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3 Overlooked Aspects of Senior Cat Care

Thanks to excellent veterinary care and more awareness of the importance of quality feline nutrition, cats are living longer, healthier lives. In my own household, I’ve had cats who lived long, healthy lives, with one living to 24 years. Sometimes, people don’t realize their cats are actually seniors because they appear so active and youthful.

Then there are the cats who enter their senior years with inactivity, pain, isolation, and a lack of interest in many of the things that used to make them happy. For some families, their cats’ lack of interest is explained away as simply being old age. In reality, those cats may be suffering in pain and relief could be achieved with proper veterinary care and some environmental modifications. Don’t forego regular veterinary visits because your cat needs them now more than ever. You may have skipped yearly examinations in the past if it was difficult transporting your cat to the clinic, but regular veterinary care is critical to getting an early diagnosis of a potential medical issue to increase the changes of successful management, as well as making sure your cat isn’t suffering. So, if you’ve avoided those veterinary visits previously, make an appointment and get back on track. With senior cats, twice yearly examinations are recommended. Your cat’s health and comfort need to be a priority.

 

These senior years are very special, and it’s a time where your cat should get to enjoy being a feline senior citizen and bask in the love you’ve had for each other for so many years. Happiness and comfort need to be a part of your cat’s daily life, no matter his age.

In addition to regular veterinary care, as mentioned above, here are a few reminders of things that can easily get overlooked when it comes to senior cat care:

1. Support Mental Stimulation

Engaging your cat in activities that promote brain health can help maintain cognitive function. Conduct interactive play sessions so your cat still gets to incorporate those mental skills needed for a stealthy, successful hunt. Set up indoor treasure hunts or puzzle feeders, and other forms of enrichment to keep your cat’s mind sharp as well. For cats, hunting (or playtime, in this case) is as much mental as it is physical. If you’ve never looked into using puzzle feeders or puzzle toys for your cat, a quick online search will provide you with a wide variety of options. Puzzle feeders come in many challenge levels. Start with one that is the easiest. Puzzle feeders should be challenging but not frustrating. The concept is based on working for food and it should be a fun activity for your cat that always results in success. You can also keep up with training activities to keep your cat’s mind stimulated by doing something such as basic clicker training. Keep sessions brief and positive and match what you are requesting of your cat to his mental and physical ability. It may be something as simple as a high-five or even just having him touch his nose to a target. You know your cat best and whether this kind of ongoing training is within his ability.
Photo: Pam Johnson-Bennett

2. Keep Your Cat Active

Maintaining mobility will help keep joints healthy. Interactive playtime remains essential. Adjust the intensity to accommodate any physical limitations your cat may have at this age. He doesn’t need to do fantastic flips or leap into the air. Even if his movements are slower and more low-key, it’s still movement, and that’s what matters. You may find that the toys your cat is interested in now are more suited for ground hunting than air hunting. It may mean you have to change out the bird-type toys and start using ones that mimic bugs, mice, snakes, or other low-to-the-ground critters. Don’t wear your cat out, but be sure to incorporate some amount of fun physical activity a couple of times each day.

 

3. Adjust the Environment

Make necessary changes to ensure your senior cat can still comfortably access favorite elevated areas. If needed, add a ramp so your cat can still get to his favorite elevated resting spot in order to enjoy watching the local wildlife at the window. Switch out your cat’s regular food and water bowls for elevated ones to reduce neck strain.

Increase the number of scratching posts so your cat can not only keep his nails in top notch condition but also be able to enjoy getting a good stretch. If he no longer can reach up to scratch, place some horizontal scratch pads around in addition to the regular vertical scratching posts.

The number of litter boxes may need to be increased as well since he may not have the bladder control he had in his youth. The height of the litter boxes may need to be low if he can’t climb into a regular sized box anymore. You can also get a high-sided one with a low entrance on one end.

Install motion-activated nightlights if your cat’s vision is failing so he can still easily find his way around. If he loses his sight completely, keep furniture in the same locations to help him make a mental map of his home. Instruct family members to keep their personal items picked up off the floor. Textured mats can also be used to warn the cat of upcoming potential dangers such as a staircase. Gates may also be set up to prevent accidental falls near staircases, or to keep the cat out of certain areas.

 

This is a Special Time of Life

Obviously, there are other things your senior cat may need, such as a dietary adjustment, ongoing medication, helping him stay groomed with frequent brushing, and perhaps helping him stay clean after using the litter box if he no longer takes care of that on his own. His tolerance for temperature may be reduced so you’ll have to make sure he stays warm enough in winter and cool enough in summer. The list could go on, based on what your individual cat requires, but the three reminders discussed above are the things that may, at first glance, seem less important but they are just as crucial to your cat’s health and well-being.

Need More Information?

For more information on cat behavior and training, refer to the best-selling books by Pam Johnson-Bennett. If you have a question about your cat’s health, consult with your veterinarian. This article is not a replacement for your cat’s veterinary care.
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