Cats

Cats have specific needs throughout all stages of their lives. Creating routines, planning exercise, and providing nutrition while considering these needs means both protecting and maintaining their health and increasing their comfort. In cats, old age is a distinct period requiring the fulfillment of changing needs. Cats can appear extremely healthy as they age, and because they look healthy, it can be easy to overlook the fact that they are aging. Therefore, from the moment they enter the old age phase, which is generally considered to be between 11 and 14 years old, it is recommended to be careful and take additional precautions. In this article, you can find information about the prominent needs of aging cats and what should be done to meet these needs. Access to Water Should Be Made Easy With aging, the metabolic rate of cats begins to decrease. Indeed, it is known that constipation and kidney diseases are more common in older cats. You can find detailed information in our article titled Kidney Failure in Cats. It is important to make access to water easier for aging cats and to monitor their water consumption. When cats don't drink enough water, their risk of dehydration increases, and many health problems can arise due to dehydration. Water consumption in older cats can be increased by directly encouraging them to drink more water and adding wet food to their diet as often as recommended by veterinarians. One way to increase water consumption, especially for cats with joint problems, is to place water bowls in multiple areas of the house. This makes it easier for them to access water whenever they are thirsty. Considering the limited mobility of cats in old age, it is recommended that in addition to water bowls, food bowls, litter boxes, and beds are also placed in easily accessible areas.

Cats can appear extremely healthy as they age, and because they look healthy, it can be easy to overlook the fact that they are aging. Therefore, from the moment they enter old age, which is generally considered to be between 11 and 14 years old, it is recommended to be careful and take additional precautions. In this article, you can find information about the prominent needs of aging cats and what should be done to meet these needs.

Facilitated Access to Water

As cats age, their metabolic rate begins to decrease. Indeed, constipation and kidney disease are known to be more common in older cats. You can find detailed information in our article titled "Kidney Failure in Cats". It is important to ensure that aging cats have easy access to water and to monitor their water intake. When they don't drink enough water, the risk of dehydration increases, and many health problems can arise due to dehydration. Water intake in older cats can be increased by directly encouraging them to drink more water and by adding wet food to their diet as often as recommended by veterinarians. One way to increase water intake, especially for cats with joint problems, is to place water bowls in multiple areas of the house. This makes it easier for them to access water whenever they are thirsty. Considering the limited mobility of cats in old age, it is recommended that in addition to water bowls, food bowls, litter boxes, and beds be placed in easily accessible areas.

They Need More Observation

Cats are animals that tend to hide when they are sick and in pain. Since they are coded to survive by camouflaging their weaknesses in the wild, it will not always be easy to detect when they are experiencing health problems. Monitoring changes in behavior and routine in older cats can help detect a potential health problem early. It is recommended to consult a veterinarian if you notice specific behaviors in your cat, especially an increase in the frequency and amount of urination, a significant change in water consumption, diarrhea or constipation, vomiting, increased or decreased appetite, difficulty breathing, difficulty urinating or meowing in front of the litter box, slowed movements, decreased jumping habits, or a preference for hiding. Oral and Dental Health Should Be Checked It is common for older cats to experience problems with their oral and dental health. They may have broken teeth, deteriorating gum health, and oral tumors can dramatically affect their overall health and quality of life. Oral infections are extremely dangerous. The infection can enter the bloodstream and, if left untreated, can reach vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, and heart. Oral and dental health problems in cats do not always cause obvious symptoms. In some cats, it may manifest as secondary symptoms such as loss of appetite, deterioration in coat health, and weight loss. It would be beneficial to be cautious.

Their Mouth and Teeth Should Be Checked

It is common for older cats to experience problems with their oral and dental health. They may have broken teeth, deteriorating gum health, and oral tumors can dramatically affect their overall health and quality of life. Oral infections are extremely dangerous. Infections can enter the bloodstream and, if left untreated, can reach vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, and heart. Oral and dental health problems in cats do not always cause obvious symptoms. In some cats, they may manifest with secondary symptoms such as loss of appetite, deterioration of coat health, and weight loss. It is advisable to be vigilant.

Regular Health Checkups Are As Important As Ever

Regular veterinary visits for senior cats are important for maintaining their health and diagnosing potential illnesses early on. Health checkups significantly contribute to improving their quality of life and overall health. It is recommended that cats aged 11 and older be checked by a veterinarian every 6 months. The recommended 6-month period may change if the cat has a specific health problem.

Discover Exercises That Suit Them

As cats age, especially when they experience health problems or gain weight, they may choose not to be active. Continuing to be inactive can result in them not being sufficiently stimulated physically and mentally. It is recommended that people living with cats find interactive activities that will attract their attention and keep them physically and mentally engaged. Although they may not be able to run as fast as they used to, they should be encouraged to walk, and engaging them with toys that will stimulate their minds, while also allowing them to interact with people, can help cats live a happier old age. Nutrition is Very Important for Senior Cats The nutritional needs of senior cats are special and differ significantly from those of previous years. During this period, when they are increasingly prone to weight gain, it is necessary to maintain their weight balance. The slowing down of their digestive system should be taken into account; increasing the number of meals and implementing a new feeding plan can reduce the risk of constipation. Supporting their immune system and maintaining oral and dental health are extremely important. For all these reasons, senior cat foods formulated specifically to meet the nutritional needs of senior cats should be preferred. Royal Canin supports our feline friends in living a healthier and more comfortable life with its specially formulated cat food options for senior cats. Containing natural polyphenols and vitamins, Royal Canin Ageing +12 Years and Over Senior Cat Food helps fight free radicals caused by oxidative stress in the body, thus slowing down the rate of cell aging. With kibble design that senior cats can easily chew, Royal Canin guarantees enjoyable meals, and thanks to the high-quality nutrients and balanced formula used in its products, it contributes to strengthening the immune system of senior cats. To fully meet the nutritional needs of your cats aged 12 and over, and to support them in living a healthy and comfortable life, you can review the Royal Canin Ageing +12 Years and Over Senior Cat Food 2kg product here and ensure your feline friend receives quality nutrition.

Nutrition is Very Important in Older Cats

The nutritional needs of older cats are unique and differ significantly from previous years. Maintaining their weight balance is crucial during this period when they are increasingly prone to weight gain. The slowdown in their digestive systems should be considered; implementing a new feeding plan by increasing the number of meals can reduce the risk of constipation. Supporting their immune systems and maintaining oral and dental health are extremely important. For all these reasons, senior cat foods formulated specifically to meet the nutritional needs of older cats should be preferred.

Royal Canin supports our feline friends in living a healthier and more comfortable life with its specially formulated food options for senior cats. Royal Canin Ageing +12 Years and Over Senior Cat Food, containing natural polyphenols and vitamins, helps fight free radicals caused by oxidative stress in the body, thus slowing down the rate of cell aging. With kibble design that senior cats can easily chew, Royal Canin guarantees enjoyable meals and contributes to strengthening the immune system of senior cats thanks to the high-quality nutrients and balanced formula used in its products.

You can also review the Royal Canin Ageing +12 Years and Over Senior Cat Food 2kg product here to fully meet the nutritional needs of your cats aged 12 and over and support them in living a healthy and comfortable life, ensuring your pet receives quality nutrition.