This is my friend, also called George. He is a senior cat. He is happy, and healthy even if he does sleep rather a lot. He's not as sleek as he used to be, as his fur has thinned a bit and he's not good at grooming himself in the difficult parts to reach.
I think his human should groom him daily, just to get to the areas where he finds grooming rather tricky. She told me that the next time she takes him to the vet, she will ask if he has arthritis that might be painful. It may hurt him to turn his body round to groom his back.
How does she know he is mentally still active and not suffering from dementia?
- He is able to move round the house and garden without being disorientated. He can find his way around.
- Their relationship is unchanged. He is neither clinging nor strangely distant.
- He sleeps and wakes at his usual times. There is no middle-of-the-night waking and calling.
- He uses his litter tray without trouble
- His behaviour is normal. He doesn't pace restlessly.
Check that we oldies are not in pain from arthritis. Keep an eye on our behaviour - if we start behaving abnormally, it could be disease or the beginnings of losing it.
We senior cats need to keep their dignity and wellbeing. Get your owner to read up on elderly cat care
Care throughout all stages of life is so important. More so for us cats who dont show pain.
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ERin
Such a handsome boy. I have lived with many senior cats and I am always sure to get them to the vet every 6 months or more when needed. Many have needed thyroid meds. I also have little benches near furniture to help them get up and down.
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