Senior cat care: how to look after older cats

Posted on 14th August 2023 by Green Lane Farm Team

There’s a bit of kitten in every cat, no matter how old they are. And when we see them playing, it can be hard to get our heads around the fact that they’re getting older and aren’t as mobile and flexible as they used to be.

But – like all of us – cats do get old, and – again, like all of us – as they do so they slow down, become more prone to aches and pains, and find certain activities harder than they used to.

This month, we’re examining the ins and outs of senior cat care, to understand their needs and discover what we can do to help them cope with their advanced years.

What age is a ‘senior’ cat?

Like humans, cats are living longer than they used to. Partly that’s down to improvements in veterinary care, but we can also now provide them with better diets. This ensures they get the right levels of nutrients and vitamins to help them stay healthy for longer.

A cat is considered ‘senior’ when it reaches the age of 11, and is ‘geriatric’ when it reaches 15. In human terms, these ages are approximately equivalent to being 60 and 76 years old respectively. Cats reach the equivalent of 100 years old when they get to 21 – and, again, as with humans – this is becoming far more common than it used to be.

Incidentally, the world record is held by a cat called Crème Puff, who lived in Texas and reached an incredible age of 38 years and three days!

Signs your cat is getting old

There are several signs to look out for that might indicate your cat is starting to show signs of age. These include:

Changes in eating and drinking habits – in either case, this could be an increase or a decrease in their appetite.
Sleeping for longer – it may not seem possible, but cats sleep for even longer as they get older.
Difficulty jumping up – cats are generally known for their agility and ability to leap up to high levels with seemingly little effort. As they age, however, they can start to struggle to achieve all their goals, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll stop trying. So you may start to notice more hesitancy when it comes to making the final leap – and perhaps even the occasional failed attempt.
Reduction in hearing and vision – if your cat is no longer reacting as quickly when you call its name or rattle its food bowl, or is moving cautiously and is reluctant to jump, it may be because its hearing and vision aren’t what they used to be.
Stiffness – cats can suffer from arthritis, stiffness in the joints and other mobility issues as they get older as much as we can.
Poor coat condition – this can be the result of the aforementioned loss of flexibility and mobility, which means your cat may not be able to keep all its coat in the same condition that it used to or would prefer.

Helping your cat grow old gracefully

Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to help your cat deal with the realities of getting older.

Make sure it’s getting a suitable diet – the best food for senior cats has been specially formulated to deal with their changing needs. Either buy commercial food that is labelled as being suitable for a senior cat or ask your vet for advice, especially if you think your cat might be under or overweight.
Make sure it can access its food and water bowls – if your cat isn’t as flexible as it used to be, you might consider raising its food and water bowls so that it doesn’t have to bend all the way down to the ground to get into them.
Help with grooming – if your cat is struggling to stay well groomed, take time to give its coat a regular brush or comb. Not only will it help keep it looking good, but cats also usually love this kind of attention – and it will give you the chance to check if there are any other developing issues that need dealing with.
Keep an indoor litter tray – even if they usually go outside, keeping an indoor tray for when it’s raining, or they just don’t feel like going out, is generally a good idea. Ideally, it should have low sides to make getting in and out as easy as possible.
Regular checkups with the vet – try and book in regular checks with your vet, who will be able to keep a closer eye on your cat’s condition and provide expert advice on the best way to help them be as comfortable and happy as possible.
Keep it indoors at night – according to research by pet insurance companies, 78% of road accidents involving cats happen at night, and as your cat gets older and less fleet-footed, they can be more prone to such incidents.
Playtime – we started out by saying that even older cats can be playful, and it’s always good to encourage them whenever possible. Playing is good for both their mind and body!

Here at Green Lane Farm Boarding Kennels, our experienced team is used to looking after cats of all ages, whether they’re little kittens with boundless energy or more mature moggies with more complex needs. If you’re looking for somewhere to home your feline friend while you’re away, you can trust us to ensure they always get the best possible care.

Get in touch with us now to find out more or to book your cat in – our cattery is easily accessible for those living in Chessington, Kingston and the wider Surrey area.