How to care for an elderly cat

While we can’t stop our beloved cats from ageing, we can ensure they receive the best care and nutrition to support healthy ageing and help them continue to thrive. Here’s how to keep an old cat comfortable.

What happens when a cat gets older?

Although cats’ bodies start to go through biological changes from the age of 7, the visible signs of ageing tend to become noticeable once your cat reaches 11 years or older.

At this stage, their senses, especially taste and smell, may become less sharp. They might become less keen to hunt, chase shadows, and race after balls as their body changes and their joints become less mobile. You may also notice their skin and coat losing some lustre due to less-active sebaceous glands, which are responsible for generating nourishing oils. Additionally, conditions such as arthritis can make grooming more difficult.

Other health issues with older cats can also start around this age. Their digestive and other bodily functions change, which means it can be more difficult for them to absorb all the nutrients they need from their food. Teeth and gums can become more sensitive, all of which can lead to weight loss in older cats, as well as a deterioration in muscle condition.

You should also stay vigilant for the first signs of cognitive impairment, which can include sleeplessness, disorientation, increased anxiety, and forgetting their routine – for example, where their food or litter tray is.

Caring for senior cats

Each aspect of your senior cat’s life can be made more comfortable with some simple changes. Here are our senior cat care tips.

Your senior cat’s environment

Ageing cat health issues such as weakened joints can cause your older cat to become a little slower and stiffer, and they may at some point experience arthritis. These issues can make them less mobile and unsteady on their paws, making it harder for them to get up and down from their favourite spots.

Small changes at home can help with elderly cat care for cats with mobility issues – for example, setting up ramps or stairs to high places they like to perch on, and providing a litter tray with shallow sides, which will help older cats to get in and out.

Making their food, litter tray, and fresh water easily accessible – for example, by having these on each floor of your home – can help to limit discomfort. When caring for senior cats, you should also avoid any big changes to their environment and routine, as this can be confusing for them.

Sleep, exercise, and your older cat

Sleep can often be a problem with older cats, as health conditions can cause discomfort that disturbs their sleep patterns. To encourage your cat to get into a good sleep routine, introduce gentle play during the day – for example, a stroll around the garden or games with ‘fishing’-type toys.

Here are some more tips for improved rest:

• Make sure bedding is comfortable (especially for joint pain relief for cats with arthritis).
• Keep a regular routine, with feeding times and bedtime at the same time every day. If cats know what to expect and when, they are less likely to feel stressed.
• Night lights can help cats with cognitive dysfunction and anxiety in the dark.
• Pheromone sprays or infusers can help reduce anxiety.

Restlessness at night can sometimes be a sign of high blood pressure, so be sure to consult your veterinarian if you notice this in your cat.

A diet to support your senior cat

As your cat ages, a decrease in the senses of taste and smell or discomfort from dental problems can cause a loss of appetite – which can eventually lead to weight loss in older cats – but there are steps you can take to help them.

To support the maintenance of a healthy weight and give your cat the nutrients they need, your older cat’s diet should include highly palatable and soft-textured foods, as they are easier and more enjoyable for them to eat. When feeding an old cat, you can also increase their desire for food by warming it to release the aroma.

Older cats tend to drink less, so to avoid dehydration, provide a constant supply of fresh water as part of your elderly cat care regime. Water should be easily available, ideally in wide-brimmed ceramic bowls, and water fountains can also encourage your older cat to drink.

Important nutrition in senior cat diets

Senior cats can benefit from specific nutrients to support healthy ageing and help them to thrive:

• Glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and EPA/DHA, which help support mobility in ageing cats and promote healthy joint function
• Antioxidants to support senior cats through the ageing process
• Adapted levels of phosphorus to support kidney health and function
• Highly digestible protein to support digestion in mature cats. Beet pulp and EPA/DHA can both be beneficial to digestive health

Once your cat is 10 years old, it’s best to visit your vet every six months; this way, any changes or progressing ageing cat health issues can be managed, so your cat continues to thrive.

• Ask your vet about how to check your cat’s weight and body condition at home. This is a great way of identifying health issues early, when they’re easier to treat.
• If you notice your cat has increased thirst or urination, problems related to their digestion, significant mobility issues, breathlessness, or any lumps on their body, visit your vet right away, as these can be indicators of underlying diseases.
• If your cat is exhibiting behavioral changes such as reclusiveness, a reluctance to move, or extreme pickiness about their food, you should immediately consult a vet, as your cat may be in pain.
• Sometimes, owners can feel reluctant to seek veterinary advice for older pets, but many conditions are manageable. Developments in pain relief for cats mean no pet should be uncomfortable in their twilight years.

Your senior cat’s well-being and quality of life in their golden years can always be maintained through adjusting your home and their diet, and by working with your vet to provide your cat with the medical support they need. If you have more questions on how to keep an old cat comfortable, speak to your veterinarian.