Tips on Caring for a Senior Cat

Key Takeaways

• Physical and behavioral needs change as cats age.
• Older cats may struggle with health problems like arthritis, dental disease, and kidney disease.
• Schedule biannual wellness check-ups, ensure proper nutrition and hydration, create a comfortable environment, and give your feline plenty of love to maintain your senior cat’s health.

While they’ll always be a feisty kitten in your eyes, cats’ needs change as they get older. Senior cats can experience behavior changes or nutritional changes, just like humans do. It’s completely normal! But you should be aware of noticeable changes to ensure they get the best care possible (because let’s be honest: they deserve it). Learn more about caring for a senior cat well into their golden years with Cat-in-the-Bag!

1. Schedule Regular Vet Visits

Regular check-ups are key to caring for a senior cat. Biannual visits allow your veterinarian to track your cat’s weight and overall health and wellness. They’ll also enable early detection of older cat health problems, preventing more serious problems later.

Vet visits are made easier with the Cat-in-the-Bag Cozy Comfort Carrier! Secure your feline in the soft cat carrier (it’s snag- and scratch-resistant!) to hold and soothe them on the way to the vet office, or use the seat-belt loop to secure them in the back seat. It has a heads-out design so there’s no confinement. You can even leave them in their lightweight cat carrier for the whole visit!

2. Nutrition Matters

Caring for a senior cat also means adjusting their diet. Weight gain is common in older cats if they take in the same amount of calories and decrease their physical activity levels. Make sure your cat’s diet is appropriate for their age and lifestyle. It’s best to consult with your veterinarian to determine the right cat food and amount of food for your feline.

3. Watch their Water Intake

Staying hydrated is especially important for senior cats’ health, helping prevent common older cat health problems like kidney disease and constipation. Make sure they’re getting plenty of water with these tricks:

• Set up multiple water spots.
• Change the water twice each day to keep it fresh.
• Add wet or canned food to their diet. It has a higher water content!
• Try using a water fountain. Many cats find flowing water more appealing.

4. Provide Grooming Support

Cats are impeccable groomers. But sometimes, caring for a senior cat requires a little grooming assistance. This may be due to decreased interest in grooming or common issues like arthritis and reduced mobility. You can help them out and prevent matted fur by brushing them more often!

Feline arthritis can also affect the tiny joints in their paws, which can make it difficult for them to use scratching posts and retract their claws. Give your cat routine nail trims to prevent overgrowth and discomfort. The Cat-in-the-Bag cat carrier can help take the trauma and drama out of cutting your cat’s nails. It gently restrains for less fuss and leaves their paws free for simpler trims!

5. Monitor for Signs of Illness and Pain

Cats are masters at hiding pain and sickness, making it extremely hard for their humans to recognize when their older cat is experiencing health problems. Keep a close eye on behavioral and physical changes, such as:

• Weight loss or gain
• Changes in grooming habits
• Excessive fatigue
• Decreased activity or slower movements
• Increased thirst
• Changes in bathroom habits or accidents
• Human avoidance

6. Create a “Senior Cat-Friendly” Environment

Caring for a senior cat means adapting to their changing needs, which includes their environment. Senior cats may experience health issues like arthritis that make it difficult for them to jump like they used to. But they also might just want a little extra daily comfort. Here are a few tips for caring for a senior cat:

• Cover slippery surfaces with rugs or mats to provide more grip for your feline.
• Make sure litter boxes are accessible. High edges can make it harder for your senior cat to navigate their litter box.
• Consider adding ramps to ensure they can still reach their favorite high surfaces.
• Provide soft bedding with extra padding in their go-to resting spots for comfort and support.
• Provide easy access to food and water. Elevated bowls prevent your senior cat from needing to bend over to eat and drink.

7. Encourage Playtime

Caring for a senior cat isn’t all about rest and relaxation! They need regular physical and mental stimulation to keep their minds sharp and their bodies healthy. Just adapt to their activity/mobility levels so they don’t have to strain. This could mean adding ramps for easier climbing or soft landing pads to take the pressure off of their joints. Food puzzle toys are also great, because they stimulate your cat’s mind and engage their hunting instincts!

8. Brush Your Feline’s Teeth

Dental health problems are especially common in older cats. These problems can not only affect their teeth and gums but their whole body, causing pain, inflammation, and other issues. Caring for a senior cat calls for regular tooth brushing with a cat-safe toothpaste.

Struggle with brushing their teeth? You can use a finger toothbrush and the Cat-in-the-Bag cat sling bag to assist with dental care!

Is My Cat a Senior?

Every cat ages differently. But cats are generally considered “seniors” at 10-14 years. Cats 15+ years old are considered geriatric, or “super senior” cats.

Maintain Your Senior Cat’s Health

While caring for a senior cat’s physical needs is important, so is caring for their emotional needs! Shower your kitty with love and affection (on their terms, of course) to ensure they not only remain healthy but happy as they age.