Grooming Your Senior Cat
As cats get older, they may begin to ignore their own hygiene. This can be due to various factors, but the result is consistent. Matting, overgrowth of nails, bad breath, and an overall bad smell are a few ways that this neglect of hygiene can present itself. During this phase of life, it is crucial for owners to assume some of those grooming duties for themselves. Here are a few ways that you can help keep your cat clean and comfortable in their later years.​​
01.
Brushing​
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When cats lick themselves, they are doing a very important job, removing shed fur, dust and dandruff from their bodies. When cats get older there are many reasons why they stop doing this, it could be pain from arthritis, a sore mouth, bad teeth, weight gain from a health issue, etc. No matter what the reason is, this lack of grooming can cause the hair to start to mat together. Matting is not only uncomfortable, as it pulls tightly on the skin, but it can also do physical damage to the skin if left untreated. The best way to prevent this is to brush your cat on a regular basis with a comb or slicker brush.
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If your cat is already experiencing matting, do not try to cut them out yourself. Because of the tight pull from the mat, the skin can be easily cut by scissors or clippers. It is best to get them professionally shaved by a vet or groomer. If brushing is not an option for your kitty, keeping them shaved in the problem areas for matting is always a good option.
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02.
Nail Trims​
Many cat owners will agree that one of the hardest parts of cat ownership is dealing with the scratching of items around the house, but did you know that scratching is an important part of a cat’s hygiene. Cat’s nails don’t grow in the same way dog’s nails do, they grow in layers that causes the nail to gradually grow thicker and longer. When a cat scratches, they dislodge the outermost layer of their claw, revealing the sharper and shorter claw underneath. This is why many cat owners don't end up cutting their cats nails for long periods of time, they tend to manage it themselves.
Just like everything else in the body, however, cats’ nails can change as they grow older. Often the outer layers of the nails stop shedding and the nail will become very thick and brittle. At this time in their lives, it is very important to keep an eye on your cats’ nails. If left unchecked, the nail can become ingrown which is very painful.
It's a good idea to get your cat used to nail trims at an early age, if possible, but it’s never too late to start. Playing with their feet on a regular basis can help get them used to being touched. If it’s too difficult to do at home, bringing them to the vet or groomer is always an option.
03.
Bathing
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It’s almost never a fun experience giving a cat a bath, but in some cases it may be necessary. For most of a cat’s life, baths are not something you generally need to do for them, they tend to keep themselves clean by licking, however that can change as they age. Brushing, as mentioned above, can keep matting and shedding down, but without the deodorizing effects from their saliva and other debris that can get caught in their fur, there may come a time when a bath is necessary.
When giving a cat a bath, make sure you are using shampoo that is specifically labeled for cats. It's important to use shampoo that was made for the pH of a cat’s skin otherwise it can cause itchiness and skin irritation. Positive reinforcement may also be helpful with bath time. Treats are a great way to get a cat to cooperate in situations they may not enjoy, but in many cases treats may not be enough. If your cat needs a bath, but is too difficult to handle, talk to your vet and they will be able to help.
Health Changes in Elderly Cats
As your cat gets older, it’s important to keep an eye on their health. Old age illnesses such as kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and more can seem to come on suddenly. At this time in your cat’s life more than ever it’s important to have them checked on a regular basis by your veterinarian. These appointments, whether annual or semi-annual, can help detect any potential health issues early on, providing you with peace of mind.
Signs of Illness in Elderly Cats
Taking your elderly cat in for regular checks is one of the best ways to catch signs of illness early, but there are some symptoms to keep an eye out for at home as well. These symptoms include:
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Loss of appetite
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Weight loss
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Drinking more often or drinking a larger amount per day
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Stiffness, lameness or difficulty in jumping up
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Lethargy
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Lumps or bumps anywhere on the body
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Balance problems
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Toilet accidents or difficulty passing urine or feces
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Disorientation or distress
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Uncharacteristic behavior, such as hiding, aggression, excessive vocalization
If you notice your cat experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to call your vet as soon as possible to discuss what to do next for your cat.
Appetite Changes in your Elderly Cat
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As many cat owners know, cats can be picky eaters at times and will sometimes decide that a food they have enjoyed for years is not something they want to eat anymore. As cats age, their appetite can change for a variety of reasons. For some cats, they can begin to lose their senses of taste and smell, which are two very important factors for a cat to decide if they want to eat something. Listed below are some ways you can try to entice your cat to eat more.
It's crucial to keep in mind that although your cat's loss of appetite may be due to age, it could also be a sign of an underlying issue. Unlike dogs, cats need to eat every day, so a loss of appetite can be concerning. If your cat is refusing to eat after trying various methods or if you notice weight loss, it's best to contact your veterinarian immediately. Running diagnostics is often the quickest and most effective way to determine the issue and provide the necessary treatment for your pet.
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Provide food in small, frequent portions – aim for four to six meals daily as a baseline – and select a tranquil space where your cat can eat without distractions from noise and activity. Try offering a variety of foods, both familiar and new, to stimulate their appetite.
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When offering food, consider the type of bowl you use: your cat might favor a wide, shallow bowl, or perhaps one with a rim.
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Serving food at room temperature, or slightly warming it to just below body temperature, can enhance its palatability.
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Experimenting with the consistency of the food provided can be beneficial. Elderly cats, particularly those with dental issues, may favor softer foods over hard kibbles or chunks. Consider adding a bit of water to their food and mashing it with a fork to make it more palatable.
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Elevating the food bowl onto a box may provide a more comfortable eating position for a cat with osteoarthritis in the neck.
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Do not leave uneaten wet food out for longer than an hour and resist the urge to offer a variety of foods as it can become overwhelming.
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Spending time with your cat, engaging in conversation and gentle petting, can stimulate their appetite. You might consider trying to hand-feed them as well.
Veterinary Diets
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With changes in your cat’s health, sometimes a diet change is necessary. Prescription foods are a great option for people with cats that suffer from some of the common geriatric health issues. In some cases, the food alone is enough to help your cat stay feeling good and healthy, but medication may need to be added as well depending on severity. We are happy to be working with Purina, Hills Science Diet, and Royal Canin to get you the best food for your cats.
Mobility Changes
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It's a commonly known fact that cats like to hang out in high places. Cats are known for their abilities to jump and climb all manner of tall surfaces. However, just like in humans, arthritic changes can begin to occur as cats get older and they may lose that intrinsic ability that comes with being a cat. It’s hard to watch that change in our pets, but with treatment, those changes can be slowed down or controlled, allowing your pet to live life comfortably again.
When taking care of an elderly cat at home it’s important to look out for signs of pain or stiffness that these changes can cause. A few signs that your cat may be starting to have arthritic changes are:
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Being hesitant or refusing to jump up and down from tall surfaces.
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Limping
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Licking excessively at paws
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Lowered activity levels
Thanks to advances in veterinary medicine, we have treatments for feline arthritis that can help get your cat back to a comfortable state.
Glucosamine
​Glucosamine is a generic nutraceutical supplement that has been used for many years to help support joint function and mobility. In its natural form, glucosamine is a compound found in joint cartilage. Cartilage cells use glucosamine to produce other compounds called glycosaminoglycans (GAG) that keep joint fluid healthy. Glucosamine supplements are a great starting point in pain management as they are very safe and can slow down the progression of arthritis symptoms. We recommend Flexadin for cats and Dasuquin or Cosequin for cats as the BEST joint supplements.
Solensia
​Solensia is the first, and as of right now only, monoclonal antibody therapy for the treatment of osteoarthritis in cats. It is a once monthly injection that can help control pain and improve mobility. Over a three-month clinical trial, 77% of cat owners found that Solensia worked for their cat and helped them get back to their normal selves. Solensia works great in conjunction with the glucosamine supplement to help get your kitty feeling better and slow down the progression of arthritis.
Dental Care in Elderly Cats
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As Cats age, they have more likelihood of developing dental issues that can cause them discomfort, or in some cases, seriously threaten their health. It’s important to keep a close eye on your pets’ teeth as they age and know the signs of a problem if they start to occur.
Some signs that your cats teeth may be causing them issues are:
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halitosis (bad breath)
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excessive drooling
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teeth chattering
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pawing at the mouth
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teeth grinding
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loss of appetite
It is also a good idea to check in your cat’s mouth regularly for growths, reddening of the gums, excessive plaque buildup, or lesions.
It is very common at this stage in a cat’s life for them to need a full dental cleaning even if you have brushed their teeth regularly their entire lives. Dental cleanings are done under full anesthesia so that we can thoroughly clean and check the mouths.
Tooth loss is very common in older cats. As they age, their teeth tend to break down, just like ours can as we grow older. Unlike humans, we do not make dentures for cats, however, many cats do just fine without them. Once the bad teeth are removed, and any remaining teeth are cleaned, the cat will feel more comfortable overall. Some owners opt to switch to a wet food only diet at this point in their cat’s life, which is a great option if it works for you, however that is not always necessary. Every cat is different, and some cats will always prefer hard food over wet. Even with no teeth left, many cats can eat hard food just fine.