As your cat gets older, his needs are going to change, possibly drastically. Show your cat how much you appreciate his many years of companionship by taking care of his needs as he ages. By giving attention to your older cat's extra needs, you will ensure many more years of the irreplaceable companionship you have both grown to love.

Grooming Needs - Older cats need to be groomed more often, they do not moult as easily as youngsters. If you do not groom your cat enough, it may develop painful hairballs, a problem that gets worse with age. Also, while you are grooming you can look for bumps or sores that could indicate another problem is developing that needs medical attention.

Dental Care - An older cat's teeth are more prone to disease and decay than a kitten. Be sure to brush your cat's teeth regularly, and talk to your vet about dental exams and professional cleanings. Also switch to a high quality dental dried food, this can help a lot.

Exercise - Older cats still need exercise, but the type of exercise is going to be quite different than the exercise they needed as a kitten. Give the cat slower toys to play with. Provide videos of cats for mental exercise. Do not allow your cat to become too sedentary, as this can lead to illness and decreased muscle mass.

Need for Solitude - Older cats like to have some time alone. If possible, give your cat a quiet place where he can go when he needs to rest. This can be as simple as underneath your bed or in your closet, but make sure other pets and humans in the house leave the cat alone when he is in his spot. Give him some dignified privacy.

Veterinary Care - Do not neglect routine veterinary care for your aging cat. You will find that small problems can quickly turn into large problems with an older pet, so follow your vet's advice about your pet's health and ideally schedule regular check-ups and never miss annual vaccinations.

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Maxine Lumkin is a lifelong cat owner and cat lover with a great deal of experience with kittens and older cats. She offers free help & advice on any aspect of your felines life. Check out http://saffiscatbed.com for more, meet all her cats on the About Me & My Cats page and tell her about your own crazy kittys or even send her a picture or two!