Lold age, even in feline friends, brings with it various ailments, to which we too often resign ourselves. «And yet there is a lot we can do for improve the elderly condition of our cat both from the point
both physically and behaviorally» explains the doctor Sabrina Giussani, veterinary doctor expert in animal behavior and Past President of SISCA (Italian Society of Animal Behavior Sciences). Here is his advice for supporting our elderly cats in the right way.
Elderly cats, how to recognize the signs of old age
By elderly cats we mean, indicatively, cats aged 11 and over. But, as Giussani explains, “seniority can reach a different age for each cat, depending on the size, breed and also the predisposition of the individual animal”.
Then there are some signs that indicate healthy aging: for example «the slowing down of cognitive functions. Just like what happens to us humans, the cat is a little less reactive to stimuli and less attracted to what previously interested him greatly, such as moving insects and butterflies.” Even from a physical point of view it is completely normal that the hours of sleep increase and that the jumps are no longer what they used to be.
The situation is very different if the symptoms of aging reveal acognitive-emotional alteration
and psycho-physical decay resulting in the loss of all interests and cognitive abilities. There are some warning signs to pay attention to. For example, if the cat wanders around the house aimlessly, if it does not greet anyone who enters the house, if it moves little, if it does not jump or play, and if in general the emotions seem to no longer be present.
«This sort of depression indicates more debilitating aging, characterized by a form of senile dementia» warns Giussani.
The matter becomes complicated due to some very common pathologies in elderly cats: they can confuse the picture, making it difficult for non-experts to understand whether the cat is in pain or suffering from a behavioral pathology. For example, osteoarthritis, hyperthyroidism, renal failure and heart problems, as well as functional deficits of the sensory organs.
Advice for elderly cats: the role of emotions
How to help them? Much can be done throughout the cat’s life, monitoring and treating all pathologies
behavioral. In fact, emotional factors such as anxiety and prolonged stress trigger responses in the body that require the brain to work intensely. And this accelerates the aging process.
In particular, then, when the cat reaches old age, it is important to insure the maximum of serenity to his life and in particular during critical phases. Such as leaving for holidays, the change of season and all the possible alterations to his routine (pheromones can help with this).
«Cats have everything it takes to improve their condition, keeping both the cognitive-emotional and physical-kinetic spheres active», continues Giussani.
Solutions for everyday life
And even in everyday life there are many solutions for living well in the third age of felines. Starting from orthopedic bunks at the water fountainsuntil to ladders which help them get in and out of their favorite seats.
Games dedicated to stimulating social interaction and sharpening the senses are also useful. To keep the sensory organs active is possible train your sense of smell with organic essential oils and pure extracts, or satisfy the cat’s palate by offering him, under the advice of the vet, a different brand of food.
To improve the perception of the body in space, however, it is useful let the cat walk on different materials, placing towels and mats on the floor, so that the different textures stimulate the paw receptors and the cat perceives the difference in substrate.
Games suitable for older cats: the sensory box and the castle
To make him play to the extent suited to his possibilities, you can build a real one sensory box: just make a few holes of a few cm in diameter in a shoebox inside which you have placed objects that make noise, such as nuts and balls of different materials. It is necessary that the cat participate in the construction of the box sensorial: this is the social part of the game. When the cat puts its paw into the box it will use its hunter nature to be able to get all the objects out.
Another game idea to keep your cat always active is to build him… a castle. By drilling two holes in a large closed box while the cat looks on curiously (this is the part of the game!). The two holes constitute the entrance and exit of what in the cat’s eyes will be a great castle to explore. For an extra stimulus: once the door has been cut out, the excess cardboard can be placed right in front of the entrance hole, in this way the cat will perceive a different material before even entering the castle.
Any other curiosities? The doctor will also be available today at 7.00 pm on Feliway Facebook page to answer all your questions about senior cats.
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