A well cared for cat with no chronic health issues can easily live 20 years and even more. However, anything over 12 is a gift ' and once they reach even a mere 7 years of age, most vets recommend special food and care when it comes to senior petcare.

Even though cats have a reputation for being independent and lazy (they can sleep up to 18 hours a day), they are ' when given the chance ' very active and playful, up till the end. One of the first clues that your beloved feline is indeed reaching her senior years, therefore, is when you see she is having some difficulty doing the things she used to do.

If chasing butterflies and jumping onto your bed are starting to look difficult and painful, now is the time to do whatever you can to make her life as comfortable as possible.

Cats suffer from the same old age maladies that humans do. Heart problems, kidney failure, cancer, and arthritis set in around ten year olds. Some breeds even have genetic traits that can almost promise that they will suffer from a particular issue at some point in their lives.

Medications are almost identical to ours, too, and your vet will let you know when it's time to start your kitty on perhaps antiflammatories to help with her joint pain.

Diet is also a concern as their later years approach. Any cat owner will tell you that changing a cat's diet is one of the most difficult things they have to do. Cats like what they like, and that's it. However, their usual diet might be high in sodium or fat and many health problems will put them at risk if these foods are continually ingested.

Old cats need the same love and attention as older relatives, and they will reward you with unabated love for years to come.

 

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