CAT
SENIOR CARE

Caring for senior cats involves understanding their changing needs and adapting to them compassionately. At Vet At Your Door, we recognize the unique challenges faced by aging felines and are committed to offering specialized care tailored to their needs.

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How can I keep my aging cat healthy? 

1. Regular Veterinary Check-Ups: We provide stress-free, in-home check-ups, which are vital for monitoring your senior cat's health. Our visits can include comprehensive exams, blood work, and X-rays, tailored to your cat's needs in the comfort of your home.

2. Nutrition: During our home visits, we can assess your cat's dietary needs and advise on the best senior-specific cat food. We can also suggest dietary adjustments for any health conditions your cat may have.

3. Hydration and Diet Management: We understand the importance of hydration in senior cats. During our visits, we can guide you on how to incorporate wet food into their diet and ensure they are adequately hydrated.

4. Exercise Recommendations: We can evaluate your cat's physical condition during home visits and recommend suitable exercises. This is particularly important for maintaining joint health and managing arthritis.

5. Joint Care: Our in-home services include advising on and prescribing necessary supplements or medications for joint health. We can directly observe your cat's mobility and suggest tailored solutions.

6. Dental Care: Regular dental care is crucial for senior cats. We offer dental checkups  at home and can refer you to one of our partner hospitals for any dental procedures that are recommended such as a cleaning or if a tooth needs to be removed. We can also instruct you on establishing an effective dental care routine.

7. Grooming Assistance: We can observe your cat's grooming habits during our visits and provide advice on tools and techniques that might be helpful, especially for cats that struggle with self-grooming due to age.

8. Adapting to Sensory Changes: We can help you identify signs of sensory changes like vision or hearing loss and offer practical advice on making your home safer and more navigable for your cat.

9. Mental Health and Routine: We can help you understand and cater to the emotional needs of your aging cat, offering advice on maintaining routines and providing emotional support.

10. Environment Adaptation: During our visits, we can help you identify and implement changes in your home environment to make it more senior-cat friendly, such as adjusting the placement of litter boxes, food, and water bowls.

 

With Vet At Your Door, you get personalized veterinary care right at your doorstep, ensuring your senior cat's health and comfort are managed with the utmost care and convenience. Reach out to make an appointment. 

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FAQs About Senior Care for Cats:

 

As our beloved feline companions enter their senior years, typically around the age of 10, they require more specialized and attentive care. At Vet At Your Door, we understand the unique challenges and joys of caring for senior cats. Our house call service is designed to provide personalized, compassionate care for your aging cat right in the comfort of your home. We are committed to enhancing your pet's health span, ensuring they not only live long but also enjoy a high quality of life.

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Here are some commonly asked questions about cat senior care: 

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Why is my cat losing weight?

Weight loss in senior cats can be due to various reasons including decreased appetite from loss of smell or taste, dental issues, or underlying health conditions like metabolic disorders. At Vet At Your Door, we offer in-home examinations and lab work to determine the cause and provide tailored nutritional advice and medical treatments to best manage your cat’s weight.

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What about changes in my cat's breath?

Changes in breath odor can be a sign of dental issues or serious health conditions like liver or kidney disease.Our team provides dental check-ups and treatments in the comfort of your home, reducing stress for your pet with our Fear Free approach.

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My cat seems unusually thirsty, why?

Increased thirst can be a symptom of diabetes, kidney disease, or other diseases in senior cats. We can conduct home-based diagnostic tests to identify the cause and offer appropriate treatments and dietary recommendations.

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Why does my cat toss and turn at night?

Discomfort from conditions like arthritis can disturb a cat’s sleep. Vet At Your Door provides home-based pain management solutions, including medications and therapies to ensure your cat’s comfort at night.

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Is it normal for my senior cat to nap more?

Older cats tend to sleep more due to reduced energy levels and responsiveness. Our in-home assessments can determine if this is a natural part of aging or a sign of underlying issues.

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Why has my cat started bumping into things?

This could be due to declining eyesight, a common issue in senior cats. We offer gentle, in-home evaluations to assess your cat’s vision and advise on how to make your home safer for them.

 

Why won’t my cat come when called?

It could be "selective listening" but seriously, deafness or arthritis could be the reason your cat doesn't respond. Our team can assess your cat’s hearing and mobility, and provide advice on adapting your communication and home environment.

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My gentle cat scratched me/my child, why?

Senior cats can become aggressive due to pain, sensory decline, or stress. We can help identify the cause and offer solutions to manage your cat’s behavior and reduce stress.

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Why doesn’t my cat groom as much as before?

Difficulty in grooming is often due to arthritis or other mobility issues. Our veterinarians can assess and treat such conditions at home, ensuring your cat remains comfortable and well-cared for.

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What should I do about my cat's diet and hydration?

Dietary needs change with age, and hydration is crucial for preventing kidney issues and constipation. We provide personalized dietary plans and hydration strategies suited to your senior cat’s specific needs.

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Caring for a senior cat requires a compassionate, attentive approach. At Vet At Your Door, we specialize in providing comprehensive, stress-free veterinary care right in your home. Our Fear Free certified approach ensures your cat’s comfort and well-being during examinations, lab work, pain management, and chronic disease management. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call us at (207) 536-8387, email info@vetatyourdoor.com, or fill out our online form. Together, we can help your senior cat enjoy a healthy, comfortable life.

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