Like humans, animals and their needs age over the course of their lives. But concerning
catfrom what age should you consider that your cat has moved to the side seniors. A vet answered the question and took the opportunity to give some
advice caring for an aging cat.
According to a study carried out in 2022 by FACCO (Federation of Food Manufacturers for Dogs, Cats, Birds and other Pet Animals), France has almost 15 million
of cats. For owners, these four-legged companions are often part of the family, despite their nature. independent. It must be said that the cat is sometimes an animal full of mysteries.
There is an age from which the cat moves to the senior side
Domesticated since the dawn of time, he lives his life and is content with the company of men while maintaining a fantastic
autonomy. But his behavior changes with age and with the years he generally becomes more
homebody. Experts estimate that the cat becomes a senior from 8-10 yearsas explained by Dr. Pierre Fabing in the show Veterinarian’s advice on France Bleu.
The vet took the opportunity to give listeners some tips for caring for an aging cat. And above all, it is important to adapt the diet. It is possible to find kibble and mash for senior cats in specialist shops or supermarkets. These are “richer on
nutrients and easier to digest.
photo credit: Shutterstock You must adapt the feed according to your cat’s age.
Caring for an aging cat cannot be improvised
It is also better to give more frequently
“wet food like mash or homemade dishes.”, as the expert pointed out. The weight is
check regularly to prevent your cat from becoming overweight, which can cause joint problems. Conversely, a loss of
weight significantly can be a sign of a disease.
But food is not the only thing to consider. In fact, your cat is also less flexible and
less flexible. He is no longer able to jump as far and high as he used to. You should think about returning yours
environment more accessible. Ramps or steps may be necessary if he has difficulty jumping. It is important to place your bowl and water spout in easily accessible places.
Cats can live up to 20 years
To help him stay fitis it possible to
stimulate “with custom games at his age to maintain his physical and mental activity.” This is important because cats tend to become less active as they age, even though they are already known to sleep for a good part of the day. For his naps, you should consider giving him a warm place, especially in winter.
photo credit: Shutterstock
With age, the cat becomes more of a homebody
Dr. Pierre Fabing took the opportunity to remind the importance of
annual review. “Your vet will then suggest some analyses
regularly to monitor your cat’s health and will take the opportunity to repeat its vaccinations because its
immunity decreases with age.” he explained. By following all these tips, it is possible to see some cats reach and even exceed 20 years.
