Certainly, older cats may have different needs from their younger counterparts. So, when it comes to finding the best pet sitter for your senior cat, it’s important to know your cat’s true, age-specific needs.
Firstly, at what age is a cat considered senior? Well, there’s the general belief that one human year is equal to approximately seven cat years. In fact, cats are considered to be senior when they reach the ripe old age of seven. However, this is equal to 49 human years, which isn’t so old in my book!
Nonetheless, it can be useful to know when your cat is believed to be senior. Knowing this can help you take the best care of your feline friend’s needs, as he or she grows old.
What extra care does a senior cat need?
Of course, it’s important to recognise and appreciate that as your meowing mate ages he or she may develop a few special needs. For example, senior cats may develop vision or hearing loss. Likewise, arthritis and dental disease are common in older cats, which could affect their movement and appetite.
Other physical changes can include a decreased sense of smell, impaired kidney function, high blood pressure, diabetes and dementia. All of these things may require changes to your cat’s routine. Without a doubt, your cat may need extra help to do simple things.
Aside from the medical issues that may (or may not) affect senior cats, they may have other needs or develop changes in behaviour. For instance, your cat may have once loved being stroked but has now developed a dislike of being touched. A once chatty and social cat may become quiet and disinterested in human interaction as they age. Additionally, older cats can develop changes to their sleeping pattern. They may require more sleep but, on the other hand, they may need less sleep.
How to select the right sitter for your senior cat
Cats are typically quite independent creatures. Yet, as they age it’s likely they will need extra care and attention. As such, if you are looking to find a sitter for your senior cat there are a few important considerations.
Firstly, hiring a pet sitter who will come to your home is a great idea; older cats don’t like being removed from their comfort zone. This is particularly so for cats who have vision reduction or declined hearing.
However, not just any old Tom, Dick or Harry can care for your ageing cat! You need to find a pet sitter with the right qualities and experience. Here are a few traits to look for when choosing a sitter for your senior cat.
Offers in-home care
You want your cat to feel as safe and secure as possible; so finding a sitter who offers in-home care is essential. Of course, depending on your needs and lifestyle, you might employ someone who stays in your home all day (perhaps while you’re at work), or just visit a few times a day to feed, walk and provide care for your purring pal.
Experienced with older cats
Past experience caring for senior cats is a big bonus. This means your sitter will be more familiar with the different needs an older cat has, in comparison to a young cat.
For example, a cat with dementia may need help finding its food. Or perhaps your cat needs a special diet to improve the duration and quality of his or her life. Your pet sitter will need to make sure she feeds your cat the right food at the right time.
Similarly, an older cat may have a health condition that makes it more thirsty or prone to dehydration. As such, making sure his or her water is topped up is important. The cat might also need encouragement to drink regularly.
If your cat has diabetes not only might it require a modified diet, but also he or she will require insulin injections. If you’re away from home all day, your pet sitter will be required to administer the injection.
Has Pet First Aid training
Finding a pet sitter who knows Pet First Aid is likely to give you a greater sense of peace. After all, there are many common injuries that pets can encounter at home. For example, your cat could swallow a foreign object or ingest something toxic. Knowing your pet sitter understands Pet First Aid might help you feel a little more at ease about leaving your furry friend.
The right personality
Ultimately, when finding the ideal pet sitter for a senior cat, you need someone with the right personality. Indeed, you could have a pet sitter with all the qualifications and experience in the world, but if you just don’t ‘gel’ with them, you’re not going to want them looking after your beloved cat.
Ideally, you want someone who is caring and kind in nature. You need a sitter who is trustworthy and positive. Finding a pet sitter who will do their utmost to take the very best care of your feline friend will ensure your cat continues to enjoy a happy and healthy life.
Do you have a senior cat? What extra care does he or she require?
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