Monitoring and understanding senior cat care is one of the most loving things you can do to help your feline find comfort and quality of life as they become seniors. Aging will increase the likelihood of chronic conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, arthritis, and cognitive decline.
What age is considered senior? Depending on their lifestyle and overall health, the average age is seven to ten years. With proper veterinary care and attentive owners, cats can live into their late teens or even early twenties.
Below you will find changes to look for in your Senior Cat to keep you informed and aware to keep them happy and healthy as they age.
✅Changes in Senior Cat Nutrition:
- Choose a high quality senior cat food or a special cat food for their health condition
- Use moisture rich foods such as canned or wet food to support hydration.
- Watch for weight changes
- Consider an added supplement
- Nutrition becomes increasingly important as cats age. Senior cats often need specialized diets for kidney function, joint health or digestion. Always consult your Veterinarian prior to changing food or adding supplements to your cat’s diet.
✅Changes in Mobility and Comfort:
- Add pet stairs or ramps with traction
- Use low entry litter boxes
- Provide therapeutic bedding in easily accessible area
- Avoid food, water, and litter on different levels of your home
- Arthritis is extremely common in senior cats, but will go undiagnosed because cats are masters at hiding pain. If your cat hesitates to jump, avoids stairs, or seems less playful, have them examined by a veterinarian for arthritis. Joint stiffness requires plenty of space to stretch out while sleeping. A consistently warm indoor temperature provides extra comfort.
✅Changes in Dental Health:
- Bad or foul breath
- Drooling
- Difficulty eating/chewing
- Pawing at the mouth
- Behavioral changes such as irritability or not wanting to be touched around the mouth area
- Dental disease affects a large percentage of senior cats and can cause pain, infection, and health problems if left untreated. Routine dental exams/cleanings, at home dental care (if tolerated), benefits in senior cat health.
✅Changes in Grooming and Hygiene:
- Regular brushing to prevent mats, shedding and improve circulation
- Keeping nails trimmed to prevent overgrowth and injury
- Cleaning and monitoring the eye and ear area
- As cats age, grooming may become more difficult due to stiffness, weight gain or dental discomfort. Be aware of continual matting, greasy fur, or dandruff.
✅Changes at the Litter Box:
- Litter box placement is important-keep their food and water bowls in a different area away from the litter box
- Larger boxes with low sides for easy access
- Placing boxes in quiet, easily accessible locations
- Keeping litter boxes extra clean to entice use
- If accidents occur, never assume it is due to bad behavior. Changes in litter box habits are common in older cats and are often caused by lack of mobility or medical conditions.
❓Have you noticed any of these symptoms in your senior cat?
- Reduced energy and increased sleep
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Changes in appetite or thirst
- Stiffness, limping, or difficulty jumping
- Altered grooming habits
- Increased vocalization or confusion
- Increased or decreased social interaction
- Recognizing these changes early allows you to adjust care routines and work closely with a veterinarian to support your cat’s health.
🗝Prevention is the Key:
Senior cats should ideally see a veterinarian at least twice a year to catch critical health issues early. Visiting your veterinarian for regular blood tests, palliative care, pain management, and overall health assessments could reveal chronic conditions early. Cats are known for hiding pain, so a veterinary exam twice a year is essential to rule out underlying health issues.
🤗Most importantly don’t forget to keep a strong bond with your Senior Cat:
Senior cats still crave connection and simple activities like sitting together, brushing sessions or gentle play with interactive toys (adapted for limited mobility) along with quiet companionship, and routine affection help enhance their emotional health.
This Blog was written in memory of our 25 Cat Clowder🐈