Posted: July 28, 2009, 3 a.m. EDT
Samantha is 21, has high blood pressure and a thyroid condition, but still appreciates affection. |
Several of my pet-sitting clients have senior kitties, and I recently took care of two senior girls with special needs.
Samantha is 21 years old. In people years, she would be approximately 105. Samantha has arthritis and her pet parents have rigged up their house to cater to her needs. She has steps going up to the bed and they put pillows around the floor of the couch in case she falls off. They also place stairs by the couch and keep an ottoman in a spot where Samantha can walk between pieces of furniture without having to jump up and down.
Samantha has high blood pressure and a thyroid condition, so her care includes pilling her every day and putting thyroid medication in her ears. She doesn’t like her ears messed with, but she tolerates it and she is extremely easy to pill.
What really impresses me about Samantha is how much she appreciates affection. She purrs like crazy when I brush her and pet her and she follows me around the house meowing at me to give her more pets. She really is a special cat.
Jessie is 18 and has kidney disease, but is still happy and purring. |
The other special kitty I cared for recently was Jessie. Jessie is about 18. She has
kidney disease and used to get subcutaneous fluids but her parents have decided to discontinue the fluids. This has made Jessie very happy. She now purrs like crazy and has become very vocal and loving. Jessie recently lost her daughter, Shadow, to kidney disease but she is still going strong.
I have taken care of both Samantha and Jessie several times now over a three-year period. I’m always very happy to hear that their owners need my services again and that the girls are going strong. Be sure to check out the September issue of CAT FANCY for information about taking care of your senior cat. It can be more work, but is definitely rewarding and I have found the seniors to be so appreciative of the care they receive.