6 Things Every Cat Owner Should Know As Their Cat Gets Older.

One minute, your cat is climbing onto the highest shelf in the house. Next, they're spending most of the day curled up in their favorite chair.

Cats can stay surprisingly playful and independent as they age, but their needs can change along the way. Knowing what to expect can help you spot changes early and make their later years more comfortable.

Photo credit: Ivett M on Pexels.

1. Their Routine May Change

Older cats often slow down. They may sleep more, play less, or decide that their favorite activities aren't quite as interesting anymore.

Some changes are a normal part of aging, but sudden changes are worth paying attention to. If your cat starts eating differently, hiding more, or avoiding activities they once enjoyed, talk to your veterinarian.

2. Their Favorite Activities May Look Different

Your cat may not be jumping onto the windowsill like they used to, but that doesn't mean they can't enjoy their favorite things.

Try making activities easier. Move their food and water somewhere more accessible, provide a comfortable bed in a sunny spot, or use toys that don't require as much running and jumping. The goal isn't to keep your cat acting like a kitten. It's to help them enjoy the things that still make them happy.

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3. Small Changes Can Tell You a Lot

Cats are experts at hiding discomfort, which means you may need to pay attention to subtle clues.

Changes in grooming, appetite, sleeping, mobility, litter box habits, or social behavior can all be worth noting. Looking at several changes together can give you a better idea of how your cat is doing.

A cat quality of life assessment can also help you look at your cat's overall comfort and daily well-being rather than focusing on just one symptom.

4. Regular Vet Visits Matter

Cats can hide health problems for a long time, so regular veterinary visits become especially important as they age.

Your veterinarian can help monitor changes in your cat's weight, behavior, mobility, and overall health. If something seems different at home, don't be afraid to bring it up.

You know your cat's normal behavior better than anyone.

5. It's Worth Knowing Your Aftercare Options

This isn't the most cheerful topic, but it's one that's easier to think about before you actually need to make a decision.

If your cat eventually passes away, you may want to consider what you'd like to do afterward. Pet cremation is one option, and there are different types available.

Understanding the differences between private, individual, and communal pet cremation ahead of time can help you make a decision that feels right for you and your family.

Photo credit: Seray D. Mesebuken on Pexels.

6. Enjoy the Time You Have Together

Getting older doesn't mean your cat stops enjoying life.

They may simply find new ways to enjoy it. A long play session might become a few minutes with a favorite toy. Chasing birds from the window might replace climbing trees. And a quiet afternoon curled up beside you may become the highlight of their day

Pay attention to those moments. Your cat may be getting older, but there's still plenty of life left to enjoy together.

Bring My Pet to the Vet | Royal Canin's Campaign for Improved Pet Healthcare in the Philippines.

Global leading pet nutrition manufacturer and provider Royal Canin recently launched its Bring My Pet to the Vet (BMPV) campaign as part of its commitment to champion responsible pet ownership among Filipino pet parents. Pet owners across the Philippines can now access over 20,000 free pet checkups and 4,000 BMPV care kits for their furry friends through the Royal Canin Club mobile application, as well as other pet rewards made available on the platform.

Over the past year, more Filipinos are turning to pets as their trusted quarantine companions. However, a survey by Kantar shows that 93% and 50% of cat and dog owners, respectively, do not get their pets checked regularly. The survey also highlights that most owners only bring their pets to the veterinarian for vaccinations and medical procedures, reflecting how wellness checkups are not common in the Philippines.

Have you visited your vet today?

With this, Royal Canin introduced the BMPV campaign to encourage both new and old pet owners to bring their pets to the vet as early and as regular as they can, and understand the importance of pet preventive healthcare and medicalization. The campaign also underlines the role that veterinarians play in Filipinos' pets' lives, as it provides a platform for pet owners to connect with their trusted vet partners and clinics, ultimately building a more connected and engaged pet community in the Philippines.

This year, Royal Canin leverages its mobile platform, the Royal Canin Club app, to strengthen its 2019 Bring My Dog to the Vet (BMDV) campaign and relate to more pet owners nationwide. To claim the free checkup, pet owners just need to claim the free consultation voucher under the mobile application’s rewards, find the nearest clinic in the store locator by selecting the Vet feature, and reach out to the clinics directly to book their appointments for consultation. On the day of their appointment, pet owners need to present their generated checkup QR code on their Royal Canin Club app to avail of the free consultation. Afterward, users are encouraged to complete their post-checkup survey for more amazing perks and rewards in the application.

Cats need some vet care, too!

Royal Canin’s BMPV campaign seeks to redefine its previous campaign, which gave away 3,000 free consultations for Filipino pet owners through the company’s website. Now made available on the Royal Canin Club app, it becomes a culmination of two purposeful pet preventive healthcare campaigns. It hopes to further educate pet owners about the signals to watch out from their pets to guide them and encourage them to work closely with their vets in achieving optimum health for their beloved furry friends.

“We, at Royal Canin, recognize the value of preventive pet healthcare and the important role that our veterinary partners and clinics play in one’s pet’s life. Through our new Bring My Pet to the Vet campaign, we hope to instill this mindset and become a platform for pet owners to build a stronger bond with their veterinarians as we work together to safeguard the health of their pets even during such unprecedented time,” says Adriann Eusebio, Royal Canin Philippines’ Country Director. “We want to highlight how important it is for pet owners to have access to credible and reliable pet information, as we continue to improve our services with our loyal customers and partners giving us actionable insights about pet healthcare along the way.”

Free vet visits - one of the many perks of the Royal Canin Club app.

As the vet checkups require physical visits, Royal Canin ensures everyone that their partner veterinarians and pet shops follow the strict safety protocols of the government when taking in patients and customers. The company works closely with vet clinics to ensure that all pet owners secure appointments first before their visit to avoid overcrowding in their establishments.

“We understand the safety concerns of our partners and customers about going out to visit their vets amid the pandemic. With the lockdowns still in place, our BMPV campaign also ensures to encourage pet owners to become responsible citizens, as much as they are as pet parents, and abide by proper COVID-19 protocols of their vet partners and clinics to avoid the spread of the virus, “ adds Eusebio. “At Royal Canin, we aim to enforce extra precautions to address our customers’ concerns and are committed to improving our services by opening our lines of communication for improvement.”

For more information on Royal Canin’s Bring My Pet to the Vet campaign, pet owners may download the Royal Canin Club application, read about pet healthcare information, and claim their voucher through the platform. One may also visit the Royal Canin Philippines on Facebook and Instagram at @RoyalCaninPH for more details about the Royal Canin Club app and other updates about the brand.