Sweet, spunky Kitty has grown into a lovely senior cat. But lately, she’s been acting a little strange. Is Kitty exhibiting normal cat behavior, or is something more serious going on?
Aging is not a disease, but sometimes owners get confused about what is normal for senior cats and what is a symptom of something else. These common concerns might simply be normal behaviors, or they might be a sign that Kitty isn’t well.
Why Is My Senior Cat Laying in the Litter Box?
If you find your kitty taking a nap in her litter box, it could alarm you. But using the litter box for a bed might not be a sign of a problem. It might simply be comfortable enough for Kitty to catch some Zs.
If you have other cats, another kitty might be bullying them. Cats are territorial creatures, and it’s generally best to provide at least one litter box per cat. This will help prevent your other pets from having problems while letting Kitty claim her own bathroom.
However, laying in the litter box may also be a sign of some aging cat issues. Arthritis may make getting in and out of the box uncomfortable. Kitty could also be experiencing cognitive decline. Another possibility is difficulty in using the bathroom or an increase in urination or defecation.
Frequent Vomiting
One of the most terrifying sounds in the world is the sound of a cat preparing to vomit. Some people think it should be the sound of your morning alarm clock!
While it’s unpleasant, vomiting is often normal. Vomiting can be a sign of many benign things, such as expelling a hairball.
An upset stomach from eating spoiled food can cause vomiting. Household plants, string, and chocolate may also be the culprits behind sudden vomiting. A cat’s sour stomach might warrant a call to the vet, but as long as Kitty expels the offending item, she’ll probably be okay.
But if you find your senior cat vomiting daily, contact your vet immediately. Frequent vomiting can indicate feline inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease, and pancreatitis. There is also the possibility of something more serious, so get Kitty evaluated.
Other Concerning Cat Behavior
Any type of aggression or change in behavior is cause for concern. Aggression often means that Kitty is scared or in pain.
A joint supplement or fish oil may be enough to help get Kitty feeling better. But a vet may determine that Kitty needs more significant treatment.
Any time you notice a senior cat with odd behavior, it’s important to consult your veterinarian. Careful observation of changes in your beloved pet is a critical part of senior cat care.
Keep Kitty Healthy
A change in cat behavior might be the first indicator of a problem, so it’s important to let your vet know if Kitty is acting differently. The sooner you catch a problem, the better quality of life you can provide for your senior cat.
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