How To Care For A Senior Cat

Did you know that senior cats are amazing? They are! How to care for a senior cat is not much different than how to care for a kitten -- other than your senior cat may sleep more than a kitten! A cat is considered a senior when he is eight years old! It's true. 

If you're looking for a wonderful pet to share your life with, why not get a "senior cat"? Cats can live up to sixteen years and if you get a senior cat you will have many years together. Shelter operators understand that many people want to bring a kitten home. Adopting a kitten or a cat is a help to either of those pets as they are all seeking their forever homes. 

How to care for a senior cat

• Make sure your cat has annual vet check-ups. Your vet is your ally in keeping your cat healthy for a long time. 
• Feed your cat the recommended amount of food (ask your vet if you're not sure) 
• Feed your cat a high quality food 
• Make sure your senior cat has access to fresh water at all times. Many cats prefer to drink from moving water so consider giving your senior cat a fountain water bowl. 
• Give your senior cat a choice of a variety of scratching posts and scratching pads 
• Senior kitties love a warm, soft bed. Give your senior cat a place to sleep. Determine if your cat likes to sleep up high or down low and put a bed there. 
• Cats, even senior cats, love cat trees. Invest in one and you may notice your cat spends a lot of time in it. 
• Cat toys, catnip and feather toys keep your senior cat entertained, active and healthy 
• Keep your senior cat's litter box clean at all times. You don't want to have any litter box avoidance issues simply because the litter isn't clean
• Snuggle time is one of the ways in which you can show your senior cat love and give him love and attention 
• A view from the window to watch the world go by -- especially if there are bird feeders so he can watch the birds flit about -- will keep your kitty occupied and entertained 

Some people find that senior cats are just as playful as kittens, but that seniors don't feel the need to pounce on your feet while you sleep or "attack" you when you walk past. A senior cat could have been surrendered for any number of reasons, but that doesn't mean a senior cat at a shelter won't be one of the best pets you will ever share your life with.