20/05/2026
Caring for OAPs... Old Aged Pets 🐾
Just like with humans, as our pets get older they can start to slow down. But with some small changes and monitoring we can keep them comfortable and happy and aged to purr...fection 🐾
Some health conditions more commonly affect pets as they get older
🐾 Arthritis
🐾 Dental disease
🐾 Faecal and urinary incontinence
🐾 Cognitive Dysfunction (dementia)
🐾 Weight loss or gain
🐾 Renal (kidney) disease
🐾 Hyperthyroidism
🐾 Hypertension
Many of these conditions can be managed with medication to maintain a good quality of life.
Things you can do to help your older pets at home 🏡
🐾 Play is important to maintain your pets physical and mental health
🐾 Soft, comfortable bedding can help ease aching joints
🐾Non-slip mats to cover shiny floors can prevent slips and falls
🐾 Having predictable routines can help minimise stress
🐾Raising food and water bowls to make them easier to reach
🐾 Ramps to help pets climb onto sofas or in and out of cars
🐾 Feeding senior diets as these have a different balance of nutrients to adult pet food diets. There are specially formulated diets are also available to help manage medical conditions.
🐾 Nail trimming and regular grooming enables you to check for lumps and helps keep matts at bay.
🐾 Horizontal scratching mats are easier for older cats to use as they place less strain on arthritic joints
🐾 Litter trays with lower entry points and sides enable easier toileting as cats get older
When to contact your vet 📞
🐾 Loss of appetite
🐾Weight loss
🐾Drinking more
🐾Limping, stiffness, reluctance to move, jump, scratch nails or groom themselves
🐾 Toilet accidents
🐾 Disorientation/distress
🐾 Uncharacteristic behaviour including hiding, aggression, anxiety, vocalisation, not sleeping and waking at night
Thank you to Michelle for the display board and information 🐾
