6 things to look out for for cat owners over 7 years old

1. Sleeping mode

Young cats sleep 12 to 20 hours a day. After seven years, pets become less mobile, their hormonal background changes and metabolic processes slow down. All this affects the duration of sleep: the cat spends less energy during the day, respectively, its need for rest is also reduced. In addition, sleep can become more superficial: even a quiet sound is enough for the pet to wake up.

What to do

• Don't disturb the cat while sleeping.
• Make sure your pet's resting place is dry and warm, not in a draft.
• Monitor your pet's routine and sleep quality. If your pet sleeps all day, is lethargic, does not react to anything, or, conversely, suffers from insomnia, this is a reason to consult a veterinarian. This can be a manifestation of various illnesses, such as cognitive dysfunction.Cognitive Dysfunction, arthritisArthritis in cats or hyperthyroidismHyperthyroidism in Cats.

2. Weight changes

Cats between the ages of 7 and 10 are prone to weight gain. It is more difficult for them to expend energy obtained from food, therefore, the constant feeding of the pet with sweets or food from the common table leads to overeating and the development of obesity.

Cats over 11 years of age may experience weight loss. At this age, nutrients from the usual food are absorbed worse, so the pet loses muscle mass. It is difficult to notice such changes by eye, especially if the cat has long hair.

What to do

• Weigh your pet regularly and monitor its nutrition. For the basis of the diet of older cats, easily digestible proteins are suitable, which are found, for example, in lamb or chicken meat. But harmful products, in particular food from the table and high-calorie delicacies, should be excluded.
• Choose ready-made food for senior cats that contains the nutrients they need. These include glucosamine, free omega-6 fatty acids, and zinc and vitamins A and E.
• Make sure your cat has constant access to drinking water.
• Determine the daily food allowance by following the recommendations on the package or the advice of your veterinarian, and do not overfeed your pet.

3. Condition of claws and teeth

Older cats' claws grind down more slowly due to a less active lifestyle: they can grow so strong that they will interfere with the pet's normal movement and even damage the paw pads. In addition, the claws often flake and turn yellow.

Teeth also change color and wear out. Reddening of the gums and foul odor from the mouth often signal that the animal has periodontitis or gingivitis. In advanced cases, this can lead to tooth loss.

What to do

• Keep track of the length of the claws and trim them neatly if necessary. To do this, be sure to use special nippers (clippers) so that the claws are less exfoliated.
• Check your pet's teeth once a week. You can clean them with a special brush for cats, but in no case use a human one.
• Take the animal to the veterinarian every six months so that the specialist examines the oral cavity and, if necessary, treats diseases of the teeth and gums on time, as well as removes tartar.

4. Condition of the coat

A pet's coat may lighten after seven years, because cats, like people, turn gray. And the mustache, on the contrary, turns black with age. Due to the deterioration in the work of the sebaceous glands, the wool can stick together, get tangled, and become more rigid. And sometimes older pets are less hygienic, because sometimes it is difficult for them to raise their limbs due to weak joints. They can also be difficult to cleanse the eyes and ears - this leads to the appearance of discharge and the accumulation of sulfur.

What to do

• Comb the cat thoroughly so that its fur does not get tangled. The more hairs left on the comb, the less hair the pet will swallow when it is licked.
• Use a cotton pad to clean the area around the eyes and ears. If the animal has purulent discharge, contact your veterinarian immediately. They can occur due to allergies, infections and even mechanical damage to the eyes.
• The appearance of the coat is largely influenced by the pet's diet. Make sure the feed contains additional fatty acids and zinc.

5. Playfulness and activity

Cats over seven years old are less eager to hunt a sun bunny or chase a toy. Animals become less active, spend more time on the couch. However, you should not let your pet sit still all day: muscles weaken with age, and if the cat does not train them, joints and bones will suffer. Lack of movement can also lead to obesity.

What to do

• Keep playing with the cat every day. New toys will help to interest an elderly pet.
• If your cat is accustomed to walking outside, be sure to take her outside to fresh air. Just do not let out an elderly pet alone - in case of danger, it is already more difficult for him to stand up for himself.
• Pay attention to your pet's behavior: if a previously cheerful cat has suddenly lost interest in you, this is probably how cognitive impairment manifests itself. And if it is difficult for an animal to jump on furniture or run, it is likely that it develops arthritis.Arthritis & Degenerative Joint Disease in Cats. Be sure to check your pet with your veterinarian.

6. Mood and behavior

A cat over seven years old can become more affectionate and capricious, often ask for something, meow more, climb onto the owner's lap. This is normal. With age, furry pets often develop anxiety, fearfulness and disorientation, and an emotional connection with a person helps them calm down. But if the pet began to hiss at you, scratch and avoid people, then it is better to go to the veterinarian. Another warning sign is strange behavior. If the cat stops recognizing the owner, starts sleeping in unusual places or gets lost in the apartment, this may indicate the development of dementia.Cognitive Dysfunction.

What to do

• Iron and love. And also go to the veterinarian and honestly talk about everything that worries you and your pet.
• In no case should you ignore changes in the behavior of the animal and follow the rules of caring for an elderly cat.