Senior Cat Care Symptoms

Advances in medicine have increased the mortality rate of humans. You can say that the same goes for animals that just like humans need constant cat care when they reach their senior years. These symptoms vary so you have to be ready. 

Cats reach their senior year or are classified as such when they have lived for 10 to 13 years. You might think that is nothing but one year for a cat is already 5 to 7 human years for them. So, if your cat is 10 years old, he or she is 70 years old?

Chances are, you have probably lost track of how long your cat has been there but a regular checkup with the local veterinarian can tell you if things are beginning to change. 

Samples will then be taken from your cat and everyone will have to wait for the results. These consist of a blood sample, urinalysis, and feces. It is here that the doctor can tell if your cat is anemic, has leukemia, is a diabetic, have kidney problems or has worms in the digestive system. 

Aside from the physical, the vet will ask if you have noticed any changes in their activities or behavior. Some of the things often associated with old age that you should be aware of is the loss of sensory perception. This means their senses do not respond that fast anymore even if you try your best to play and train them to keep these sharp. 

Another indicator is when your cat gets into a fight with another cat and there are injuries, the healing time may not be that fast anymore. 

Studies show that one of the first things to wear out in a cat is the kidney as a result of hormone imbalance. If you notice that urine comes out while he sleeps or he urinates more frequently, then there is something wrong. The good news is that this can be treated if this was detected early. 

Senior cats can no longer eat the same high-quality diet as they used to in the past. They require specially formulated a food that keeps their weight under control and helps reduce the consumption of nutrients that are risk factors in the development of diseases. 

Exercise is another way to keep your cat in shape. This slows down the deterioration that takes place inside their body. Cats don’t play catch like dogs so give them a ball of yarn or some other toy to play with. 

If your cat is in pain and something has to be removed, you have no choice but to let it undergo surgery. You should check with the vet if they will be given anesthesia beforehand so they don’t feel anything during the operation. 

Other symptoms you have to be aware of once you cat reaches senior age includes a significant increase or decrease in appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, lameness lasting for more than 5 days in one leg,   a decrease in vision, excessive panting, a seizure, blood in the stool or urine, hair loss, persistent coughing or gagging and breathing heavily or rapidly at rest. 

The second any of the above symptoms occur, you should bring your cat straight to the vet because just like humans who have reached the golden years, senior cats need more attention especially when any of the symptoms are present. 

How to Take Care of Your Cat

Cats are cute creatures that can take care of themselves. But if you were to have one as a pet, you should know certain things about how to take care of your cat. It is different when you got this as a kitten to a full grown feline. 

If you got this as a kitten, it will easily be able to adapt itself to the environment because it will allow itself to be ruled by other pets. This means there will be fewer incidents of fighting among themselves. 

Lucky for you, kittens that often sold to owners are already litter trained. The only thing you have to do now teaches it where to go when nature calls. 

Your kitten will follow you wherever you go and at times jump or climb up to the kitchen counter or table. This isn’t good if you have food there so discourage this habit by having a bottle full of water around so you can squirt it into their face. 

It will also be a good idea to install a scratching post since this is their way of sharpening their nails. If they do this elsewhere, spray them again in the face. 

Apart from working on the scratch pad, you should trim their nails before it gets too sharp that it could hurt someone or damage the furniture in the house. You do this by pressing down on each toe which makes the claws extend. This should be inspected regularly so they also get used to it as they grow older. 

Kittens do not shed that much hair compared to bigger cats. But you should comb them anyway so they get used to it regardless if your pet is a short or long haired cat. 

Don’t just give your cat anything to eat. They must be of good quality that can be found at the pet store. If you are not sure about which brand has the highest vitamins and minerals, go ask your vet for some recommendations. There must be a clean bowl of water as well so they don’t get dehydrated. 

Aside from feeding the kitten, he or she should be brought to the vet for shots. They usually get a few while they are young but get a regular one annually as they get bigger. Be sure to keep a record of the shots so this can be shown to the doctor. 

If you have a big cat, give them room to adapt to the new environment on their own. If your pets quarrel, don’t worry or get in between them because this is normal. But if things are really bad, then you have to separate them by confining both in different rooms. 

An older cat also needs to be disciplined so they know what they can and cannot do. This is why you need to keep the squirt bottle handy as this is the best way to tell them it is wrong without physically hurting them. 

House cats should always be kept indoors. Studies have shown that this extends their life for over ten years since going outside puts them at risk of being hit by a car or contaminated with a virus from stray animals.  Just so you know strays cats that live outdoors only live for a couple of years. 

It doesn’t take much to know how to take care of a cat. Do some research and practice so both of you will enjoy each other’s company. 

The Cat Care and Health Insurance Know How's

Many people love their pet so much they have them insured. Cat care and health insurance is not the same thing. The first is a must while the latter can be forgone.

In order to care for your cat, you must understand your pet as a pet. You have to be responsible once you have taken the steps to acquire a feline companion. There should be no going back. So think twice, thrice and a hundred of times before committing to becoming a parent to a pet.

Cats are special. They can see sharper than humans do. They can also smell a lot better. This is the reason why you need to arrange things in your home accordingly once you have decided that a cat will soon join in.

Do not let anything that may cause them harm lying around. This is the same concept that you must apply like when you have a child. You want to protect them. That is why you keep those harmful objects out, specifically the poisonous ones. You do not want to cause your own child and pet serious accidents.

You have to provide the right cat food for your pet. You cannot give them what you had for dinner. Your bodies and its requirements are not the same. So give them the food that is specifically made for them. This way, they will get all the necessary nutrition that they need. 

So before you think about owning a cat, look over the prices of the food. It may take about $8 to $12 monthly to keep your cat purring happily. Can you afford it? You may have to make some adjustments to your lifestyle to be able to accommodate the need. Just think that it will all be worth it.

Recreation must also be given consideration when you own a cat. You cannot adopt one and think that it will be happy just by playing by itself. You have to find time to play with your pet and bond with it. In time, you will know what activities they enjoy. And so you will be able to make the necessary adjustments to make time for such activities.

Because of their strong sense of smell, budgeting must also be highlighted in the litter boxes of your cats. You have to give them clean and well-maintained ones. Your cat will not to their strut on an untidy litter box. Your regal baby cannot stand the stink. So be careful with how everything smells. What is okay with you may be abominable for your feline companion.

Finding the nearest veterinarian is also a must. You need them in cases when you think that something is not right with your cat. For this reason, you have to be very observant.

Yes, cats can groom themselves. But you have to help them in maintaining their teeth clean and strong. You don't want that factor to be the reason why your cat will be depressed on its old age. To develop a habit of cleaning their teeth through brushing, flossing and having the regular teeth checkup with your vet.

Health Insurance

You can do without this. But if you really want to get one, see if your trusted vet is among the list of the recommended vets of your chosen insurance. You don't want to end up taking long trips just to be able to claim what the insurance promises to give.

It is better to hone your skills on cat care and health insurance can be put aside. But it all depends on you. There is nothing wrong with having one. Just make sure that you can afford it and it will not take the toll on the monthly budget your family and feline friend require. 

Cat Care in your House

Cats are playful animals. If you are planning to get one, you should know the basics about house cat care. 

The moment the cat is brought into the house, you should give it his or her own room for the time being with food, water, and a bed. If it has not yet been toilet trained, you should start teaching it so there are no stains in the carpet. 

Teaching the cat how to use the litter box can initially be done by carrying it to the box when nature calls. When you see the cat is able to do it, praise and reward your pet so they know that this is the right to do. 

The exact dimension of the litter box depends on the size of the cat. This must be cleaned naturally using soap and water not the disinfectant. 

If ever they do something wrong like climb up on the table or scratch the furniture, you must never scold them as they are very sensitive animals. You can enforce discipline without causing any harm by squirting water on their face. 

There must be food and water at all times. The feeding dish and bowl should be made either of plastic or aluminum and cleaned. Any unfinished food must be disposed of properly. 

Their diet must come from high-quality cat food and although this may be more expensive than the other brands, you know that it has the right vitamins and minerals to keep them healthy. Aside from food, you can also give them supplements. One example is Omega 3 fatty acids that are good for their nutrition. 

For those that have other pets in the house, you should give some time for the two pets to be acquainted with each other. If you have a dog, make sure it is kept on its leash first. If you have another cat, be ready to break off a fight since this normally happens. 

House rules must be set regarding what the cat can and cannot do in the home. For instance, you can decide whether or not the cat may be allowed out of the house even if the experts have said that they must always be confined indoors. There are other issues which you have to discuss among yourselves. 

You must also provide a scratching pad so it can play around without causing any damage to your furniture. This should be 3 feet in height and placed either near the furniture or their bed. When their nails get too sharp, you better trim it so they don’t hurt you or themselves. 

One of the most important things about cat care is proper grooming. You can bathe the cat by wetting their head and tail with shampoo. Never lather their ears or eyes and dry them using a clean towel. Brush the hair lightly and apply combing powder so it never gets tangled with each other.

Lastly, bring your cat to the vet regularly and when you see something new in their behavior as quick thinking could prevent a possible sickness from getting worse. If you don’t know any, get a recommendation from one of your neighbors. 

House cat care is challenging but rewarding. You just have to put in the time and effort when you decide to bring a pet into your home. 

Health Care for Older Cats

It may be hard for a pet owner to notice a pet cat getting older. Outside, pet cats may show the same things- playing with toys around the home, taking naps sprawled on a favorite spot inside the home, snuggle up with you on the sofa. But inside, it might be a whole different thing.  And health care for cats as they get old may change a little bit.

When caring your an aging cat, there are some things that a concerned pet owner should know about. When a cat approaches somewhere between the ages of eight or twelve years, this is the equivalent of a human being approaching middle age. This will be the time that your pet cat may be needing a bit of extra attention.

Most veterinarian generally estimates that cats start their geriatric years when they reach twelve years. This will be the time that caring for your pet cat would have to change to accommodate the needs that aging brings.

A major part of caring for older pet cats involve feeding them. As cats get older, their digestive systems do not function as efficiently as before. Aging cats may need to eat smaller and easily digestible meals in a day rather than just two square meals. Try also to make sure that you give your cat a variety of food to eat to ensure that it gets a well-balanced diet.

There are also a number of cat food now available as food for the different life stages of your pet cat. There is cat food that is specially formulated for older cats as well as for the less active ones. The best advice in feeding your aging pet cat would be to ask your vet about the nutritional needs of your cat.

When cats age, they also start to lead a less active lifestyle. Whereas cats enjoy playing around and hunting during their younger years, older cats seem to prefer spending more time quietly around the home. This would be a benefit for some pet owners since they no longer have to worry about their once playful cat overturning and breaking things around the house. But this sedentary lifestyle would not be good for the cat.

Even though your pet cat would you may still need to keep them active since the exercise would help keep them healthy. Try to have them act as often as possible to keep them active. As they age, cats may also need to have their vaccinations up to date. Older cats have a less efficient immune system and may need vaccinations to keep them protected from diseases. 

Dental problems may also become a concern for old cats when they become prone to having loose teeth, tartar buildup, and sore gums. This can have a big effect on your pet cat's well-being. Dental problems may be the reason why they are not eating well. A regular dental check-up might be needed as part of health care for old cats.

Where to Start When Looking for Holistic Cat Care in Florida

Are you searching for holistic cat care in Florida? Going back to the basics or being holistic and natural is not limited in Florida. You can be anywhere in the world and still find ways to go holistic.

Natural Caring

Everything must start from the heart. Cats are good pets to have. But it can be a lot of hard work. So as a pet owner, you must be ready for all the good and the worst case scenario.

You have to treat your cat part of the family and therefore part of the budgeting. You need to allot money for their food, for their maintenance and health concerns. So before even thinking of having a pet, check on your budget and see if you can afford it.

Do not think about having a cat because you are bored. How about on the days when you are no longer in the same state? With cats, you can't be all too sweet and hugging one moment and the next day, you don't even throw glances at them.

This will be taken seriously by your cat. This may even lead to depression and anxiety. You have to always put their feelings into consideration. Yes, they can also feel. They can love. And therefore, they can get hurt. Cats also feel jealous when the attention they were getting before suddenly shifts onto another pet or even another human being.

You have to slowly integrate the new face of the new pet in the whole system. You cannot act on an impulse and expect your cat to absorb everything. And be considerate. If the new pet is cute, don't let it show. Shower all your pets with the same kind of love as well as attention.

Going Holistic

This process must not replace the scientific ways of treating your pets. But it can be used alongside to ensure only the best kind of health for your pets. What are these so-called holistic procedures?

The more common ones are acupuncture, even massage therapies that you may also enjoy and another homeopathic kind of remedies. This also includes herbal therapies, even vitamin, and mineral augmentation.

You can also target the diet if you want to opt for the natural way. How about turning to natural raw foods? Giving then raw meat will not be a problem since it is the cat's nature to hunt for such if they live in the wilds. Or if you still like to buy the available cat food at stores, you can check the ingredients and make sure that there are no added chemical additives.

You can also start the natural process of things by thinking like your pet cat. This way, you will know what they really like. You will be able to provide for them well and good. They are not humans so you don't have to treat them such. But how would you do it? You will learn that through time. Just be patient and observe.

So search on the Web for the holistic cat care in Florida or wherever else in the world. You can also ask other pet owners who have taken the transition. You will be surprised about the new information that you will gather. And you might just be swayed that the natural way is always the best.

Foster Cat Care, What You Need to Know

Some animals have been abandoned by their owners. They end up in animal shelters hoping that someone will come along and give them a good home. If you are thinking of owning a feline, you better learn a thing or two about foster cat care.

When you bring home the cat from the foster home, this should first be left inside the cat carrier until they are already ready to be isolated in a small room. This will give them time to adjust to their new environment and one of the most ideal places in the house is the bathroom that must have a cat bed, litter pan, water and food.  

If there are children in the house, they must be slowly introduced to the feline one at a time with adult supervision. They must be taught to treat it gently and speak to it softly but if you have infants or toddlers, you should wait till they grow older. 

In case there is already a cat in the house and the one you adopted will add to the number of pets, you must plan a 2 week introductory period between them. Be aware that there will be a lot of hissing and you should be present at all times so that should a fight break out, you will be able to wrap a blanket around them and have these two separated. Naturally, both should have a separate litter box and bowl. 

You must always use good quality cat food and not the cheap kind if you want to extend the life of your cat. Feeding is once daily and you have the option of giving them supplements like Omega 3 Fatty acids.

By law, cats are required to wear an identification tag so if you don’t have one yet, you better get one. Written on the tag are the cat’s name, your name, address and contact number so someone will be able to get in touch with you in the event it gets out of the house. Another option is for to install a microchip that is embedded under their skin. 

Some cats have not been toilet trained. If this is one of your problems, you should teach them so they know that this is the place to go when nature is calling. The best step is to carry them to the box when you see that they are about to do it. If you see them doing, reinforce it by giving them food as a reward thus making this habit forming. 

Aside from providing the adopted cat with food and shelter, you should also give them a scratch pad to curb the incidents of unwanted destruction of furniture. Ideally, this should measure 3 feet in height and installed near where they sleep or next to the furniture. 

If ever they scratch on the furniture, do not scold them. Just carry them and direct their attention to the post. 

Since their claws get sharp, you must also trim it every two weeks. If you have never done it before, ask your vet to teach you so this is done right causing no harm to the cat. 

Foster cat care can be a challenge given that there are a lot of things to teach it. By giving your new friend constant love and attention, you will be able to enjoy each other’s company. 

Cat Viral Infections and Their Cures

Cats just like humans are prone to sicknesses. In fact, cats succumb to two cat viral infections that will be discussed shortly. The good news is that there is a cure. 

These two common viral infections are Feline Herpes 1 virus known as rhinotracheitis virus and infection with the organisms called Chlamydia psittaci and mycoplasma.

When a cat is infected, they will experience a fever, have weepy eyes, a crusty nose and sneeze a lot. This can go away with or without treatment but this can come back. 

When this happens, the condition is called Feline Keratoconjunctivitis the virus settles in the nerves around their face. Corneal scars can be seen to a little over a centimetre in diameter. This makes it hard for the cat to see and it usually happens due to stresses associated with boarding, weather change, a new pet in the house or as mentioned earlier other diseases. 

Things are going to get worse as the outer coating of the cornea will be lost to the invading virus. Secondary bacterial and mycoplasmal infection of these areas may cause deep ulcers around the eye and in some cases damage the surrounding areas as well. 

Fortunately, this can be treated using an amino acid called –lysine by reducing the amount of another amino acid called arginine that is present in the cat’s body. The vet will prescribe a dosage between 200 to 500 mg per day and sprinkled into their food. There are different brands available and when you look for one, make sure it is glycol free. 

You can also try topical antibiotics that have also proven to be effective but they are only designed to quell secondary bacterial invaders.

Another option is for you to use topical antivirals that are designed to directly fight the virus. Some examples of these include  Herplex  (idoxuridine), Viroptic (tri-fluorothymidine, and Vira-A (vidarabine).  These medications are relatively expensive and have to be given 5 times a day. Only when the cornea is indeed infection should this be given. 

Something more affordable than the topical antivirals is an oral solution called Oral Interferon. Although it has never been scientifically proven to treat cat viral infections, cat owners that have used this have claimed that it does shorten the length of the infection. The best part is that there are no known side effects so you don’t lose anything by trying it.  

Vaccines seem to be the best way to prevent these diseases from happening. Ideally, this should be given to a cat during their 9th, 12th and 14th week of age. It should be administered using a 25 gauge needle on the anterior side of a rear leg and massaged afterwards to prevent tumours from forming in the injection sites. 

There are other eye infections that mimic what was just mentioned. One example is eosinophilic conjunctivitis. So before any medication can be given, the vet will first have to do a test to make sure that the proper medication is given.  

This is known as PCR or the Polymerase Chain Reaction test. It is a DNA test that amplifies the presence of viral DNA so that even one single virus can be detected in a sample from a conjunctival swab.

Cat viral infections are common among kittens but they can be prevented and cured. You have to know first which one you are dealing with so the proper medication can be given. For more information about them, do some research online and go talk to your vet.