My Old Cat Sleeps a Lot: What Should I Do?

Our pets are precious to us. We do everything we can to ensure they live healthy and happy lives. However, sometimes the excessive sleepiness seen in our aging cats worries us. So, is it normal for my elderly cat to sleep a lot? What should we do?

What Causes Excessive Sleepiness in Older Cats?

Cats typically spend a large portion of the day sleeping. An adult cat sleeps an average of 16 hours a day. However, this time can increase in aging cats. There are several possible causes of excessive sleepiness in older cats:

1. The Natural Aging Process

Cats, like people, go through changes as they age. Their bodily functions slow down, their energy levels decrease, and they need more rest. This is why older cats may sleep more.

2. Diseases

Aging cats can also experience certain illnesses. For example, conditions like kidney failure, joint pain, and hyperthyroidism can increase their sleep time. These conditions need to be treated.

3. Depression

Aging cats can sometimes become depressed due to loneliness, grief over loss, or changes in their habits. Depression can also cause cats to sleep excessively.

Is My Older Cat's Oversleeping Dangerous to His Health?

It's generally normal for older cats to sleep more. However, in some cases, excessive sleepiness can be a sign of health problems. If your cat's excessive sleepiness begins suddenly or is accompanied by other symptoms (loss of appetite, weight loss, behavioral changes, etc.), it's recommended to see a veterinarian.

How Can I Prevent My Older Cat From Oversleeping?

What can you do to ensure your elderly cats live a healthy and happy life?

1. Regular Veterinary Checkup

It is very important to have your dog checked by a veterinarian at least twice a year so that any health problems can be detected and treated early.

2. Proper Nutrition

Aging cats require specially formulated wet food and vitamin supplements. Jorgen's Kennel is a premium pet vitamin supplement brand recommended by veterinarians and trusted by thousands of furry friends.

3. Exercise and Activity

It's important to provide a variety of activities to encourage movement in older cats, such as toys, scratching posts, and climbing structures. Short walks can also be beneficial.

4. Social Interaction

Spending more time with your cats, playing with them, and showing them affection is crucial for both their physical and mental health. It can prevent problems like loneliness and depression.

5. Comfort and Safety

It's important to provide your older cats with warm, soft beds, easy-access water and food bowls, and safe spaces within the home.

In short, excessive sleepiness in our older cats is generally normal. However, in some cases, it can be a sign of health problems. By providing regular veterinary checkups, proper nutrition, exercise, social interaction, and comfort, we can help our older cats live healthy and happy lives.

Conclusion

We need to take extra care of our pets as they age. While excessive sleepiness in our older cats is normal, in some cases, it can be a sign of health problems. Therefore, taking precautions such as veterinary checkups, proper nutrition, exercise, social interaction, and comfort are crucial. As a premium pet vitamin supplement brand recommended by veterinarians and trusted by thousands of furry friends, Jorgen's Kennel is here to help your older cats live healthy and happy lives.