Most of us don’t like to talk about our pets getting older because it makes us sad to think we have less time with them. But, with the right routine and care, their senior years can still be just as full, fun, and happy as their younger ones!
If you want to maintain your kitty’s youthful attitude despite her senior age, CBD for cats can be a wonderful addition to her health regime. CBD is a popular choice for many cat parents because it is not psychoactive, it’s easy to use, and some CBD products offer other ingredients for health support. If your cat is a senior, you might notice some different needs and behaviors, but a healthy diet and exercise along with CBD for cats can keep them comfortable and active. Let’s look at signs of seniority in cats, creating the right environment for a senior kitty, and five reasons to consider CBD for senior cats.
Is My Cat a Senior?
Cats are generally considered seniors around 8 to 10 years old, but the label of “senior” can vary from cat to cat. There is no magic number that can predict how your cat will age and behave as they get older – it depends on their genetics, medical history, and the level of veterinary care they’ve received.
If your cat is a rescue and you aren’t familiar with his medical and care history, you might not know what to expect from his seniority. Even if you’ve had him since he was a kitten, every cat will age differently. Some 12-year-old cats still act like kittens, while other cats start to slow down at 5 or 6 years old.
If you think your cat is reaching seniority, here are some changes and behaviors you might notice:
- Physical limitations
- Weight loss
- Temperament changes
- More vocalizing
Less Freedom of Movement Is a Part of Aging
Your senior cat might have less interest in climbing and jumping as they age. They might appear stiff after a long night of sleep or a cat nap. It’s important to pay close attention to when your cat starts to be limited in their movement, so you can ensure their environment is still friendly. If they start to have trouble going downstairs to the litter box, you might need to move it upstairs and allow your cat to live on a single level of the home.
Weight Loss Can Be an Indicator of Seniorhood
Some cats lose muscle mass in their senior years, and this can cause them to appear thinner and more boney. While this is a normal part of aging and becoming a senior cat, weight loss can sometimes indicate an underlying health issue. If your cat’s weight loss is sudden or dramatic, you should consult your veterinarian.
Senior Cats Often Have a Change in Temperament
Like humans, cats can get more grumpy as they age. You might notice your cat swiping or growling a little more often. Minor aggression or grumpiness is a normal part of getting older, and senior cats might need a little more space from other pets or children than they did when they were young.
Older Cats Might Make More Noise
Senior cats tend to vocalize more, often in the evening. This, too, can be a sign of something more serious than you may want to address with your veterinarian.
Ultimately, your cat’s seniority only needs to be considered if it is affecting her daily life. If you are maintaining a healthy routine and seeing your veterinarian regularly, and your cat seems happy and healthy, the aging process shouldn’t keep you up at night. But when your cat’s daily life is interrupted by these signs of seniority, you may need to take action.
Helping a Senior Cat Be Comfortable in Your Home
Do you have a senior kitty? Are you considering adopting an older cat who needs a loving home where she can live out her days happy and loved? Whether you already live with an aging feline or want to adopt one into your family, it’s important to support your senior cat’s home environment by:
- Giving them plenty of space
- Creating a safe, senior-friendly home environment
- Understanding senior cat health issues
- Being consistent with visiting the veterinarian
Give Your Senior Cat Plenty of Space
Senior cats will have a lifetime of experiences and habits that they have developed over the years. And sometimes those will naturally change as they age. It’s important that you give cats plenty of space and let them dictate boundaries about cuddling, petting, and spending time together. Some senior cats will want lots of affection, while others will need alone time now and then. Forcing affection on a senior cat can be detrimental to not only the kitty’s health but your bond as well.
Make Sure Your Home Is Friendly for a Senior Cat
A senior cat’s physical environment requires some thought and planning. The food and water bowls need to be easily accessible, as does the litter box. Some senior cats with physical limitations might even need a low-entry or zero-entry litter box.
Your cat should have a safe, warm, cozy place to sleep that it’s easy to get to. It’s best, especially if your senior cat is showing signs of dementia, to keep all of these items in one place so your cat doesn’t have to venture far to find what they need. If they demonstrate signs of stress when they are around other pets or children, be sure your senior cat has a way to actively separate from the family should they choose to do so.
Understand the Senior-Specific Cat Health Issues
Responsible pet owners need to be on the lookout for certain health concerns as their cats age. Older cats are susceptible to different health issues. They have different needs, so it’s important to pay attention to your cat’s behavior and be alert for any physical or behavioral changes as they age. From kidney problems to dementia, senior cats can experience health issues that an owner should be prepared for.
Be Consistent with Your Veterinary Visits
While visits to the veterinary clinic can sometimes be trying for cats – especially senior pets who prefer to stay at home – they are incredibly important to your animal’s health and wellness. Your veterinarian knows your cat’s history and is your best partner in keeping your kitty healthy and happy. Regular veterinary visits and care are even more important as your cat gets older to catch any concerns early. Talk to your vet about age-related issues and what to keep an eye out for as your senior cat enjoys his or her golden years. Helpful hint: Many veterinary clinics offer special senior care plans that make caring for your older kitty easy and affordable.
5 Reasons to Consider CBD for Senior Cats
The best thing you can do for your cat at any age – from kittenhood up through their later years – is to develop a consistent health routine. Your cat needs both mental and physical stimulation daily, healthy food, clean water, and attention to help keep them going strong. And make sure regular veterinary visits are part of their health plan.
CBD can be a really useful tool for cats who are getting up there in age. Here are some reasons to consider adding CBD to your cat’s wellness routine.
CBD Can Promote Comfort
There’s a reason the phrase “cat nap” is so popular. Cats love to take naps throughout the day, and their sleep schedule is an important part of their overall wellness. CBD can help your cat stay comfortable and relaxed so they can continue to get their essential beauty rest.
Especially when combined with other calm-supporting ingredients, CBD for cats can be the ultimate tool for keeping your cat in the chill zone. Our calming CBD oil for cats is an unflavored tincture that delivers CBD along with melatonin and an herbal blend that will support your cat’s healthy sleep and relaxation throughout the day.
CBD Can Help Your Cat Stay Active
Even older cats can stay active throughout the day and night, chasing everything from the laser pointer to the yarn ball to their own shadow. Most cat parents are familiar with the crazy porcelain dance that cats often do in the tub or the sink – this is great exercise, too!
You want your kitty to keep up their favorite activities throughout their life, and CBD for cats can help maintain that by supporting everyday wellness and physical comfort.
CBD Is an Easy-to-Use Tool
There are many ways to administer CBD to your kitty, and it’s extremely easy to incorporate into your daily lifestyle. CBD oil tinctures for cats are especially convenient to use – just drop the appropriate serving size into your cat’s food bowl or onto their favorite treat. The plastic dropper and tasty catnip flavor also mean you can safely drop the oil right into your pet’s mouth!
CBD Has No Psychoactive Reactions
CBD is very different from THC, the cannabinoid in marijuana that causes psychoactive responses. CBD products will not get your pet high or give them any of those mind-altering experiences, so you can rest assured that your cat is exclusively getting wellness benefits.
Consider CBD for Cats for Your Senior Kitty
Old age doesn’t have to mean less fun! As part of a healthy diet and plenty of exercise, CBD can promote comfort and activity in your cat. It’s easy to use and has no psychoactive reactions, so what’s not to love? CBD for senior cats can help your kitty continue to enjoy her life to the fullest.
With plenty of choices for how to include CBD for cats in your pet’s daily life, you’re sure to find something Leo or Luna will love. Ensure that daily cat tower climbs and cat naps in the sun continue to be part of your favorite feline’s routine with the addition of CBD oil for cats.