Caring For Your Older Cat

As cats age, their physical needs and capabilities gradually change. There are many new products available to help keep your feline friend's life comfortable and happy. This article does not take the place of talking to your veterinarian about health factors affecting aging cats or medical treatment for your cat. We include this article because we believe in supporting the continuing education of people who care about their feline friends, and we wish to increase your awareness of the types of products and help available. We have looked through many large pet supply stores, cat care catalogs, and web sites to find the product information and the average prices ($US) mentioned here.

Food and Water

Cats over 6 years of age start having different dietary needs than younger cats. They may become less active, requiring fewer calories, and more high fibre diets. Ask your veterinarian what proportions of protein, fats, fibres, phosphorous and other nutrients your cat may need at this point in his life. Remember, these proportions can change over time, depending on your cat's health.

As cats age, one of the first problems, due to lowered physical activity, can be excessive weight gain. Many cat food manufacturers offer weight maintenance dry foods. Read the labels! These can have varying amounts of ingredients. Any food labelled "lite" is subject to strict regulations by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Their "Pet Food and Specialty Pet Food Labelling Guide" ($125) contains all the legal information pet food manufacturers must abide by.

Several cat food manufacturers, such as Nutro/Max and Science Diet/Hill, have created "Senior" canned and dry food specifically for the dietary needs of cats over 7 years of age. Please ask your veterinarian for specific recommendations based on your cat's health history.

As Glory became 7 years old, she started to develop food allergies and some digestive problems. We tried some off-the-shelf "Senior" and other food products, to no avail. Off we went to our veterinarian for help. After using standard allergy control methods to eliminate possible allergens, Glory now eats Innovative Veterinary Diets "Duck and Potato" dry food exclusively with no problems. This company, whose products are available only through veterinarians, has a number of very specific food products for cats with dietary related health problems.

Older cats may develop a lower sense of thirst which can lead to dehydration. Make sure you have more than one place where your older cat can drink fresh water that is changed daily, perhaps close to her favorite perches as well as her food. Canned foods can help increase the moisture your cat ingests.

Movement and Joint Problems

Like humans, cats can develop arthritis. Various veterinary powdered and encapsulated formulations are available to provide arthritis and joint care as cats need them. These medicinal preparations are sold in vitamin type bottles, and can be flavorless or have cat preferred flavors. The powder is usually given by mixing it into the cat's food. Several different mixes of these 4 ingredients can be purchased without a prescription. Dosage depends on the cat's weight. Some are in powder form, others in pills to be crumbled or "given as treats".

All powdered or granular products we saw have the measuring scoops included. Before buying any of these, we strongly suggest you consult your veterinarian. You may find a substantial price variation between in-person stores, and on-line stores. Shop around, but before buying any additive in bulk, make sure you get your cat's approval, or you may end up with a big bottle of inedible stuff on your shelf.

Glucosamine and Vitamin C combined are sold for "mild or early stage" arthritis or joint problems. Average $25.00 to $30.00 per bottle. Glucosamine is sometimes sold mixed with various vitamins. Prices vary considerably.

Preparations with the Chondroitin sulfate, Glucosamine and Vitamin C are often found in 120 to 275 (single scoop) dose bottles and priced $20.00 to $40.00. With MSM, plus the above three ingredients, prices are about $30.00 to $60.00. MicroLactin (sometimes mixed with glucosamine) is a proprietary low lactose milk protein derivative priced at about $20.00 a bottle.

• Chondroitin sulfate -- helps to block degenerative enzymes that attack joint cartilage
• Glucosamine -- renews the fluid inside the joints thus helping to smooth joint movement
• Vitamin C -- promotes healing and the formation of collagen for healthy joints
• MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) granules are a natural form of organic sulfur, and are added into preparations with the above 3 ingredients to help advanced joint conditions
• MicroLactin acts at the cellular level in the early stages of inflammation

Bedding

Cats love to be warm, and older cats often like soothing heat even more than younger ones. As a result, there are many warm beds to choose from. Be sure to read the packaging to find out what features the product actually has.

Estimate the size of bedding needed by how much space your cat likes to use when lying down and sleeping plus a few inches. Obviously, a 15 lb. cat requires a larger mat than a 9 lb. cat. But don't make the mistake of getting one that's too big, since cats prefer to be curled up snugly, and feel more secure in a place that's big enough than one that's too big.

Self-warming cushions: Special thermo-reflective material is encased in decorative heavy fabric, often with extra cushioning. The thermo-reflective material (generally aluminized bubble wrap) uses your cat's own body heat to warm the entire cushion. Washable. Elasticized covers for window perches also available. Average price below $20.00 but as high as $35.00

Modern hot water bottles: Less than 12 inches in diameter, a sealed dense plastic disc that contains warmth retaining gel can be microwaved and put under your pet's favorite cushion. Easily washed off. Average price $20.00

Electric cushions: Usually designed so that the fabric can be removed and washed separately. Advanced models will have the thermostat set for normal feline body temperature of 102 degrees F when in use, and lower when the cat is not on it. Other models keep the cushion at an average of 13 degrees above room temperature. Electric bedding cushions can come in S-M-L sizes at a price range of $30.00 to $80.00. Generally, the electric cord is about 5 feet long. Some models use 12 or 24 volts in the cable to the mat, rather than the full 120 volt house current; these might be considered safer, since there is less danger of electric shock. All of these electric models are for indoor use only.

Incontinent cat waterproof protection: Reusable and machine washable bed pads and bed covers for quick cleanup. These have three layers such as is used for human patients, a "wick-away" top layer, absorbent middle layer and vinyl base. Average pricing $14.00 to $20.00.

Cat Furniture

Aging cats still want to get up to their favorite spots. You can help your cat by providing feline sized ramps or stairs connecting the ground with that favorite place. Measure the height so you know whether the ramp or stairs will be high enough before you shop. Ramps let your cat choose the length of her stride, steps do not. Of the products we have seen most are carpeted, and the carpeting can come in "decorator colors". You can also provide cushioning such as throw rugs on hardwood floors near where your cat may jump down to cushion his landing.

Some straight board ramps can have rung-like attachments to help your cat climb and descend and cost about $20.00. More elaborate ramps can have a non-slip rubbery type fabric on the walking surface, carpeting or heavy duty fabric elsewhere, priced $100.00 to $130.00. Some ramps have multiple tiers that are held together by Velcro, and you can adjust the location as needed, priced at about $120.00. For traveling cats, 20 inch to 70 inch fold away polypropylene ramps are sold for about $60.00 to $130.00.

Carpeted stairs (two or three high) can have attached toys, be treated with catnip, and have hidey holes. Be sure the stair height is comfortable for your cat to use. Prices vary from $85.00 to $150.00