Senior cats really don’t ask for much. You can keep them happy with the same essentials that kitties of all ages want and need: good food, fresh water, a clean litter box, beds, scratchers, and toys.
What you might realize, however, is you need to switch to products designed with older felines in mind. Keep reading to see what we mean.
An Orthopedic or Heated Cat Bed
Your senior kitty might need a little extra softness and support when napping, and a regular pet bed might not cut it. The good news is there are a lot of orthopedic pet beds that come in various shapes and sizes to ensure your cat will be totally comfortable. And, in addition to that, you can get your pet a cozy heated cat bed that may be ideal for the colder months of the year. Some beds are self-warming, so you don’t even need to plug them in. Plus, you may be able to find beds that combine orthopedic support with warmth so your cat can get the best of both.
A Water Fountain
All kitties need to get enough moisture from their food and clean, fresh water. In addition to feeding your senior cat a high-quality wet food, you could also encourage them to drink more water by switching to a water fountain for cats instead of relying on a bowl of water. The movement and sound of the fountain might entice your kitty to take a few sips, and that may help ensure they remain properly hydrated.
Elevated Food Dishes
If you’ve noticed that your senior kitty experiences some difficulty or discomfort when eating food out of a bowl or dish on the floor, switching to an elevated one might be beneficial. You can find bowls that are designed to be a few inches off the ground, or you could instead buy a stand for your cat’s bowls to elevate them. And you can do the same for their water bowls. No matter what, just be sure the bowls are placed at the right height for your cat’s comfort while eating and drinking.
Pet Stairs and Ramps
Senior cats who have trouble jumping may benefit from pet stairs and ramps. Some kitties prefer stairs while others do better with ramps, so it might take some trial and error to figure out which product your kitty likes using most. Set these up next to your bed, the couch, the cat tree, a window, and anywhere else that your feline friend likes to spend time but can’t get to easily because it’s too high.
A Litter Box with Easy Entry
If a litter box is hard to get into and out of, such as a top entry box or one that has a high entry, your senior cat might end up eliminating outside of the box. So, you might need to switch to a box that is low in the front, even if the other three sides of the box are high and the box is covered.
Grooming Brush and Nail Clippers
Finally, consider that your senior cat might have trouble grooming themselves thoroughly. So, take some time to regularly groom your cat with a high-quality brush or comb for felines, and use a pair of nail clippers to keep their claws from becoming overgrown.
