The most common feline vaccinations that we see are feline leukemia. They’re multiple vaccines called FVRCP and rabies. These are the most common vaccines that we see in cats. But again, it depends on the lifestyle of the kitty cat, whether strictly indoors, meaning no other contact with cats. Do they have some contact with cats? Do they go outside, even occasionally? Do you have that kitty cat that meets them at the screen door once in a while—their outdoor friend? So, a lot of these tend to dictate what vaccines, if any, your cat will need, and we can help determine that.

I think exercise is important in all species and all kinds of animals. So, yes, I would encourage exercise, if possible. And I know people are probably looking at the screen like, "Yeah, you come to my house and make my senior cat exercise." But anything you could do to get them moving. If they're food motivated, tie that little food to a string and track it along and have them taste it. But it is important to try to get some physical activity. The more stationary they are, the more weight they're going to gain, and the more there are possibilities of other diseases manifesting themselves. Please try your best to exercise your senior cats.

A couple of health needs that your senior cat may require are just regular vaccines, depending on the lifestyle, dewormings, preventative care testings, such as blood works, and urine testing. Sometimes x-rays and diet changes are needed. As they age, senior cats need specific changes in their diet to meet their nutritional needs. Exercise is still a big one in all cats and dogs as they age. So, those are some of the health needs.

Cats are technically considered a senior around 11 years old. We tend to do a little bit more care and follow up after the age of seven, though, because a lot of times we can detect early changes as they age, and we want to trend things. So, even though 11 is considered senior, we should be doing at least annual but hopefully biannual as they age over seven years of age.