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Many cats like to sleep through cold spells and
an older cat usually snoozes through the colder
months. Shake out his bedding frequently to keep
it fresh and vacuum it or dust it with flea powder
to kill parasites. The bed or blanket should be
laundered regularly to freshen it up and remove
flea eggs. Make sure it is completely dry before
allowing him to sleep on it again as sleeping on
damp bedding is unhealthy.
Some older cats call out at night when the
house is quiet (more often if they are deaf) and
they feel lonely or in need of reassurance.
Placing his cat-basket in your own bedroom may
solve this. Many people allow their cat to sleep
on the bed and as long as both you and the cat are
healthy this is safe. Other cats become more
settled and call less; you'll quickly discover if
he is a night-time caller. Cats are naturally most
active at dusk and dawn and this is when most of
the crying out occurs. Some cases are due to
hyperthyroidism, but most are due to seeking
reassurance when you are out of their sight.
Your
Cat's Home Environment
Your older cat has less energy, so place his
food, water and litter box closer to his resting
place e.g. in the same room. He will not
appreciate climbing stairs every time he needs
water or his litter box. If he can't easily reach
these, he may not drink enough and may house-soil.
This is not laziness, it is due to age and
infirmity. An indoor litter tray is advisable in
wet or cold weather even if he normally goes
outdoors for his toilet since cold and wet weather
can make him hypothermic. If he wants to go
outside for the toilet, don't let him stay out for
long. If he gets cold or wet, towel dry him and
put him in a warm room or near a heater until he
is completely dry. If he suffers from senility,
you may need to bring him indoors as senile cats
are forgetful of their own well-being and may let
themselves become completely soaked.
Older cats are usually less adaptable to
changes in their environment. If his territory is
suddenly or drastically altered, this is
stressful. Some stress may be unavoidable, but
extra attention and a "safe room" full
of familiar-smelling items (bed, toys, its
blanket, some of your worn clothing etc) can help.
Many cats enjoy spending time outdoors (where
the environment permits this) and a little daily
exercise helps keep his body healthy and mind
active. He may stay close and
"supervise" you in the garden. He will
probably become home-centered and less likely to go
exploring, except for senile cats which may wander
aimlessly. If he has poor sight or hearing, make
sure he is in a safe place when you want to mow
the lawn. Other garden hazards include pesticides,
other chemicals, poisonous or irritant plants and
dangerous or venomous wildlife. A special
enclosure or supervised walks on a leash may allow
him to enjoy the outdoors in safety.
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