Have you noticed your cat slowing down as they’ve gotten older? Are they playing less, jumping less, or sleeping more? Has their behavior changed–becoming less social or tolerant of petting? What about litter box use or relationships with other pets? Are they not as good as they used to be?
Cats can experience many changes as they get older. Good news—this period in life does not have to be solely about things getting worse. There are many ways to support your senior cat and allow them to continue living their best life.
What is a Senior Cat?
Definitions vary, but cats usually start being labeled as “senior” between 8 and 11 years old. Age is just a number, though, so it’s important to be aware of possible age-related changes and signs of pain even while your cat is young. Everything is easier when we identify concerns early.
Age-related Changes
Just like in humans, a senior cat can experience a wide range of changes, and each cat will experience aging differently. Physical, sensory, and cognitive changes are all very common. You might notice changes in:
- Mobility: jumping less, slower on the stairs, less active play, slow to get up from resting
- Eating: appetite changes, chewing on only one side, dropping food from their mouth while chewing
- Social Behavior: more or less interested in petting/attention, lower tolerance for interactions with other pets or people
- Body Handling and Grooming: sensitivity in certain areas, less tolerance for brushing or being picked up, less grooming of some or all of their body
- Confidence: less willing to explore or move around (even in familiar areas), hiding more often
- Litter Box Use: going more or less often, going outside the box
- Sleeping: changing in sleep/wake patterns
- Cognition: seeming confused, getting lost in the house, becoming more “stubborn”, not responding to known cues or household patterns
While all of these changes can be considered normal in aging, that doesn’t mean you or your cat need to suffer because of them.
Talk to Your Vet
It’s worth repeating–changes related to aging can be normal AND there are many ways to support your cat to feel more comfortable as they age.
Talk to your vet about pain management and support for cognitive function. While often discussed for senior dogs, the DISHAA assessment can be used to outline observations in cats as well and can help you be comprehensive. This checklist of signs of osteoarthritis can also help you notice subtle changes.
Getting older does not mean you have to be in pain or stressed!
Environmental Changes
Making some household modifications can also help your cat be comfortable in their senior years.
- Adjust vertical space (cat trees, shelves, etc) to require smaller jumps
- Ensure all raised perches and preferred resting areas have non-slip surfaces
- Provide extra-large litter boxes with a low entrance (on the side, not the top)
- Add extra hiding spaces, including warm spots such as heated beds
- Provide a safe space for your cat to rest away from other pets, kids, and/or guests
- Increase supervision while outside or implement other strategies for safe outdoor time, such as catios
- Add nightlights to litter box areas or areas your cat might have to navigate in the dark
Keep Up the Enrichment
Just because your cat is older doesn’t mean they don’t need to use their brain, body, and senses. Enrichment is important for well-being, stress reduction, and supporting cognitive health.
If your cat is losing interest in things they previously enjoyed, you might need to make a few adjustments for them.
- Slow down interactive play, moving the toy more slowly or in a smaller area
- Make sure play areas have non-slip surfaces for your senior to run and turn safely
- Provide different, stronger sensory experiences for cats whose senses may be declining
- Always offer the option to walk away in case the experience is too strong!
- Shift physical activity to more mental stimulation, such as food puzzles, training games, and sensory stimulation
Senior cats can experience a wide range of changes in their body, mind, and behavior. While these can present challenges, there are many ways to help your aging cat feel comfortable and happy. Be grateful for your cat’s aging–it means more time with them!
If your cat of any age has a behavior problem that you need help solving, consider scheduling a private behavior consultation.