Cats are generally self-sufficient pets: they will eat when they want to, they can use a litterbox instead of going outside like dogs, and they usually groom themselves. However, as cats get older, they may need more care. Especially if your cat suffers from health issues or arthritis, they may need extra attention during the day. If you are at work all day or taking a trip out of town, it may be difficult to give your aging cat the attention they need. Caring for older pets, pets with special needs, and pets that need medication or special diets is part of what we do at Critter Sitters. If you’re looking for a cat sitter in Atlanta, Georgia, call Critter Sitters today.
Older Cat Care
If you need a cat sitter for your elderly cat, it is important to choose a sitter who understands the needs of an older feline. Our Sitters understand the needs of older cats, and provide the extra services and care needed as part of our normal pet sitting services.
Cats are considered “older” up until around 10 years of age. After that, they start to become much more “senior” over the next 5 years, and have the equivalent human age of between their early 60s and early 70s. After age 15, cats age quite rapidly and live like a human in their late 70s and beyond. Older cats often develop many health problems and signs of aging that decrease their activity and abilities.
Older cats may begin to have declining sight, hearing, smell, and other senses. Cats are natural predators, and have sharp hearing, vision, and smell. As they age, you may notice your cat’s eyes becoming clouded with cataracts. They may become startled if a person or another animal sneaks up on them because their hearing isn’t as good as it used to be. Declining sense of smell can also keep them from becoming interested in things they used to find appealing, like their food.
Aging cats may also hide more, sleep more, and generally seem lazier. Older pets are not as energetic as they used to be, and quick motions may be painful or take a lot more effort. This is especially true for cats with arthritis, brittle claws, or a lowered appetite (meaning less energy from their food). You may need to help older cats get around the house, and they may have more accidents if they can’t make it to their litter box.
Cats’ behaviors may also change as they make their way into their golden years. Cats with previously good temperament may become cranky and they may hiss at or recoil from people – even people they know. They could also eat less if their teeth are becoming frail or their digestive system is starting to decline.
Pet Sitters for Aging Cats
The Atlanta cat sitters at Critter Sitters take on the extra responsibilities of pet sitting for your elderly pets as part of our routine pet sitting. If you have medication or special diets your cat needs to take, we can make sure they get their doses. If your cat needs help getting around the house or getting to the litter box, we can help with that, too.
Hiring a pet sitter to care for your old cat during the day can help ensure that someone is monitoring their health, even when you can’t. Our cat sitters are going to look for the same kinds of things you would, and report any problems. Trouble eating, sudden mood swings, and trouble getting around the house are all signs that something might be wrong. Our Sitters will look for these signs and report back to you if we think you need to take your cat to the vet.
Our Sitters also offer “Key Client” services. Our Key Clients leave a copy of their house key with our sitters, so they can come by during the day. Even on an emergency basis, our Sitters can swing by and make an extra visit with your cat. This means that if you forgot a dose of medicine, you’re running late at the office, or your flight was delayed, we can be there for your cat.
Our Sitters are pet owners themselves, and have cared for their own aging pets. We care for your pets just like you would, and work to help you make sure they’re safe and healthy when you can’t be home for them.
Atlanta Senior Cat Sitting Services
If you have an aging cat that needs extra care, consider calling Critter Sitters. Our Atlanta pet sitters can schedule daily pet care or temporary, in-home care for your pet while you’re out of town. Our services are also great for cat sitting over the holidays. Call our office today to schedule a meeting with one of our Sitters or to start scheduling cat sitting services. Our phone number is 404-793-6178.
