March 20, 2012
Posted in Pet Health, Pet Supplies

When you head to the animal shelter in search of your next furry companion, considering an older pet has many advantages. If you are more of a cat person, an older feline might be just the friend you have been looking for. With a lower level of energy and an established personality, you can find one that matches your characteristics and lifestyle perfectly. However, make sure you stock up on the right pet products before you bring your new feline friend home.

Older cats need a particular diet to support healthy organs and joints. It is also important to keep older cats at a healthy weight, since obesity can lead to feline diabetes and other conditions. Choose pet food like Artemis Fresh Mix Weight Management Senior Cat Dry Food or Now Grain free Senior Recipe Dry Cat Food.

It is also important to be prepared to protect your cat from parasites like fleas, ticks and worms. Heartworm preventatives are not only for young cats and dogs – they should be administered on your feline every month. It is also especially important that you start your cat on a monthly flea and tick preventative program like Pet Armor. When dogs get fleas, you can wash them with certain types of pet shampoo like Be Flea Free Shampoo, but this product is not recommended for cats. If you keep up with the monthly medicine, though, these nasty bugs shouldn't bother you or your feline. Some pet drugs like Revolution prevent heartworm and kill fleas and their eggs.

If you are getting a senior cat, you should also be prepared for common senior animal conditions like arthritis. Some pain medicines like Metacam can be added to the animal's food, but this is a drug for dogs, not cats. If your cat is experiencing arthritis pain, you may need a medicine like Prednisone. Because this is a tablet, you may want to conceal it in Greenies Pill Pockets. Your kitty will think it is simply getting a treat.

You can also prepare for a senior cat with pet supplies. An older feline may enjoy a heated cat pad to soothe achey joints. A Cat Window Perch may be fun for your cat, allowing it to gaze at the world outside while resting safely and comfortably in your home. 

Related posts:

1. Adopting an older canine
2. Consider adopting an older dog
3. How to feed an older dog
4. How to adopt a feline
5. Fat cat? Help Kitty shed the pounds