Cats reach their golden years around the age of eleven. Our feline pals tend to age well, so it’s more likely that you’ll notice slow, steady changes in your pet’s looks and behavior than sudden, drastic ones. But as kitties get older, they need to see their vet more often, just like older people go to their doctors more frequently. In this article, a local Ashland WI vet gives some good tips on how to take an older cat to the vet.

How Do I Take An Older Cat Somewhere?

When you travel with your pet, you should always keep them in a crate or cage. It’s safer for both of you! You don’t want your pet roaming around freely in the car, as she could interfere with your driving and could even cause an accident! It’s also more comfortable for your kitty. Cats that are getting old often feel stiff and tired, especially if they have arthritis or other health problems. It might be uncomfortable for Fluffy to be picked up and held. Using a hardshell case will keep your pet safe from getting bumped or squished as you bring her in and out of the house, car, and clinic. 

To make the carrier feel cozier, put soft pillows or bedding inside it. You can also give your pet some catnip or a favorite toy. 

How Can I Tell If My Old Cat Is In Pain?

Cats often live well into their teens or even twenties these days. Kitties are considered seniors around 11, but that isn’t a hard and fast cutoff. Even if Fluffy is 11 years old, she may still be playful and frisky, and may still purr and pounce for years to come. 

Not all of our feline friends age the same way. Some cats may seem very happy and then quickly decline. Others may slowly succumb to illness. Watch for signs that something is wrong. Be on the lookout for weight loss, stiffness, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, problems with the litter box, and breathing problems. Also, keep an eye out for changes in behavior. When cats don’t feel well, some meow a lot, while others become very quiet. Fluffy might also act more or less friendly than usual. Take note of anything that seems out of character for your pet.

Keep in mind that some things that are warning signs in younger cats are not unusual for seniors. For example, sleeping a lot is unusual for a six-year-old feline, but older cats pretty much snooze all the time: they can actually sleep up to 20 hours a day. Also, your pet might look a little messy. There are times when older cats just can’t clean their whole bodies, as they are stiff and sore.

How Often Should I Take My Old Cat To The Bayfield County WI Vet?

It depends on Fluffy’s age and health. Most of the time, we suggest that older cats come in at least once a year. If your pet has health problems, though, she’ll need to visit us more often. Follow your Bayfield County WI vet’s recommendations.

What Are Some Common Health Problems That Older Cats Have?

As cats get older, they are more likely to get many of the same health problems that older people do. Some of these include kidney disease, cancer, heart disease, liver disease, and diabetes. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) is another common problem. Cats that are getting older also suffer cognitive decline, though that’s to some extent parr (or purr) for the course.

It is important to note that any cat can get any of these problems, but some kinds are more likely to develop specific ones than others. If you know what type of cat you have, learn more about Fluffy’s breed. In that case, you might want to think about getting a kitty DNA test.

What Can I Do To Make It Easier To Get My Older Cat To Our Ashland WI Pet Clinic?

Fluffy likes to stay home, so she probably won’t be happy about having to change her nap time. (She doesn’t like rides in cars in general either.) Cats are also very scared when they are taken from their homes. Many of our patients are more upset about the trip into the clinic than they are by their actual appointments!

As mentioned above, a comfy carrier is a must. Try to schedule your appointment for a time when the office isn’t normally busy. Because accidents can happen at any time, you can’t be sure that any given day will be quiet, but some days and times do tend to be busier than others. When making plans, ask the front desk about this. However, if there is an emergency, you should get your cat into the clinic as soon as possible.

Should You Take A Cat That Is Getting Old To The Vet?

When you take an older cat to the vet and don’t know what will happen, it can be scary. Remember that the most important thing is to keep Fluffy happy and relaxed for as long as possible. If you think something is wrong, putting off that visit will make things harder for both you and your cat in the long run. 

Also, remember that medicine can help treat or at least ease the symptoms of many health problems. The faster a problem is found, the better.

What Does An Older Cat Do At The Vet?

If Fluffy is only coming in for a checkup and health care, the visit will probably be pretty much the same as her other ones. Your vet will look at your feline pal, evaluate her overall body condition, run some basic tests, and check her vital signs, like her breathing and pulse. They will also let you know if Fluffy needs any recommended shots or boosters. 

If you are bringing your kitty in because of a specific health issue, the answer will depend on what is wrong when you bring your pet in for quick care.

How Do I Make Sure My Old Cat Is Comfortable?

You can also do some things at home to make sure your cute pet is healthy, happy, and purring. Giving them good food, a comfortable place to live, and a clean litter box will help a lot. Small changes can also make your space a little better for your furry buddy. Place pet ramps or steps near your pet’s favorite spots to help her out, and set out night lights to help her find her way at night. Regularly playing with Fluffy can also help her stay fit and give her good mental exercise. 

Finally, make sure Fluffy knows you love and care for her. Savor this special time in your cat’s life. When it’s time to say goodbye, you may feel very heartbroken at that moment, but that can’t be avoided. Just think of it as a tradeoff: the grief we feel is the price we pay for our furry friends’ selfless love.

Contact Our Ashland WI Pet Hospital

Do you want to know more about taking care of an older cat? Do you need to make an appointment for your cat? You can call our Ashland WI veterinary hospital at any time.