Pets are a special part of our lives, and they are a lifelong commitment. As a cat owner, you already know the joys they bring, but there are extra challenges you’ll face as they age. Yet, you can take steps now to make your home a safe and comfortable environment for them.
Centering Their Lives
Unfortunately, an older cat can find climbing stairs a struggle, particularly if they have developed arthritis. If they live upstairs, then consider putting their bedroom, together with litter boxes and toys, somewhere more accessible. A good place is an area near to your pet's favorite furniture, or where there is little foot traffic from people. After all, cats, like their humans, need peace and quiet to feel safe enough to doze off. This may exclude the living room, but there could be a corner perfect to act as the HQ for your buddy's life. Your choice will matter, as they deserve a place to relax without being put under any physical strain.
Improving Accessibility
Moving your furry friend is an important first step, but their accessories may still not be as accessible as they should be. For instance, some senior cats can stop using litter boxes if they are not adapted to their changing mobility. Likewise, standard bowls might strain joints if your buddy has to stretch downwards to drink or eat, so opted for raised bowls. Even your cat's bed can cause issues, from problems getting in and out to restlessness. Thankfully, there are accessories that you could purchase outright, such as orthopedic beds or elevated bowls, but you can also adapt what you already have. By having suitable tools, you can improve your companion’s quality of life, and move one step closer to creating the perfect environment.
Dealing with Accidents
As our felines age, they may become prone to having accidents. That doesn't have to be an issue, however, as there are pet-friendly solutions to address stains and persistent smells. As a start, use absorbent pads or add extra litter boxes in areas where there is regular marking. To deal with accidents themselves, be sure to collect as much of the urine as practical before applying an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate both the stain and odor. Once everything has been vacuumed, you could then spray baking soda freshener as an added measure against smells. Dealing with mishaps is a process, but it can be highly effective when done right.
Centering Their Lives
Unfortunately, an older cat can find climbing stairs a struggle, particularly if they have developed arthritis. If they live upstairs, then consider putting their bedroom, together with litter boxes and toys, somewhere more accessible. A good place is an area near to your pet's favorite furniture, or where there is little foot traffic from people. After all, cats, like their humans, need peace and quiet to feel safe enough to doze off. This may exclude the living room, but there could be a corner perfect to act as the HQ for your buddy's life. Your choice will matter, as they deserve a place to relax without being put under any physical strain.
Improving Accessibility
Moving your furry friend is an important first step, but their accessories may still not be as accessible as they should be. For instance, some senior cats can stop using litter boxes if they are not adapted to their changing mobility. Likewise, standard bowls might strain joints if your buddy has to stretch downwards to drink or eat, so opted for raised bowls. Even your cat's bed can cause issues, from problems getting in and out to restlessness. Thankfully, there are accessories that you could purchase outright, such as orthopedic beds or elevated bowls, but you can also adapt what you already have. By having suitable tools, you can improve your companion’s quality of life, and move one step closer to creating the perfect environment.
Dealing with Accidents
As our felines age, they may become prone to having accidents. That doesn't have to be an issue, however, as there are pet-friendly solutions to address stains and persistent smells. As a start, use absorbent pads or add extra litter boxes in areas where there is regular marking. To deal with accidents themselves, be sure to collect as much of the urine as practical before applying an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate both the stain and odor. Once everything has been vacuumed, you could then spray baking soda freshener as an added measure against smells. Dealing with mishaps is a process, but it can be highly effective when done right.
Keeping Them Active
Regardless of your cat's age, staying active is vital to their physical and mental well-being. Getting them moving might involve toys or towers, but a “catio,” or cat patio, could also be beneficial. A catio is located outdoors and safeguards your furball from escape attempts and outside dangers without being too restrictive. It can provide a space to counter boredom and might stimulate instincts by letting them observe birds or play around in fresh air. You could make your own catio, but there are pre-assembled kits which can be set up quickly. With the right environment, your senior cat can stay active and secure.
Making Floors Safer
Carpet-free flooring has become increasingly popular, but it could make it harder for your senior companion to get around. So, consider how well your feline walks on surfaces like laminate, vinyl, or hardwood; if they are struggling or lose balance, you could use slip-free rugs. In fact, some carpet is now designed to diminish odors and be stain-resistant. Of course, you must factor in your feline's habits before choosing flooring, especially if they have a tendency to scratch. This issue can affect other materials, such as cork, which can also be easier on arthritic pets. When choosing suitable flooring, you help your buddy navigate the home safely.
Seeing the changes that come with an aging cat can be hard, but that doesn't alter the love we have for them. So, adapt your house to give them an environment that keeps them safe and healthy. With suitable changes, you can give your cat the support they deserve.
This article was written Penny Martin at Fureverfriend
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