Felinoterapie, NCHK

A cat becomes a senior cat after about the age of 10 years (some sources indicate a threshold of 7-8 years). The good news is that life expectancy is increasing due to better veterinary care, diet and education. For example, studies show that neutered cats and kittens live several years longer than unneutered animals. This is partly because neutering eliminates testicular and ovarian cancer. Basically, every time a cat goes into heat, its risk of ovarian cancer increases. 

Another reason cats live longer is because of the way they are raised. Cats living outdoors live on average only 2 to 5 years. In contrast, indoor cats live on average more than 10 years.
While old age is not a disease, increased age inevitably brings with it various physical wear and tear and health problems such as arthritis, overactive thyroid function, decreased visual and hearing acuity, and reduced cognitive abilities. However, there are many ways to make your cat's old age more enjoyable and to help him enjoy life. 

Cats with reduced mobility can be helped by building steps or ramps to elevated areas they like to visit. Usually it is not so much a problem to get to this place as to jump off it. The bones of older cats can sometimes be quite fragile and fractures after jumping from high places are not uncommon. It is also a problem that cats can hide pain well - hence the need to observe behavioural changes and always seek veterinary help as soon as possible.

Older cats may also already have problems regulating their body temperature, which is why heated beds are suitable. Of course, they do not despise classic and soft blankets and pillows. These should be placed near secure windows so that the cat can watch "cat TV". On the shelves, which the cat used to like to run around on in its youth, it is now advisable to install a small railing or to line the upper area with a net so that the cat will not be injured in the event of a fall.

The cat litter tray for the elderly should have a lower entrance and soft litter that will not cause pain to the cat's paws. It is also advisable for the toilet to have higher sides, in case the cat is no longer as precise as before in performing its needs. On the other hand, toilets should not be fitted with covers or protective edges that the cat can catch its claws on and injure itself.

As far as claws are concerned, older cats may have problems retracting them, so they should be trimmed regularly. 

Another problem of old age tends to be a reduced ability to groom themselves. Here again, the owner must help - we need to be particularly gentle when touching and brushing, as cats can suffer joint pain or feel more pain when touching the skin.

Toothaches and oral diseases are a separate problem. Here too, regular, frequent check-ups and early intervention are needed. Older animals should be given a predominance of a meaty, moisture-rich quality diet and should only be given pellets on rare occasions. The cat should properly get up to 75% moisture from the food, which pellets do not meet in any case.

Cats with cognitive loss can be helped by installing ice lights in any dark areas or at night so they don't feel confused and find their way to the cat's litter box or food and water bowls. Older cats can become frightened and disoriented when the lights are turned off at night - the night cries of older cats are often caused by this disorientation.

As an adult, we can prepare the cat by training it for more frequent vet visits in old age to help reduce stress. It is important to remember that in older animals, stress triggers physical ailments with even greater intensity than in young animals. This is one reason why we should not bring a new companion into the home for an older cat, especially a small kitten. A kitten has completely different energy and play demands than an older cat, who already wants to have his or her peace of mind.

Even an older cat has a need to hunt - that is, to play. Even if she doesn't run around as much as she used to, a quiet game of "hunting" for her toy will boost her confidence.