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Lesson 5: The Comfort Factor
 | Much like human senior citizens, geriatric cats need a bit more attention and help from their caretakers in order to enjoy the quality of life they deserve in their advancing years. They have served us well, and we need to reward that lifetime of devotion with some well-deserved pampering.
Heck, who of us, at any age, don't appreciate a pedicure or a gentle brushing out of our hair? |
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Provide a "Home Spa" for your Senior Kitty |
An Overview
Imagine yourself living at a luxurious spa, where you'd receive regular manicures, facials, exercise, massage, and food designed to keep you fit. This is exactly the kind of treatment you'll want to give your senior cat, for both his physical and psychic well-being.
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Nail Care
Trim his claws at least once a month, using these detailed instructions. Then follow up the "manicure" with a gentle massage of each pad, followed by a massage of each leg. Use a delicate pressure and move your fingers in a circular motion.
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Keep Coat Clear of Tangles and Mats
Over a period of time, lack of self-grooming will cause mats to develop, which are not only unsightly and painful, but can provide a harboring place for bacteria and fleas, with resultant skin irritation. You can help prevent this by brushing your cat regularly - once or twice a day is ideal. But when mats develop, use the techniques in this article to remove them.
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Exercise and Play
Even sedate old guys get a little frisky now and then, but you may have to make the first move to encourage him to play. Longtime skills will quickly come into play when a tempting bird on a string or other wiggly prey makes an appearance. Regular play will help keep muscles supple and joints lubricated, and will also help prevent depression. Precede the play period with a warm-up massage for added benefit.
Here are some of my favorite interactive toys for cats.
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Minimizing Stress |
Stress and the Older Cat
Stress can have as debilitating an effect on cats' health as it does to that of humans. Stress can come from many sources, and in older cats any form of change can be a stressor. Try to keep any optional changes to a minimum, and when changes must be made, use these tips to help minimize stress.
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Preview of Last Lesson
The sixth and final lesson will approach a subject most of us don't even want to think about: the eventual loss of our cat. "When It's Time to Say Goodbye" will deal with making that rough decision, as well as learning some coping techniques to use during the necessary grief process that follows. Sad, but very essential reading.
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