When your cat reaches the age of 10, they are officially adult felines. Unfortunately, our beloved furry friends age quicker than we do. Thus, as they get older, their needs change, from one stage of life to another, so we should pay attention to these modifications and make sure that we meet their needs. 

“The good news is that many cats today are living into their late teens and even early 20s. With the proper care, a kitty in good health at 10 can easily live another 8, 10 or even 12 years. There’s no need to worry that your feline companion is getting older. In fact, this is a great time to take steps to make the second half of kitty’s life with you as healthy and happy as the first half,” said Dr. Karen Becker. 

So, here are some things to keep your beloved senior feline healthy. Read on for more info!

Visits to the vet should become routine

Whether you have a healthy senior cat or one that is not exactly in good condition, you have to see the vet more often than before. According to animal experts, you should take your pet to the vet at least every six months. Make a list of questions for your vet and notice any behavioral changes. 

“A lot can change in that time,” says Jeanne Pittari, DVM, DABVP. “Getting to know a cat and its owner facilitates a strong working relationship, allowing me to do my absolute best to meet the needs of each individual patient.”

“You know your cat and its routines better than anyone. If your cat has difficulty going up or down steps, does not jump like it used to, or any other changes, we want to know in order to make recommendations,” explains Ilona Rodan, DVM, DABVP.

Watch their weight

Adult cats tend to gain weight, and as you already know, this is not good for their health, especially as other diseases occur with age. So, if you see any weight changes you have to schedule a vet consultation as soon as possible.

“Don’t assume that because your older cat is eating normally, he’s not losing weight,” Dr. Pittari says. “Gradual changes in weight are hard to notice and monitoring your cat’s weight is one of the most important reasons for routine examinations.”

Monitor their food intake

One of the most important things that you have to take into consideration when caring for a senior cat is to know the amount of food your feline eats every day. Many people don’t pay attention to this essential aspect, especially those who have more than two cats, but it is crucial to realize and monitor how much your cat eats. 

“Monitor food intake so you know immediately if your cat is eating less,” Pittari says. “This helps us intervene sooner when problems are easier to address.”

Noticing certain behavioral changes

Cats are some of the most subtle creatures when it comes to their health. To be more specific, they hide their symptoms, and you will not know that they are actually suffering in silence. For instance, if you notice that your cat sleeps more than usual or avoids interactions then you should call your vet. 

“When owners think they’re overreacting by bringing their kitty to see me, I tell them ‘You can’t overreact with a cat’,” says Dr. Pittari. “I’d much rather find nothing too serious than have you wait and bring me a very sick kitty.”

They look when you scoop

If you notice any changes in your cat’s feces, such as color or texture, or how often she defecates, they may have gastrointestinal problems. 

According to Dr. Pittari, “Constipation is a common yet under-recognized sign of dehydration in older cats. But if it’s attended to early, your vet can easily get your kitty comfortable again.”

Of course, you have to pay attention to the frequency and amount of urine as well. Dr. Pittari says that “increased urine output can single some of the most common illnesses in elderly cats, from diabetes or an over-active thyroid gland to kidney disease and high blood pressure.”

An older cat can develop litter box issues

First of all, you have to make sure that your cat’s litter box is easy to access and clean. 

“Your first step is evaluating any medical cause of house-soiling,” says Dr. Pittari. “Urinary infections, constipation, arthritis, and muscle weakness are just a few of the reasons an older cat can develop litter box issues. Your vet can evaluate the various medical issues and address environmental concerns that may be contributing to the change in behavior.”

Slowing down is a part of aging

Many people think that slowing down is an unavoidable part of aging, but they are wrong. Even though senior cats are not as energetic a kittens, slowing down could be a sign that your cat has a discomfort or pain. “Slowing down is often a sign of underlying discomfort or pain,” Dr. Pittari said.

Older cats are more likely to develop arthritis and they need special treatment to be active again. In this case, you should schedule a vet consultation for treatment and make sure that your cat is fine.