Caring for Older Cats: Essential Tips for Their Golden Years

Cats can live impressively long lives—sometimes reaching over twenty years—but from the age of eight, they are considered 'mature'. As they enter their senior years, they require extra attention and care to monitor for health issues and to meet their changing needs. This guide provides detailed advice on caring for your older cat to help enrich their golden years with comfort and love.

1. Monitoring Activity Levels

Older cats often become less active and less interested in play or hunting, which can lead to muscle loss and joint stiffness. To support your cat’s mobility:

• Observe changes in activity, such as reluctance to jump or climb.
• Consult your vet about joint supplements that may ease stiffness.
• Encourage gentle play to maintain muscle tone.
• Provide easy access to favourite resting spots, using ramps or steps if needed.

2. Adjusting Feeding and Nutrition

As their sense of smell and taste dull, older cats may become fussier eaters. It's important to ensure they receive adequate nutrition tailored to their lower activity levels and any health concerns:

• Offer high-quality diets formulated for senior cats, which support kidney and joint health.
• Consider warming food or trying different flavours to entice eating.
• Monitor weight regularly to avoid undesired loss or gain.
• Consult your vet to develop an appropriate feeding plan.

3. Maintaining Coat Condition and Comfort

Older cats may groom less effectively due to reduced mobility or arthritis, which can affect their coat condition and increase sensitivity to temperature changes.

• Ensure their bedding is warm, dry, and located in draught-free areas.
• Provide cosy blankets or heated pads if necessary, especially in colder months.
• In hot weather, monitor your cat to prevent overheating, as older cats can struggle with temperature regulation.

4. Supporting Digestive and Kidney Health

Age can slow digestion and reduce nutrient absorption, while kidney function may deteriorate:

• Weigh your cat regularly to catch weight loss early.
• Watch for signs of constipation, diarrhoea, or difficulty urinating.
• Notice if your cat drinks more water, which could indicate kidney issues.
• Kidney problems are common in senior cats; specialized diets and treatments may be recommended.

5. Strengthening the Immune System

Older cats have weakened immune defences, making them prone to infections:

• Keep vaccinations up to date to protect against preventable diseases.
• Maintain regular veterinary check-ups for early detection of illnesses.
• Minimise stress by keeping a stable and peaceful environment for your cat.

6. Dental Care is Crucial

Dental issues such as gum disease and tooth decay are frequent in older cats and can cause pain and eating difficulties.

• Establish a regular teeth-cleaning routine while your cat is young with a specialised enzymatic toothpaste and a soft brush.
• In older cats unaccustomed to brushing, seek veterinary dental care. Treatments under anaesthetic may be needed to remove decayed teeth and relieve pain.
• Watch for signs such as bad breath, drooling, difficulty chewing, or dropping food.

7. Watching Eyes and Ears

Vision and hearing often decline with age. Older cats may become less responsive or have difficulty adapting to changes.

• Try to avoid major changes in your home environment.
• Monitor for cataracts, cloudiness, or signs of hearing loss.
• Speak with your vet if you notice behavioural changes related to these senses.

8. Regular Health Checks and Weight Monitoring

Annual veterinary check-ups are even more important for senior cats, ideally coinciding with boosters:

• Some veterinary practices offer nurse clinics for older pets focusing on weight and condition monitoring.
• More frequent check-ups might be beneficial for early discovery of age-related issues.

9. Insurance for Older Cats

Having pet insurance can help manage the cost of health care in your cat’s later years:

• Insurance can be harder to obtain or more expensive as pets age.
• Check if your policy covers age-related conditions fully and for the duration of your cat’s life.
• Your vet may offer advice on suitable insurers with good coverage for older cats.

10. Promoting Responsible and Compassionate Care

Giving your older cat attention, love, and care ensures they live comfortably and happily:

• Adapt to their changing needs with patience and understanding.
• Encourage gentle exercise to maintain mobility.
• Create a calm environment to reduce anxiety.
• Regularly communicate concerns to your vet for guidance.

By embracing these compassionate care steps, you can significantly enhance your senior cat’s quality of life, making their twilight years healthy and happy.