Senior Cat Comfort & Care

At-home care can be stressful for your cat. You’re doing things that go against their survival instincts. So, how can you provide care without adding stress for them and you?

• Have everything out and ready to go prior to getting your cat settled.
• Don't force it. Unless it's an emergency, if your cat is stressed and the treatment can wait, give them a break and change your approach for later.
• Pair it with something your cat loves. Taking meds means getting treats. An injection means tons of love during and a favorite toy after.
• Try a slow approach. Introduce this new experience at the lowest possible intensity and very gradually turn up the intensity (see Tip #18). Pair each step forward with a reward. If there are signs of stress, turn the intensity down. Soon, you're at full intensity, your cat learns it wasn't scary, and they got lots of good stuff.
• For nervous cats, try a calming supplement and pheromone diffuser 30–60 minutes before treatment.