The lifespan of cats can be quite varied, their average life expectancy is 15 years, although in rarer cases they may even survive into their twenties. Recognising that your cat is moving into their final years is important, so that you know when to start catering for their changing needs.
The most obvious sign that you can look out for is that your cat will move considerably less. Their mobility will decrease, meaning that access to areas they may have previously favoured, e.g. on top of a cupboard or on the window sill, will no longer be possible. You may also find that your cat sleeps a lot more than they once did. As a result of these two symptoms of ageing, you may notice your cat start to gain weight.
A further result of maturing is the slowing down of the digestive system. It is important to alter what they’re eating to ensure they’re comfortably getting everything they need from their diet. The quality of the food being fed to pet cats is important throughout their lives, but in their more senior years when their digestive system is slowing down it is even more so than usual. High quality, easily digestible meat content is essential, without any waste ingredients.
As well as a high quality diet, additional vitamin intake is advisable to help with their slow-moving digestion. The vitamin intake can also help support the immune system which can decline in older cats.
The coat of elderly cats can become dull and dry. The AniForte Omega-3 Salmon Oil provides a number of health benefits for animals, it promotes strong bones and good constitution and can even prevent loss of fur. A healthy nutritious diet should show itself in your cat’s fur. Salmon Oil promotes a glossy coat, which can help improve the appearance of ageing cats.
Ageing can take its toll on the teeth and gums of our feline companions. Inflammation can occur and will need dealing with before the problem worsens. Look out for mouth odour and redness or bleeding in the gums, in more severe cases cats may even suffer from a loss of appetite
If any of the above symptoms are recognisable in your pet, it means that their age is starting to show and their joints may well be suffering as a result. Just like humans, old cats can suffer from joint wear and tear and arthritis and should be treated accordingly. It is best to do so with natural remedies, the AniForte Joint Perfect Devils’ Claw consists of 100% natural African devil’s claw. It supports the metabolism in ligaments, tendons and joints, improving the overall joint mobility and movement.
As well as the above, there are a number of conditions that your cat may encounter as they get older. Most notably blood sugar disorders and issues with the thyroid. As a general rule, it is key to pay attention to whether your cat’s water intake has increased, if their eating habits have changed and whether they are suffering from diarrhoea or vomiting. By being observant and spotting any issues early on, you can give cats the best chance of living out their later years in comfort.
