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Senior health care
Compassionate Care for Your Cat’s Golden Years
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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, and bad breath 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.
Brushing
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, including 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.
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 alternative.
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. Cats nails don’t grow in the same way dogs nails do, they grow in layers that cause 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. We recommend trimming nails on a monthly basis.
Bathing
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 here, can keep matting and shedding down, but without the deodorizing effects from their saliva, other debris can get caught in their fur and 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. 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.
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:
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Drinking more often or drinking a larger amount per day
- Stiffness, lameness or difficulty in jumping up
- Lethargy
- Lumps or bumps anywhere on the body
- Balance problems
- Toilet accidents or difficulty passing urine or feces
- Disorientation or distress
- 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.
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.
Ways to encourage eating:
- Provide food in small, frequent portions – aim for four to six meals daily – 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.
- Use a wide, shallow bowl, or one with a rim—whatever your cat seems to prefer.
- Serve food at room temperature or slightly warmed to just below body temperature to enhance its palatability.
- Soften food by adding water and mashing with a fork—especially helpful for cats with dental issues.
- Elevate the food bowl for cats with neck arthritis to create a more comfortable eating position.
- Do not leave wet food out for more than an hour.
- Spend time with your cat during feeding—talk, pet, and try hand-feeding to stimulate appetite.
Important: 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. Unlike dogs, cats need to eat daily to avoid serious health risks.
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 feel 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.
It’s a commonly known fact that cats like to hang out in high places. Cats are known for their ability 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:
- Being hesitant or refusing to jump up and down from tall surfaces.
- Limping
- Licking excessively at paws
- Lowered activity levels
Osteoarthritis is a common disease in cats that causes inflammation and breakdown of the joint’s cartilage, bone, and joint capsule. It can affect a cat’s elbows, hips, shoulders, hocks, knees, backbone, and sternum. Most cats will have some form of osteoarthritis by the age of 6 years old!
Signs of OA in cats include:
- Swollen or sore joints
- Reluctance to be touched
- Hiding more than usual
- House soiling
- Poor coat condition
- Difficulty getting up and down
- Stiff walking
- Lameness
- Reluctance to jump or play
Need to know more information about Osteoarthritis? Check out the Zoetis site.
Also, learn more about treating this disease by reading the Solensia card below or clicking Solensia.
Thanks to advances in veterinary medicine, we have treatments for feline arthritis that can help get your cat back to a comfortable state.
Flexadin for Joint Health
Flexadin is a specially formulated joint supplement designed to promote healthy cartilage, reduce joint discomfort, and support overall mobility in pets. Its unique blend of ingredients works together to provide effective relief and protection for your pet’s joints.
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Key Benefits of Flexadin:
- Supports Joint Health: Helps maintain healthy cartilage and improve joint function.
- Relieves Discomfort: Reduces inflammation and eases stiffness associated with aging or osteoarthritis.
- Unique Ingredients: Some Flexadin products include UC-II (undenatured type II collagen), a cutting-edge ingredient that modulates the immune response to protect joint health.
- Easy to Use: Tasty and easy-to-administer chews or tablets make it simple to add Flexadin to your pet’s daily routine.
Flexadin is an excellent choice for proactive joint care or as part of a treatment plan for pets experiencing joint pain or mobility issues. Speak to our team today to learn how Flexadin can help your pet stay active, comfortable, and happy!
Solensia for Cats
Solensia is a long-acting monoclonal antibody therapy that works by blocking nerve growth factor (NGF), a key driver of pain in cats with osteoarthritis. By reducing pain signals, Solensia helps your cat move more freely and comfortably without relying on traditional pain medications.
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Key Benefits of Solensia:
- Targeted Pain Relief: Specifically blocks pain signals to reduce discomfort caused by osteoarthritis.
- Convenient Treatment: A once-monthly injection administered by your veterinarian, eliminating the need for daily medications.
- Gentle on the Body: Non-steroidal and non-opioid, making it safer for cats with sensitive systems or other medical conditions.
- Improved Mobility: Promotes increased activity and a better quality of life for cats suffering from OA.
If your cat shows signs of stiffness, limping, or reduced activity, Solensia may be the solution they need to regain comfort and mobility. Talk to our team today about whether Solensia is right for your feline companion. Together, we can help them live their best life—pain-free!