Is Your Cat Senile?

Has your senior cat been acting a bit unusual lately? If Fluffy is well into her senior years, she may be experiencing some cognitive decline. Just like people, kitties can get confused and forgetful as they age. Read on as a Tipp City, OH vet offers tips on helping your furry friend cope with these changes.

Cats can’t tell us if something is wrong, so it’s important for you to be aware of and watch for signs of mental decline. Some common ones include confusion, anxiety, irritability, withdrawal, changes in eating habits, changes in grooming behaviors, changes in vocalizations or behavior, and restlessness. If you notice any of these red flags, immediately schedule a full veterinary exam for Fluffy.

There are some things you can do to make things a bit easier on your pet. Try to keep Fluffy on a set routine for meals, naps, and playtime. The stability will help your kitty feel more secure. Also, turn a nightlight on for your feline friend after dark, to help her find her way around. If you leave your kitty home alone while you’re at work, turn a radio or TV on before you leave. The music and background noise will both comfort Fluffy and offer her beneficial mental stimulation.

Did you know that playing with your feline pal regularly is one of the best things you can do for her? You don’t have to worry too much about overexerting your cat. If Fluffy gets tired, she’ll just quit playing. Use toys that you can control. Tracking the movements of her ‘prey’ offers your frisky pet great mental stimulation. This can be very beneficial for older cats.

Fluffy may get lost on the way to the litterbox, forget where her food bowl is, or get ‘stuck’ in a corner. She may also meow loudly to express her fear and distress when these things happen. Just comfort your furry buddy as much as you can when these things happen. Gently pick her up and pet her, and talk to her in a soothing tone. Making sure that your furry buddy always feels loved and safe will go a long way towards keeping that little motor going!

Please reach out to us, your local Tipp City, OH vet clinic, if there’s anything we can ever help you with. We’re here for you!