252 September 2015 - Gryffe Advertizer
The Advertizer - Your local community magazine to the Gryffe area.
The Advertizer - Your local community magazine to the Gryffe area.
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8 the advertizer t: 01505 613340 e: info@advertizer.co.uk<br />
‘Sam’ by Barking Mad<br />
Pet Blog<br />
by PetVets<br />
Caring for an Aging Cat<br />
Dog Halloween<br />
Safety Tips will<br />
be published<br />
in our October<br />
issue - watch this<br />
space!!!<br />
As our feline friends get older their needs can change as they become<br />
less active and can develop age related conditions such as arthritis. It is<br />
important to consider these changing needs as your cat ages to ensure<br />
you provide everything they need to keep them healthy and happy. It is<br />
also important to monitor for early signs of ill health as conditions such<br />
as hyperthyroidism and chronic renal failure are common in older cats.<br />
Some points to consider include:<br />
• Offer smaller more frequent meals. Ideally feed your<br />
cat wet food as it has a higher water content. Choose a<br />
food specifically designed for senior cats.<br />
• Fresh water should always be available and<br />
should be offered in various locations. Consider<br />
using a water fountain to encourage increased<br />
water intake.<br />
• Provide a warm, comfortable bed in a draught<br />
free area where your cat will not be disturbed.<br />
If the favoured sleeping area is up high provide<br />
access via a step if possible. Often older cats<br />
enjoy stretching out so hammock beds on radiators can<br />
be a popular choice.<br />
• If there are mobility issues you may need to provide a step up to the<br />
cat flap, and prop it open if it’s hitting your cat on the behind as they<br />
pass through.<br />
• Provide indoor litter trays with<br />
shallow sides and soft litter.<br />
• Older cats need quiet places to<br />
escape to.<br />
• Consider any new additions to<br />
the household carefully, older cats<br />
don’t always take well to a new<br />
playmate.<br />
• Regular gentle grooming will help<br />
keep the coat healthy. Nails may<br />
need to be clipped as in older cats<br />
they don’t retract as well and can<br />
become caught in carpets etc.<br />
• Monitor your cats’ weight, food<br />
and water intake, toileting habits<br />
and any changes in temperament.<br />
Contact your vet for a health check<br />
if any changes are noted.<br />
With a little bit of extra care and attention your elderly cat can enjoy a<br />
long and comfortable retirement!<br />
Rescue Centres<br />
Dogs Trust Glasgow: 0141-773-5130 - www.dogstrust.org.uk<br />
Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue: 01505-502415 - www.hessilhead.org.uk<br />
Johnstone Cat Rescue: 01505 337321<br />
Cat Protection: 0141-779-3341 -www.cats.org.uk/glasgowac/adopt-a-cat<br />
Scottish SPCA: 0141-882-1688 - www.scottishspca.org<br />
These centres are always on the lookout for donations and fundraising.<br />
If you can help, please get in touch with any of the centres above.
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