How to Care for a Senior Cat

1 Signs of Aging in Cats

Compared with people, cats live short lives and enter old age after about 10 years. Aging shows in many ways: declining vision and hearing; longer sleep; slower metabolism with less appetite and water intake; dull, thinning, lighter fur and heavier shedding as nutrients are absorbed poorly; less self-grooming; shorter steps, quicker panting, weaker jump and run, and reluctance to climb; more time spent in the litter box; and even changes in personality. Watch an older cat closely for these shifts and give it a quiet, comfortable, well-lit place to live.

2 Caring for a Senior Cat

As cats age they use the litter box more often and move slowly, so place several boxes around the home so an urgent need does not lead to accidents.

Feed by the cat’s actual daily calorie need rather than randomly raising or lowering portions; guesswork wastes food and can cause indigestion the cat cannot absorb.

With less activity and weaker nutrient uptake, add the supplements an older cat needs to its diet.

Set the water bowl at a height the cat can reach. A bowl placed high on a table or cabinet is hard for a stiff older cat to reach, and long-term low water intake risks dehydration.

An older cat has less stamina, so avoid rough games and choose interactive toys instead. Play in short, gentle sessions to keep the cat happy and healthy and slow decline.

Immunity drops with age, making infections more likely. Watch daily habits so you notice sickness early and can get veterinary care promptly.