People tend to forget things or lose interest in them when they get old. This happens with both living and non-living things. Take parents in old homes, for example, their families barely ever come to visit them. It is sad but it is the harsh reality. However, we have to realise that just because something is getting old, it is not losing its value. It is only becoming more precious. Old is gold, remember? It is the same with cats. Sure, they might not be as playful anymore and they sleep a lot more now, but they are still warm, cuddly, and fluffy. They deserve just as much love as small kittens.
Cat behaviourist, Ingrid Johnson, explained to Bored Panda “Senior cats certainly require special accommodations. They need more frequent vet visits to manage chronic illness for one thing. Cats are silent sufferers and mask their illness so routine veterinary care is paramount.” There is more advice on cat behaviour down below if you scroll to see these adorable senior cattos:
1. 2 Years Ago Today I Walked Into A Petsmart And Met A Cat Named Sonny Who No One Would Adopt Because He Was 13 Years Old, Covered In Fleas, Underweight, And Had A Mouth Full Of Rotten Teeth That Had To Be Removed. He Came Home With Me That Night And It Was The Best Decision I’ve Ever Made
Senior cats need their food, water, and litter box to be nearby. It gets hard for them to access them in difficult places. “This means ensuring that you have resources placed in all of the areas where your senior citizen spends time. The last thing you want to do is have a litter box in the basement of a three-story home knowing your cat spends most of their time on the top floor in the bedroom,” the expert explained.
It makes sense if you compare their situation with humans. “Would you want to walk down two flights of stairs to go to the bathroom when you are 90? No! You would not!” said Ingrid.
6. This Happens Every Time I Go To My Barbers. He’s An Old Kitty Now, And He Can’t Miaow Anymore, It Comes Out As “Aaaggh!” I Always Let A Load Of Customers Go Ahead Of Me So I Don’t Disturb Him. Time Spent With Cats Is Never Wasted
8. Most Of Our Friends Don’t Believe We Have A Cat. We Don’t See Him Much Either As He Mostly Hides Behind The Bed. Today, While I Was Working, He Was Brave Enough To Come Out For Pets. This Is My 15-Year-Old Cat, Elwood
9. My Grampie And His 20-Year-Old Cat/Sidekick Elvis. As My Grampie Says, “We’re Just Two Old Men Hanging Out”. This Picture Makes Me Happy And Sad All At Once
12. My 18-Year-Old Cat, Oscar, Just Experienced His First Home Move (Across The Country). Wasn’t Sure If He Would Make It, But He Seems To Be Doing Just Fine
They need to use the litter quite often. And they also drink water frequently, so it will be convenient if you place their “facilities” nearby. “It can be challenging for senior cats to navigate cat litter if they are arthritic. How many 85-year-old humans walk the beach for fun? Walking on sand is tough! Many cats start developing signs of arthritis between the ages of 10-12 years, so preventative joint care is key and this helps keep them being able to use their litter box!”
13. My 16-Year-Old Good Boy Recovering From A Stroke
To take special care of your cat if it has arthritis, get them some scratch posts. It’ll help them stay active, along with food puzzles. They need mental exercise as well. “Foraging for food keeps cats fit and engaged, it is close to letting a mouse loose in the house as you can get!” the cat behaviourist said.
“Last but not least, offer warmth! A heated bed, easy access to sunny spots, etc. Seniors often have kidney disease. The kidneys help regulate body temperature, so these seniors tend to be cold. Offer warmth!” Ingrid explained.
31. I Brought Home A Stray Cat When I Was 17 Years Old. I’m 36 Now. Every Time I Go To My Parents House, I Check To Make Sure He Is Still There And Give Him Some Extra Love Before I Leave. Meet Scooter
36. Our 14 Year Old Cat That We Found Crying Under A Neighbors Truck When He Was 10 Years Old. He Was Chipped, But Unfortunately His Owner Had Died. Theo Is The Sweetest Boy
We wish all these senior cattos a healthy and happy life. What did you think of these adorable babies? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
