Posts Tagged ‘Advice’

As cats get older, they need extra care and love. In this post I’ll point out some of the things you should be aware of when looking after an older cat.

As cats get older, and their kidneys weaken, the potassium level in their blood starts to drop. This causes a condition known as hypokalemia, to which loss of appetite, lethargy and poor coat condition can be linked. As if this wasn’t enough problems already, their natural thirst will start to fade as well, meaning that older cats can easily become dehydrated – sometimes to a dangerous level. It is wise to keep fresh water available in multiple rooms for your cat, to encourage him to drink as often as possible. Be sure to also keep an eye on his drinking habits and go straight to a vet if you are worried.

Linked to the above dehydration and lack of water is the fact that older cats produce less saliva and can hence have difficulties swallowing. Special food can be purchased for older cats, through otherwise it is sensible to check food to remove or but up large chunk and lumps.

With a little care and attention, older cats can be just as comfortable and happy as young ones.

Buying a cat isn’t an easy thing to do, but the decisions you make in these first stages are the most important you might ever make for your new cat. Here is some advice for anybody considering buying a cat; be it your first, fifth or fiftieth!

For starters, if you’re not looking for a specific breed, I would highly recommend going to a cat rescue centre; you’ll find a huge variety of cats and you know you’ll be giving one a new, good home. Having said that, there are also rescue centres for certain breeds as well, but they’re not always the easiest things to find.

As the internet continues to boom, many people find or buy their cats online and it’s a brilliant way to find exactly what you’re after! There are a lot of dodgy websites out there though, so be very careful when you’re looking online and it can be hard to find a good breeder’s website. It can also be tricky to find specific breeders in your area; you absolutely must visit the cat before you commit to anything! Be certain to check their papers and, if possible, see their parents as well. Having said all of that; there are hundreds of very good breeders online and it’s a great way of viewing thousands of cats without having to trawl all over the coutry!

When you make your final decision, make sure you take your new cat to the vet immediately for a full check up and also invest in some cat insurance. Having a pet is a huge responsibility but, take your time, find the right cat and you’ll have years of great experiences!