|
Some cats need extra roughage in their diet to
combat weight gain or constipation. Older bowels
may become lazy and require more bulk to keep
things working smoothly. Try mashing one or two
teaspoons of bran, porridge oats, canned pumpkin,
cooked rice, cooked pasta or cooked mashed potato
into canned food. Some older cats also enjoy warm
porridge or hot oat cereal on cold mornings, but
this is not suitable for cats with lactose
intolerance.
Your cat's sense of smell deteriorates with
age, causing poor appetite or faddiness. Strong
smelling canned food may overcome this. Cats are
good at manipulating their owners into serving favorite
foods, which may not be what is balanced
and best for it. Unless you enjoy preparing
balanced gourmet meals for your cat (possible but
time-consuming) resist being manipulated as this
risks dietary imbalances.
Signs of poor diet include thin, dull coat,
excessive shedding or dandruff, weight loss,
vomiting, diarrhea, yellow teeth and mouth odor.
A cat which wobbles as he walks is probably
receiving too many calories for his level of
activity. Any cat which has difficulty eating or
has lost its appetite should be examined by a vet
in case there is an underlying problem. A suddenly
increased appetite, especially if coupled with
weight loss or poor condition, also needs to be
investigated.
Exercise
& Claw-Trimming
Older cats becomes less agile as arthritis
develops and muscles begin to atrophy and will
reduce their physical activity. Moderate, regular
play sessions promote muscle tone and suppleness,
increase blood circulation, and help maintain
bowel condition. During play watch out for labored
breathing or rapid tiring that may
suggest the cat has a disease; quit playing when
the cat tires. It may be necessary to relocate
food dishes and litter boxes for cats with
advanced arthritis and muscle atrophy. If you have
a garden, but it is to dangerous for the cat to go
outdoors alone, try slow gentle walks (or long
sit-downs on the grass!) using a harness and
leash. A dose of fresh air can perk up a cat no
end.
Older cats may not wear down their claws as
quickly as before, so more frequent trimming is
needed. They may not use scratching posts as
frequently to remove the outer sheath of their
claws. Check claws weekly and trim when necessary.
Overgrown claws snag on carpets or furnishings,
sometimes causing injury as the cat tries to pull
free. Badly overgrown claws cause discomfort and
problems with walking. A cat trims his back claws
by chewing off the loose claw sheathes. A cat
without teeth can't do this so back claws also
need attention. (See Nail
Care Products)
|
