Conversations For Your Vet After Adopting A Senior Cat
Senior cats make some of the best adoptions. As The Spruce points out, they're much easier to get along with than kittens, especially when children are involved. What's more, they're cleaner and mellower than kittens. Sometimes, you represent their last chance for a home.
As soon as you adopt a senior cat, though, you should take them to the vet to discuss their ongoing care. Below are some of the talking points for your first visit.
Body Condition
Cats aren't saved from their own version of a BMI. Vets don't use the same index as for humans, but they'll still evaluate if your new pet is at a healthy weight. Senior cats, like humans, can sometimes be too heavy or too thin. They get too heavy because they eat the same as always while getting less exercise. Conversely, they can lose muscle mass, which can leave them scrawny.
Talk to your vet about the body condition of your senior cat. You might need to put them on a special diet or engage in extra play. Your vet may even suggest alternative treatments, such as acupuncture or massage.
Diet
Concerning diet, cats' nutritional needs change as they age. Typically, you should feed your senior cat food labeled specifically for that life stage. Such food features high-quality protein and sometimes vitamin E to boost the cat's immune system.
Your vet may have some specific recommendations for your new senior pet. If your cat is on the heavy or thin side, they may need a special diet. Your vet should be able to tell you if your cat needs any special food because of dental issues.
Dental Health
All cats are prone to dental issues. Age exacerbates such issues. Cat mouths are made to kill prey and chew through skin, flesh, tendon, and bones. The actions not only strengthen the cat's mouth muscles, but they also clean the cat's teeth.
Most house cats never have to kill their prey or chew anything tougher than kibble. As a result, their teeth often develop plaque, which can lead to gum disease. Many senior cats have lost teeth and may have mouth discomfort. Your vet should examine your cat's teeth and advise you on any next steps to promote their dental health.
Aging Issues
Like humans, senior cats can develop issues specific to aging. One of the most common is arthritis. Your vet should check your cat's joints to detect any inflammation. If necessary, the vet may prescribe medication, supplements, or weight loss.
Have the vet check for any vision or hearing loss, too. Senior cats with such losses can still lead rewarding lives — they just need a stable routine and landscape.
Reap the rewards of adopting a senior cat by talking to your vet about how to maximize their quality of life. Contact a local veterinary clinic today for more information.