Cats are living longer and longer these days, thanks to better nutrition and vet care. My oldest cat lived to be 27 years old (although that is not the norm). Generally cats are considered seniors at around age 11, turning into “super seniors” by age 15. While you may always see your cat as the spunky kitten you remember when you first met, there is no doubt that cats change with age and need certain considerations to help them age gracefully.
Medical Care
Senior cats need to visit their veterinarian more often than younger, healthy cats, especially if they have one or more of the common senior cat health problems. Seniors are more likely to experience hyperthyroidism, diabetes, kidney disease, dental disease, sensory loss and feline dementia, and cancer. Another big one is arthritis. It is estimated that 80% of cats over 10 years old have some detectable arthritis pain.
It’s important to be able to recognize when your cat needs vet care, as these conditions often present as or are misinterpreted as behavioral problems. Pay especially close attention to changes in your cat’s behavior because cats are generally very good at hiding pain or discomfort. You might notice subtle signs such as urinating outside of the litter box, changes in his routine like failing to greet you at the door when you come home, excessive meowing, signs of distress such as wandering aimlessly, reduced or increased appetite, or anything else out of the ordinary. Other common signs of pain and illness are described in this blog post. Knowing your cat and his routines and habits well will be instrumental in addressing any health conditions quickly and efficiently. Consider taking videos of your cat’s behaviors at home to show your vet.
You can reduce any stress associated with your cat’s medical care by working on cooperative care, including giving medications without stress and carrier training.
Home Life
As their bodies age, senior cats need accommodations to help improve their daily routines. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Grooming: senior cats generally need more help with grooming. Pain and reduced mobility can keep them from grooming and scratching as often as they need. Keeping your cat’s nails trimmed and regularly brushing him once or twice a week will make a big difference.
- Litter Boxes: your 15-year-old cat can’t hold his bladder like he used to, so he should have plenty of boxes available for easy access. Keep litter boxes on each floor of the home, near where your cat spends most of his time. Pain may also make stepping into a box difficult, so look for low-entry boxes, like the Kitty Go Here box, or make your own by cutting a low entry in a storage tote. You can also try providing a thinner layer of litter, since deep litter can feel less stable and exacerbate painful joints. Super seniors might need a crate tray or boot tray with even lower sides or puppy pads to catch accidents.
- Food and Water: you may notice your cat becoming pickier about his food and water in old age. Consider a water fountain to encourage more water intake. To encourage eating, try adding water, tuna juice, or chicken broth to his food to soften it and add flavor. Try warming wet food in the microwave. Your vet can recommend senior diets and appetite stimulants if necessary.
- Make Resources Easy to Access: remember that your cat isn’t getting around like he used to. If possible, provide all of his resources on one level of the house so he doesn’t have to use the stairs as often. Offer ramps or steps up to higher perches like the couch or bed. Add non-slip surfaces to hard floors, like rugs or exercise mats to give your cat more confidence moving around. Add horizontal scratchers in case he doesn’t want to stretch vertically to scratch on a post.
- Warmth: heated beds, electric blankets, or heating pads are like magic for older cats. It’s cozy, comfy, and soothes his achy old bones.
- Play: your elderly cat may not play like he used to, and that’s okay. It is still important to give him the chance to play every day with easier, slower “prey.” He may not leap into the air to catch it, but he’ll probably be content to bat at it while laying on his side. Consider playing on soft surfaces like a carpet or couch to reduce impact felt on joints.
For a personalized plan to senior-ify your home or incorporate cooperative care with your senior cat, contact us at Pawsitive Vibes Cat Behavior and Training!