Cats are quiet

If noise levels are a concern in your living situation, cats are a great choice of pet. Even the quietest bark will likely be much louder than the most insistent meowing. Depending on the cat, you may need to worry about other sounds such as them knocking things off of surfaces or running around at top speed, but they are still likely to be quieter overall. 

Cats are low-maintenance

Compared to dogs, cats are a low maintenance pet. They don’t require formal training, they don’t need to be taken out multiple times a day, and they’re even able to take care of basic self-cleaning. Of course, long-haired cats will still require regular grooming, but it will likely involve less regular grooming than long-haired dogs.

Cats are easy to train

One of the biggest challenges dog owners need to overcome is the process of house-training a new puppy. Kittens, on the other hand, usually know how to use the litter box as soon as you bring them home. All you need to do is show them where it is, and they’ll instinctively use it. 

Cats make great apartment pets

When it comes to pets in apartments, cats are often better suited than dogs. Compared to dogs, cats require less space and can take better advantage of vertical space. Even in apartments with small square footage, you can make the space comfortable for cats by adding different vertical levels. Plus, since they use litter boxes, they don’t need to be taken outside multiple times a day – something that can be time-consuming if you live in a large apartment building.

Cats are independent

One of the best things about cats is that they are very independent creatures. Unlike dogs, who require quite a high level of attention each day, cats are quite happy to have time to themselves. In fact, cats will sleep for about 15 hours a day so you don’t have to worry about them being too bored when you’re at work. When you are home, cats are also more likely to be content with just being in your company, whereas dogs may demand your undivided attention.

Cats keep unwanted pests out of your house

Cats are hardwired to stalk, hunt, and pounce on their prey, which makes them perfect for keeping your home free of unwanted pests – be it mice, bugs, or something else. Even their presence can be enough of a deterrent for rodents as their scent can act as a repellent.

Our pets are truly members of the family, offering us love and companionship. It’s not always easy to see our beloved pets enter their senior years, but understanding their needs can help keep them happy and healthy.

Here are a few points to consider.

Take particular care on health and wellness

It is important to take your pet to the veterinarian for regular wellness care. The doctor may suggest routine lab work to monitor for abnormalities. Just like humans, pets can develop issues with organ function as they age. Medications can help regulate the functioning of their heart, kidneys, liver, and thyroid, and this will increase their comfort and potentially help prolong their life. Also like humans, pets are susceptible to developing arthritis. Supplements, medications, acupuncture, or physical therapy can help their ability to remain active.

Focus on his cognitive function

Like humans who become senile or develop dementia, animals can have cognitive dysfunction. We may relate many of these symptoms to normal aging – symptoms such as pacing, forgetting daily routines, or having accidents in the house. A doctor can help diagnose cognitive dysfunction. If properly managed, it is possible to reduce the symptoms and increase your pet’s quality of life.

Give him the nutrition that is required at his age

Switch your pet’s food to one that’s specially formulated for seniors. A specialized diet can address an aging lifestyle. You will find a number of diets that increase fiber and add in supplements for joint health. Fatty acid supplements like fish oil can help maintain healthy skin and a healthy coat.

Make sure he feels comfortable

Comfort is key. Make sure you provide your senior pet with plenty of cushy bedding around your home and in your car. Try laying down rugs or runners to help your pet with traction on tile or hardwood. Does your pet love being social or going on walks but isn’t as physically capable? Think about getting your pet a wagon or stroller, allowing relaxation while enjoying the things they love! Have them join you at outdoor cafes for some low-key socialization. Kitties who enjoy the outdoors may benefit from a screened-in patio, bringing the outdoors inside.

Ensure that your senior pet has an active lifestyle

Stay active, or as active as possible. Keeping your pet mobile will help keep muscles and joints healthy. Keep up the frequent walks and throw the ball around, but limit exercise time so your pet won’t overdo it. Also, monitor for overheating on warmer days. Don’t forget to encourage an active mind; practice training exercises and engage your pet with toys that provide a mental challenge. For the food-motivated, play games that offer treats as prizes!

Allowing your pet to maintain its familiar lifestyle is paramount during the senior years. This, combined with routine medical care to manage physical health, can make all the difference in quality of life.

It is that time of the year when your pet may feel uncomfortable due to increased sensation of stiffness and pain in joints. Moreover, for pets who have osteoarthritis, this is one of the most challenging times. Also heart-breaking it is for pet parents to see their child writhing in pain, unable to move with ease because of painful joints. Pets can’t speak for themselves or share their feelings of pain or discomfort. And so, many of the cases can go undiagnosed. It is very important to pay close intention to changes in behaviour to know when it is hurting your pets. Let’s understand pain to beat pain, confidently

As a pet parent, you need to look out for signs in your pet that will alert you to take appropriate action. If you notice signs, it is important that you consult your veterinarian

• Not playing as much as usual
• Not going up or down stairs
• Not willing to jump up onto surfaces, especially cats
• Difficulty standing after lying down
• Over grooming or licking a particular area
• Making more noise than normal
• Decreased appetite

Pain could either be acute or chronic. Acute Pain is sudden and is usually due to an injury or surgery performed. Chronic Pain occurs over time, is due conditions like Osteoarthritis or Hip dysplasia, which may go undiagnosed for many months.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a deterioration of cartilage surrounding the bones that is progressive and permanent. It is one of the most common problems in dogs with almost one in every 5 dogs having osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis can affect dogs of all ages and breeds and is very easily overlooked in younger dogs. Apart from the normal wear and tear of joints that can happen as pets grow old, osteoarthritis may also be due to genetics (some breeds are more likely to have more cases of osteoarthritis than others) or it could be due to nutritional issues or it could be due to lifestyle issues like being over-weight / obese.

While there is no simple cure that erases osteoarthritis, several strategies make a significant positive impact on its progression and effects. The initial signs could be that the dog limps while walking or has trouble standing up. Over time, matters can get really worse.

Osteoarthritis management requires “multi-modal care”. And as a pet parent, you have lots to do to ease pain and reduce further damage to your pet’s joints.

• Learn to recognize signs of pain
• Change your pet to a healthy diet and add supplements
• Consult veterinarian for exercise requirements and put your pet on a healthy routine
• Monitor your pet’s body weight regularly
• Give complementary therapies like cold and heat pad application