When cats get old

Pat & David Hawksworth

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Cats are living much longer these days thanks to improved feeding and veterinerary care. However, the old cat may have real problems in carrying out its usual "daily care routine". These animals are, by nature, fastidious and clean but there comes a time when it may have difficulty in grooming itself. The coat can get in a terrible mess.

What I am recommending is so utterly simple and yet effective. To keep your cat clean and happy, brush the coat every day to remove dead fur and then wipe the whole body (as vigorously as your cat will allow) with a warm, damp flannel. Include the paws and ears. This will save your little old friend an awful lot of trouble and keep him/her much happier.

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23 Aug 2008 09:58

Member Removed

i agree with this and brush my cats and rabbit everyday. started tig off as a kitten and he loves to be brushed and when he has been digging i always clean his paws with a damp cloth

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21 Aug 2008 19:45

Cat the Vet

I agree with this, I always try to give ´golden oldie´ cats a brush in my consults if I have time, the amount of dead hair they have in their coats is amazing. They always grumble and object, which often puts their owners off at home, but I carry on, I know I am not hurting them and they will feel better afterwards! Cats have a huge compulsion to groom themselves and they can become very depressed if they are unable to and are dirty.

Arthritis can cause a cat to not groom as they become much less flexible and they cannot reach around to their backs. Often a poor or matted coat is one of the first signs. Read my discussion about this in the ´Senior Pet´ club. http://www.petstreet.co.uk/discussion/311282

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