Our Expert Advice on Caring for Senior Cats

Ageing happens to all of us, and when it comes to our beloved pets it certainly seems to sneak up.

Our feline friends can live a long time, with many being documented living until their early twenties. As our moggies mature, their needs will change and the best thing we can do as owners is learn how to keep them happy, healthy, and comfortable.

First and foremost, it is important to recognise the signs your moggy might have reached their twilight years.

The Signs of Cat Ageing

Every cat is different, but most will start slowing down and showing their age at around 12. Keep in mind, that twelve might seem young to us but for cats, this is the equivalent of being in their sixties!

Here are some changes to watch out for as your cat ages:

• Decrease in activity and sleeping more than usual
• Weight gain
• Changes to vision and hearing. For example, struggling to see items in front of them, like their food bowl
• Toileting changes can be less or more frequent visits to the litter tray
• Changes to coat condition and less grooming

Monitor any changes to your cats’ behaviour or health carefully. As your cat ages, it is important to take them to the vet more frequently. As pets get older, illnesses and issues can escalate quickly. So regular check-ups are an essential part of their preventive healthcare

Alongside vet visits, there is much you can do to keep your older moggy content

Switch to a Senior Diet

As cats get older their stomach tends to become more sensitive and their skin and coat can lose condition. Our moggies are also more prone to weight changes, joint pain, and stiffness.

Foods like MORE +Senior are designed to help older cats feel fabulous. This natural diet contains a high level of joint supplements to ease stiffness and make movement easier. The added prebiotics and salmon oil help combat age-related gut and skin problems

Some cats lose their appetite as they age due to a decline in their sense of smell. To help keep them fit and healthy try giving your cat smaller meals more often.

You could also try splashing their kibbles with some warm water and popping them in the microwave for 5-10 seconds. This can intensify the smell and increase palatability.

Brush them regularly

Joint and dental issues can prevent older cats from grooming themselves properly. So, senior cats may need a little more help keeping their coat healthy.

Brushing their fur regularly will keep them knot-free and reduce the risk of hairballs. Regular brushing is essential for their physical condition AND important for their mental health. Cats are hygienic creatures who truly do appreciate feeling clean and well-groomed.

Read our healthcare blog for help with hairballs.

Provide them with a Litter Tray

For all the reasons why ALL cats should have access to a clean, safe toileting space, watch our litter tray video.

Having a comfortable litter tray indoors is especially important for our older moggies. As cats age they may struggle to reach the areas where they used to toilet, forcing them to come indoors. Accidents will inevitably happen, so it is better to be prepared.

Having a tray indoors also alerts you to possible changes in health. This means you will be alerted to problems earlier and be able to take your cat to the vet much sooner.

Find high-quality litter and accessories here.

Keep them Active!

As our senior cats reach their golden years expect to often find them curled up and asleep. Understandably, cats sleep more and move less as they age.

As tempting as it is to let them rest, it is still important for them to get some exercise. Whilst they won’t be showing the energy or ability they had when they were younger, you can still get your cat moving.

Try feeding them their dinner differently to encourage movement. Pop a few kibbles in an interactive treat toy or create your own by cutting paw holes in a shallow cardboard box. Using high-quality catnip can help encourage playtime and more activity from senior cats.

Watch our Playing with Cats video.

Adapt the House

Steep stairs, deep litter trays and high scratchers can be a problem for older cats.

Cats still want to get to the places they used to; they just might need some help getting there! Adapt your home to help your cat move around easily, and place accessible ramps next to harder-to-reach places.

Remember your cat might not have the balance they used to, so it’s worth ensuring they have something soft and padded to fall onto if they lose their step.

Speaking of soft and padded, as older cats tend to sleep more it’s worth investing in a comfortable cosy bed for them to rest in.

So, there we have it, all the tips you need to keep your old moggy happy.
Enjoy spending time together during your cat’s golden years and don’t forget to spoil them, they deserve it.