Felines Find Fifteen's the New Five

[Enlarge Photo]

According to the ASPCA, about 5 to 7 million companion animals enter shelters nation wide each year. Of the millions of animals that enter shelters, 60 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats are euthanized. A great number of cats in shelters are elderly, and while many people go straight for the cute kittens, a mature cat can make a great companion and might be the perfect pet for you. "Due to advancements in veterinary diagnostics, medicine and vaccinations, neutered indoor house cats are living longer than ever before," said Dr. Michele Gaspar, DVM, a board-certified feline specialist. "It's not unusual for cats to reach their 20th birthday."

When you adopt an older cat, providing the right care can go a long way in ensuring you have a long and happy life together. Just as it's important to take good care of ourselves and pay attention to our own bodies, aging cats also need special care.

Older cats have different nutritional requirements. Prevent your cat from becoming overweight by feeding the proper proportions and providing a healthy diet that is high in protein, as extra weight can lead to other health complications. Avoid treating your cat with table scraps and discuss any changes in your feline's diet with your veterinarian.

No matter how old your cat may be, exercise is important. Introduce your cat to new toys that will get him or her excited to keep moving, even if it is only for a short period of time every day. However, keep in mind, as cats get older, they tend to like privacy and look for relaxing environments to get away from other pets and children. Create a place where your cat can do a little catnapping throughout the day without being disturbed.

Some aging felines develop conditions that lead to increased or irregular urination, such as loss of litter box training, diabetes or kidney dysfunction. If this happens, increase the number of litter boxes and space them throughout the home. Keep litter boxes dry by using a highly absorbent, odor eliminating cat litter, such as Feline Pine. Learn more at www.healthylitter.org.

It is recommended that senior cats visit the veterinarian for a comprehensive examination every six months or more frequently if they are diagnosed with a condition. Some veterinarians specialize in working with geriatric cats and others make house calls for cats that can no longer handle the stress associated with going to the veterinarian's office.