Our Aging Precious Fur Babies and the Effective Care Measures that Can be Taken.
Published by Kim, Dawson & Amelia on
Many changes occur in our kitty cat's maturing and aging years that we must be prepared and observant of. Some of the changes that occur include some of the following:-
- Deterioration of their Senses
- Skin and Coat changes
- Deterioration of Muscle Tone
- Energy Levels and Agility decrease
- Less Adaptability to environment changes such as relocation of house, a new pet, new baby to the home or even furniture rearrangement, even a change in diet can all be stressful.
- More Susceptibility to Disease as resistance decreases such as kidney disease, mouth conditions such as teeth and gum issues, skin tumors, arthritis, and heart disease (rarely), parasite resistance decreases and deterioration of pancreas and liver
Routine and effective measures that can be taken for an older cat include:-
- Good Dietary Requirements - Smaller and more regular meals and feed white meats and fish as they are more digestible and have less toxic wastes for the kidneys to excrete. Avoid large amounts of red meat such as beef heart. Organic foods where possible. Avoid excessive or any dry foods and bone. A bone supplement such as bone meal powder or organic bone broth is an excellent option to add into their wet food. Include a multivitamin / mineral supplement as part of an aging cat's health and wellness. Your Natural Cat Care Physician can offer a helpful health and wellness support of herb and supplement tonics for your aging Cat King or Cat Queen.
- Increase water intake such as adding a tablespoon spoon of water to their meal morning and night in their wet food, or you can carefully use a dropper or very small syringe (a dropper is best) to carefully and gently direct a small amount of water at a time into the inside cheek of your cat (not into the centre of their mouth and throat so as to avoid serious choking), allowing them time to swallow. This will help with dehydration of your cat, especially on hot days and particularly if your kitty is unwell - and hence this creates a regular flushing of the kidneys. A water fountain is a great addition to your kitty’s accessories.
- Pamper your elderly cat - making sure their bedding is warm and draught free. The use of a covered warm hot water bottle is comforting for kitty. View here.
- Monitor kitty for constipation problems. Adding an 1/8 th of a teaspoon of Physillium husks from the health food store plus 2 tablespoons of water mixed in with their meal occasionally is a great and natural option for their health and wellness caring. Additional water is essential for the intake of physillium husks.
- Groom your aging cat daily - gentle brushing on the sensitive aging puddy body. Regular cleaning of eyes and ears and checking of anal area for soiled or matted fur. Additional acts of care and kindness to your aging buddy will go a long way for you both.
- Regular checkups with your Vet and Wellness Practitioners.
All these measures with lots of Love, Care, Gentleness and Attention will support our aging and precious fur kids.