As you watch your cat get older, you’ll notice several changes from his appearance to his behavior. Age brings new memories, but it also brings a few problems. You may notice your cat being a little more careful with his movements, and having some trouble getting around the way he used to. Hard floors can make movement especially difficult, and although cats may be nimble, slipping and falling isn’t impossible. For a cat with arthritis or joint issues, it can be particularly painful.

You may not be opposed to carpeting your whole house for the sake of your cat’s comfort, but there are much simpler, less costly ways to make your cat feel at ease in his own home again. There are booties available to help your cat find his footing, but cats seem to have decided long ago that clothing, even for safety’s sake, is not for them.

Related: 8 Best Self Cleaning Litter Boxes for Cats

Many people with joint pain and arthritis find that taking a supplement with Omega fatty acids (found naturally in fish) helps relieve the pain in their joints. Less pain allows them to move more freely, and be more active. The same ingredients used by humans are also available in supplements that are safe for cats. Adding a supplement to your cat’s diet can give him the same benefits that millions of people with similar joint issues experience.

Project Paws® Omega 3-6-9 Select Chews are totally safe for cats, and were formulated by veterinarians with pets in mind. These incredible chews contain essential omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids, which, along with joint health, also promote skin, coat, heart, and immune health, along with many other benefits!

Every purchase feeds 14 shelter cats!

Many of us would happily turn our homes upside down if that was what it took to keep our cats happy. Luckily, it doesn’t need to go that far! Offering a joint supplement like Project Paws® Omega 3-6-9 Select Chews not only makes your home safer and easier to navigate for your cat, it can improve his overall health – without having to cover his feet or your floors.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional.

The post An Important Warning To Senior Cat Owners Who Have Wood or Tile Floors appeared first on iHeartCats.com.

If your cat is approaching the golden years, there are signs to let you know once they’re reaching the homestretch of those nine lives. Although we love our cats dearly, sadly they are like humans who don’t live forever. Here are a few things to be aware of if your cat is getting older:

1. Getting up isn’t always so easy

As your precious kitty reaches their twilight years, it may prove difficult for them to get up as quickly as they once did. Allow them extra time to move about or help out by giving them a loving lift.

2. Gradual loss of appetite

This sign may be easier to spot if you have a kitty that always leaves their food bowl dry. The older your cat gets the lesser amount of food they will need to take in, so be on the lookout for a drop in weight as well.

Source: @Sean Goblin via Flickr

3. Here, kitty kitty?

If your cat is truly getting older, that selective deafness they may have been practicing at times could take a turn to impaired hearing. As your cat ages so will all of their senses. This completely normal transition into a new stage of life may be a telltale sign for you as an owner.

Source: @BlueRidgeKitties via Flickr

4. Your social butterfly may start to retreat

Your cat may once have been the life of the party, but if they retreat to a safe place to hide every time visitors are present definitely take this as a sign. Cats that are older prefer peace and quiet as opposed to the lively lifestyle they may have once enjoyed.

Source: @Astrid Albert via Flickr

5. Catching extra catnaps

Older cats require more sleep than younger cats do. As your cat approaches their senior years you may find them sleeping even more than normal.

Source: @Cy-V via Flickr

6. They need you more than they used to

Cats are loyal to their loving owners, that’s for sure. As your cat gets up there in age you may find them becoming a bit clingy with a desire to be close to you almost whenever you’re around.

Source: @A.Davey via Flickr

7. Not so high, please

With a slow decline in the senses also comes a steady decline in cat-like reflexes. The same cat that you may have once repeatedly told to “get down” may now have a hard time getting up. If kitty sleeps with you on your high bed at night, try investing in a cat ramp/step ladder to make getting on/off the bed easier for your aging feline companion.

The post 7 Things To Be Aware Of As Your Cat Gets Older appeared first on iHeartCats.com.

Getting old isn’t easy, especially when the one growing older is your feline companion approaching the end of their nine lives. In the years since they’ve entered your life you’ve learned to love them unconditionally and the thought of life without them may be painful to bear. Here are some ways to make your senior cat more comfortable, because by showing them that you care this will prove to kitty just how much they mean to you.

1. Make sure your cat has their own special place to nap

Older cats spend even more time snoozing than your younger felines, so be sure that they have a nice and quiet place to reside when catching up on their Z’s. Many older cats like to keep warm, so putting a cat bed next to a windowsill might be a great idea for them to stay both comfy and cozy.

 Source: @M B via Flickr

2. Raise their food bowl up so it’s easier on them

When kitty gets older, they may have difficulty bending all the way down to eat out of their food bowls. At any local pet store you can find a stand that raises the bowls up onto a platform, this way it’s easier on your senior cat who may start grazing on several small meals per day. Also, make sure you’re giving an appropriate food for a senior cat.

Source: @irrational_cat via Flickr

3. Change your cat’s diet to better suit their needs

Now that your cat has reached the golden years, they may need a change in their diet to accommodate their old age. Ask your cat’s veterinarian what they suggest before switching brands or blends.

Source: @Suzi Duke via Flickr

4. Incorporate some exercise in during quality time

An older cat with a case of arthritis really needs light daily exercise to better their condition. Try any fishing pole toy, like the Bird Catcher PRO EX to entertain your older cat while working out the kinks.

Source: @writingortyping via Flickr

5. If you have other kitties in the household, be sure to let your oldest know they have seniority

This is very important for maintaining a healthy balance, so when divvying out treats or displays of affection be sure to let older kitty go first. Letting them know that they still sit at the top of the invisible throne is necessary for them to feel properly acclimated in the home they share.

6. Be extra gentle when handling your senior cat

When your cat was younger, if they not so accidentally jumped up on the counter they would land right on their feet if you shooed them right off. Now that your cat has reached the golden years they may not be near as agile as they used to, so be mindful of this when handling them.

Source: @Byron Chin via Flickr

7. Understand that your older cat may need you more

If your older cat seems to be a bit more bothersome with age, remember that they may be acting super-needy as a way of seeking comfort. It’s very well possible that your older cat may be acting clingier than usual as a way of expressing their fears about losing touch with their once keen abilities. Give kitty a break if they are a being a bit of a pain, and know that they are only leaning on their beloved owner for support.

Source: @Jill via Flickr

8. Help your senior kitty groom themselves

Kittens and younger cats have no problems twisting and contorting their bodies to fix their fluff, but older cats may not be able to move their aging bodies to get those hard to reach places. Show your senior cat that you care by giving them a daily brushing to help them keep their coats tidy.

The post 8 Ways To Make Your Senior Cat More Comfortable appeared first on iHeartCats.com.

As your cat ages, her needs change. Having these products will help your kitty enjoy her golden years more.

#1 – Ramps For Cat Trees

As your kitty ages, jumping up on cat trees, couches, window sills, etc., because harder and even impossible. However, this does not mean your cat does not want to hang out in high places. Help them out by buying tress with ramps, and/or adding ramps to existing furniture. (Image Source: @DrsFostersandSmith)

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#2 – Heated Bed

Just like people, older kitties can have a hard time staying warm and can suffer from join point. A headed bed can keep them warm and ease their joint pain, making them more comfortable. (Image Source: @Bill&VickiT
via Flickr)

#3 – Soft Bristle Brush

Your senior cat may need to be groomed even more than a young cat that is grooming himself on a regular basis. Using a nice soft brush will ensure you don’t pull on their sensitive skin or accidently scratch them. (Image Source: @DrsFostersandSmith)

#4 – Easy Access Litter Box

As their mobility decreases, makes sure your kitty can still access the litterbox, otherwise they won’t use it. If you have been using a top entry or enclosed litter box, you may need to switch to a low, easy to access litter box. For cats with bad hips or legs, you may need to switch to potty pads. This automatic one is nice because it has a ramp to help the kitty up, and it collects the litter. (Image source: DerikDeLong via Flickr)

Related: 8 Best Self Cleaning Litter Boxes for Cats

#5 – Waterless Shampoo

As kitties get older, they sometimes have a harder time keeping themselves clean. They may not be able bend as well, they are too heavy to reach everywhere, or they just do not have the energy. Waterless shampoo can help keep your older cat smelling and looking clean. (Image Source: @IHeartPetHead)

#6 – Canned Food

As they lose their teeth, it can be hard for your cat to chew dry kibble. It’s also harder for them to digest. Having canned food on hand makes you prepared if you noticed your cat is having a hard time crunchy their kibble, is throwing it up, or is constipated. It also helps entice the elderly cat to eat, which can be difficult.

#7 – Cat Diapers

Your kitty might not make it to the litter box anymore to do his business. That’s where these cat diapers, called “piddle pants” come in handy. They work just like a diaper and help you avoid having to clean up after your cat all the time. (Image source: Joybies.com)

#8 – Supplements

Your aging cat is going to need different minerals and nutrients than he did when he was younger. Talk to your vet about which supplements you should add to his diet to optimize his nutrition.

#9 – Low-Lying Cat Scratcher

Senior kitties can often have trouble reaching their paws up and scratching something upright, like the typical cat scratching post. Make sure your kitty continues to use appropriate items to sharpen those claws by purchasing scratching products that lay on the ground, versus upright. (Image source: MonsleurGordon via Flickr)

#10 – Cooling Mat

In the summer months, keep your senior kitty happy with a cooling mat. It will help your kitty not get heatstroke can sooth aches and pains associated with old age. (@CoolingVests)

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