All life forms age with time and felines are no exceptions. But recently it has been found that the average life span of cats has increased. Not long ago a cat of eight years of age was considered to be senior but today cats live longer and so they are considered senior when they are 12 to 14 years of age.
An interesting fact about the age of cats is that when a cat reaches their first year they equal seventeen of our years. A two year old is equal to 24 year old human being. But after two years their cat years drop to human years, so when the cat ages 10 years it is equal to 50 years of a human being. By the time they turn fifteen years, it is equivalent to seventy five year old person.
There is no logical explanation for the long lifespan of cats in recent times, but one thing is for sure that the cat food that manufacturers are preparing is probably the biggest reasons for that.
Along with that preventive treatments have also played a significant role in enhancing the lifespan of felines. Just like human beings cat’s needs change when they become senior. Hence, it is very important as a cat owner to understand their basic necessities during this old age.
Let us try to find out different things that are of prime importance to ageing cats:
1. Warm Places to Rest
When a cat becomes old they need resting place that is warm. Provide a cozy environment for them to relax. Just ensure that the place is not too warm to burn them since old cats need time to move around. Hence, the place needs to be warm not hot.
2. Easy Access to Basic Needs
During old age cats are prone to arthritis, reduced control over bowel and bladder, hence; it is important for you as a cat owner to install litter boxes on every cat access in the house. They should be given easy access to food, water, and litter boxes so that they do not have to climb stairs if they do not want to. Hence, you may require to place water and food at multiple places.
3. Have a Night Lamp at night
Ageing cats have poor vision or eyesight problems which might make it difficult for them to navigate at night. If you have a blind ageing cat, then the best thing you can do is to make the environment around them stationary and consistent. They should be aware of the location of litter boxes and furniture. Always take their name before approaching them and do not pick them unnecessarily.
4. Assist your Ageing Cat to Get to a Special Spot Easily
If your ageing cat finds it difficult to jump on their favorite windowsill, develop box steps, ramps or get pet stairs so that they can reach their special spot easily. It can even work when the cat wants to get to their favorite sofa or chair. The ultimate purpose is to make their life as easy as possible.
5. Learn to Get a Point of View from a Deaf Cat
If you have an ageing deaf cat it is important that you approach them from the front so that they do not get surprised or scared. Always keep them inside the house so that they are safe from cars and other predators outside the house.
Remember that ageing cats enjoy a predictable environment more than younger cats and so it is important to make the environment as conversant according to their needs as possible. Also, some ageing cats may seek emotional support as they grow old while others would want to be left alone. Hence, you need to be very careful with your feline friend as they age.
Since, they are totally dependent on you, ensure that they have a fulfilling and cherished life going forward. If you have any questions pertaining to ageing cats or would like to share your experiences about ageing cats with us, do post your comments and we would be glad to integrate your experience in our upcoming blogs.
