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Caring for Your Older Cat

Caring for Your Older Cat

Caring for a senior cat

Your cat may have come into your life as a kitten, or maybe you adopted your cat when they were already in their golden years.

Either way, as the years go by, how you’ll care for your cat’s wellbeing will change. Understanding when your cat is entering their older years is important, as it allows you to take a proactive approach to caring for them during this important stage of life. If your cat hasn’t quite reached their senior years yet, keep reading so you’ll be better prepared when they get there.

When is a cat considered a senior?

As veterinary science has advanced, so too has the life expectancy of a healthy cat. Today, cats aged 12 years and older are typically considered seniors.

You might not notice much of a difference when your cat crosses this invisible line. Many older cats are as playful and healthy as their younger counterparts. In some cases, however, you might start to see a few signs that your cat is slowing down or that their fur is gaining a touch of grey. 

Graphic: what age is a cat a senior

Proactive veterinary care for your aging cat

If you have an older cat or one who’s nearing their 12th birthday, it is important to take a proactive approach to their health. Even if your cat seems just as healthy as ever, getting ahead of potential issues before they arise can help ensure that your cat continues to lead a happy life.

For senior cats, two routine vet visits a year rather than just one are recommended.

Why spend more time at the vet?

  • Your vet can help you catch issues early on before they become more serious. When a health concern is caught early, it can often be addressed through much simpler methods.
  • Your veterinarian will look for outward signs of age-related issues and may also draw your cat’s blood. Through blood work, veterinarians can diagnose and quickly address anything that comes up.
  • Additionally, a routine visit gives your vet the chance to perform a thorough dental exam and recommend a professional teeth cleaning or X-ray if oral issues are identified.
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Common health concerns for aging cats

Beyond just taking your older cat to the vet, you can also empower yourself with information about common issues that senior cats can face. This can help you take a proactive approach to combat these potential health issues, even right at home.

Weight fluctuations

Similarly to humans, as cats age their metabolism may slow down along with their activity level. This puts your cat at a higher risk for weight-related issues such as obesity. Obesity can, in turn, reduce your cat’s overall life span.

In addition, your older cat may face other health issues such as kidney disease, which can lead to significant weight loss and muscle mass reduction. This can cause them to have less energy, lose weight, drink and urinate more, and struggle with normal physical activities.

What to do:

Consider feeding your cat food specifically formulated for senior cats. There are formulas aimed at supporting weight loss, as well as specific veterinary diets for issues such as kidney disease, which help prevent severe weight loss. Make sure you work with your veterinarian to determine which formula is right for your cat. Keep in mind that the food they recommend may require a vet authorization. If you decide to switch your cat’s food, be sure to check out our guide on how to do so safely.

Dental health

Your cat’s teeth have put in a lot of work over the years This, along with routine aging, can lead to dental issues, including tartar buildup, tooth loss and gingivitis (gum inflammation). Dental problems can lead to tooth sensitivity and may necessitate teeth removal, which can make eating more difficult.

What to do:

Start using dental supplies to help reduce plaque and tartar and be sure to schedule routine dental exams with your vet. Your vet may also suggest a professional dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar. In some cases, your vet might also suggest X-rays or tooth extractions to prevent more serious issues like tooth root infection.

If your cat has lost teeth, consider switching to softer food such as wet food or mousse, which can help your cat eat more comfortably.

Aging joints

Aging joints can be painful and reduce your cat’s mobility, ultimately impacting their weight. Less active cats often gain weight from less exercise and lose muscle mass. Take a proactive approach to preventing joint pain as your cat enters their golden years. 

What to do:

Your vet may recommend giving your cat daily supplements to help promote joint health and ease hip and joint discomfort as your pet ages. An orthopedic bed can help relieve pressure on joints when your cat is at rest. Also consider ramps and cat trees that promote mobility but don’t require much jumping. Finally, joint pain can make it more difficult for your cat to groom themselves. Buy a good cat brush, and spend time each day helping your cat clean and groom.

If your cat still seems to be in pain, be sure to consult your vet to discuss possible pain management solutions such as prescription medication.

GI issues/digestion/urinary issues

Older cats can face issues with their digestive system and/or urinary tract. This can lead to irregular bowel movements, an increased number of hairballs, dehydration, weight loss or urinary tract infections. All of these can be painful for your cat and challenging for pet parents  to manage.

What to do:

If your older cat is having digestive or urinary difficulties, consider switching them to a vet-prescribed diet designed for easier digestion or one that addresses urinary issues. Additionally, you can add supplements to your cat’s diet that support healthy digestion and urinary function in aging cats.

Risk of cancer increases

Unfortunately, the older your cat gets, the higher their risk for cancer becomes. When caught early, however, many cancers are more responsive to treatment and associated pain is more easily managed.

What to do:

Make sure you are visiting your vet regularly. Your vet can screen your cat for cancer and look for early signs of the disease.

Loss of vision and hearing

As your cat ages, you might notice that their sight and hearing isn’t as good as it once was. If your cat seems to have difficulty hearing you or is having a harder time navigating the house, it might be a sign of hearing and/or vision loss.

What to do:

Talk to your vet if you believe your cat is losing their hearing or vision. Your vet can look for underlying health issues such as diabetes that might be contributing to this loss. Additionally, make sure to keep your older cat’s home environment comfortable with all their favorite things. Having a dedicated rest area such as a comfy bed in a sunny spot and sticking to a routine can help reduce your cat’s stress. Don’t rearrange furniture, as this can be disorienting to your cat as their vision worsens.

Caring for your cat throughout every life stage

As your cat enters their senior years, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the potential health issues they might face. But rest assured, you and your cat can still have quality time together if you prepare for their evolving needs.

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