Keeping things clean
In their later years your cat may struggle grooming themselves. Here are a few things you can try to help them feel relaxed and comfortable. Its a great way to bond with your cat and they will appreciate the help. You can keep an eye on their routines and behavior which will assist in spotting any underlying issues.
Brushing is not just for seniors, but for all ages. It helps keep your cat's coat clean and healthy. It removes dirt, loose hair and improves circulation. We recommend this as it allows you to keep an eye on your cat's health and also spend some time with them. The more time you spend with them, the more they will trust you when you want to try other grooming practices such nail clipping or shampooing.
Your pet's dental hygiene is as important as your own. It can be difficult to look after as they get older especially if your cat is not used to some of the products that are available. If your are luckily enough to adopt them at a young age, we recommend talking to your vet about brushing their teeth.
If your cat is not keen on brushing you can buy a solution to add to their water. This helps eliminate bad breath and aids in controlling plaque build up. This solution needs to be changed daily so don't forget to set reminders. Check in with your local pet shop as there are other products on the market that can be added to food to reduce plaque build up.
As your cat gets older they become less active and you may find them using their scratching post less. Their nails become thicker, take longer to wear down and their claws will not retract as far as they used to. If you find your cat getting caught on blankets and quilts or notice their nails looking long, it is worth booking an appointment with you local vet to get them trimmed. If you feel comfortable cutting them yourself ask your vet and they can show you how.
As your cat gets older they may find it harder to lean on their back legs to use vertical scratching posts. Horizontal scratchpads come in all shapes and sizes and many are made from cardboard so they are cheap and easily replaced.
You can infuse scratchpads with cat nip to encourage your cat. They may lose interest in their later years but worth trying in their senior years to help keep those nails short to reduce the chance for ingrown nails.
No rinse foam shampoos are available for cats that are unable to clean themselves i.e., when they are wearing a cone / collar. It is also useful when they they are in their senior years and start to have toilet accidents in their sleep, or if they have to sit whilst urinating. It is easy to apply; simply leave in for a few moments then brush out. No need for water. It smells so great, I have to stop my partner from using it on her own hair! Shampoo for bathing your cat can also be purchased.
