Aging is a fact of life for all of us, including our beloved feline family members. Cats between 7 and 9 years old are considered senior cats; once our cats reach this life stage, there are certain needs we must look out for. As cats age they may develop arthritis or other mobility issues, so you’ll need to make sure they have easy access to necessities like food, water, beds, litter and scratchers. They also need things to keep them active, both mentally and physically. But meeting your senior cat’s needs doesn’t mean giving up on good design; catification is all about providing for your cat’s needs to climb, perch, rest and play without compromising the beauty of your home or your own personal style.
If you have a senior cat, or if you’re thinking about adopting one, make the most of the golden years and enjoy this special time together. Here are some simple ways to "catify" your home and help keep your older feline happy and healthy.
Pet Stairs
Pet stairs can make reaching the bed or sofa a little easier for your senior cat. They come in a variety of styles, and some even fold for storage when not in use. Look for stairs that have carpeting or sisal on the treads to help prevent slipping.
Senior cats can have difficulty navigating slippery surfaces,
so consider adding a nonslip mat anywhere your cat might try to climb.
Sisal mats with nonslip backing are perfect for window sills and chair seats. You can buy sisal rug remnants and cut them to the exact size you need.
It may be difficult for your senior cat to climb in and out
of his litterbox. Consider switching to a litterbox with a very
low opening. It will be much easier for your cat to step over.
An elevated feeding dish can make mealtime
more pleasant for your senior cat. With her food at just the right height, she won’t have to
bend over to eat, which can hurt cats with neck or back problems.
A drinking fountain can encourage your senior cat
to drink more water. Place fountains around your house in easy-to-reach places, so your cat has ample access to fresh water.
A heated cat bed can provide welcome relief for senior cats,
especially those with arthritis. Heated cat beds come in a variety of shapes
and sizes, and some have orthopedic foam cushions for extra comfort and support.
Make sure your senior cat has an accessible
scratching surface. Consider getting a large, flat scratcher that sits on the
floor. Your senior cat may also enjoy lounging on the scratcher.
Your senior cat may not be as physically active as when she was
younger, but she still needs mental stimulation as part of her daily routine.
Consider playing a video for her while you’re away.
"Cat Sitter" videos are filled with images and sounds from nature, including birds,
mice, fish and other entertaining critters.
Keep your senior cat moving with an interactive
cat toy, such as a treat dispenser or puzzle toy. These toys entice
your cat to play and stimulate her brain.
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