Adopting A Senior Cat

November is Adopt A Senior pet month! Are you considering getting a new kitty? Why not give a sweet senior feline a great retirement home? Older cats have a lot of love to give, but they have really a hard time competing with kittens when it comes to getting adopted. Read on as a local Brampton, ON vet offers tips on adopting a senior cat.

Benefits of Adopting A Senior Cat

There are some great advantages to adopting an older kitty. Cats in their senior years are often very sweet and cuddly, and just want someone to snuggle with. Fluffy also won’t be as destructive as younger kittens, and will likely be more interested in napping on your lap than in attacking your toes. You may also find that your new pet is extremely loving and affectionate. Animals know when someone has helped them, and they tend to get extremely attached to their saviors!

Visit The Vet

One of the first things you’ll want to do is visit the vet. Most likely, Fluffy will already be spayed or neutered. However, you’ll want to make sure that she is current on her vaccinations and parasite control products. A thorough exam is also in order. If your feline friend has any medical issues, you’ll want to get treatment started as soon as possible. For comprehensive veterinary wellness and pet vaccination services, visit our Veterinary Wellness and Pet Vaccinations page.

Comforts

Older cats have slightly different care needs than their younger counterparts. Fluffy will spend the vast majority of her time sleeping, so you’ll want to get her some comfy beds. Your furball will also appreciate some pet ramps or stairs, so she can reach her favorite perches. For extra purrs, get her some pieces of cat furniture that are easy for her to climb off and on. Small touches, like leaving a nightlight on after dark, will also help.

Kitty Care

To keep your new feline buddy happy and healthy, start by giving her a good, senior-formula food. You’ll also want to brush your furball regularly, as kitties in their golden years sometimes have trouble reaching their whole bodies when grooming themselves. For more detailed guidance on caring for your aging cat, check out our Senior Cat Care Tips.

Purrs And Love

What’s the golden rule of caring for a senior cat? Simple: just offer Fluffy lots of love and TLC. You may very well find that senior cat purrs are truly precious!

Please reach out to us, your local Brampton, ON pet clinic, anytime. We are always happy to help!