Cats have been companion pets for over 9000 years. Their loving personalities, playful antics, and low-level maintenance are welcome pet traits that families enjoy. They are subjects of videos, musicals, books, poems, podcasts, and memes because they make us laugh, think, and feel better on difficult days. From Smelly Cat to Ode to Spot to Grumpy Cat and Hello Kitty, we can’t help feeling joy when we’re reminded of our own cats’ uniqueness or surprised by how much we relate to their moods. A photo of a cat wanting to sleep all day? I feel the same way.
Luckily, with healthier lifestyles and advances in medicine, household cats are living longer. Consumer demand for better quality food has produced a variety of options that not only keep cats fit but are designed to address specific conditions. With improved products for eating, drinking, pottying, and shedding, more cats are living indoors safe from the elements, injuries, and predators. Not today, coyote!
The average life expectancy of cats is now 11-12 years (male-female) [6] with life spans ranging up to 17 years and older. Veterinarians worldwide report some feline patients in their twenties with the oldest cats living to 27 years or more. But when are they considered senior-age or start showing signs of decline? The Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery stipulates that, due to individual body rates, aging at different rates, specific life stages cannot be distinctly defined. However, they give a general range. Cats are in a Mature stage from ages 7-10 and are considered Senior at age 11. Depending on genetics and life experiences, cats can show signs of aging while still considered young or be a Superager who stays active in their Geriatric years.
When should we start planning for their senior years?
Start today. No matter what age your cat is, you can provide a path to aging well with healthy food, an abundant supply of fresh water, a clean environment, regular activity and, emotional connections and socialization. Yes, this is a similar formula for human healthy aging. What is surprising to some owners is that pets need similar proactive actions to age well:
- See your doctor. We take our dogs to the vet twice as often as cats [5] whose independence often hides their health problems.
- Drink water. Cats like fresh water, just like us. Pet water fountains provide continuous filtered water while wet food can seamlessly add water to their diet.
- Care for your teeth. Periodontal disease is not only painful but can have secondary effects on organs and their immune system. [7]
- Keep moving. You can increase your cat's activity through both play and grooming. Not only does brushing stimulate your cat’s skin to increase blood flow, but the personal attention is also vital to their mental health.
- Be nurtured by nature. Allowing your cat outdoors comes with risks, but fresh air is beneficial to humans and pets. The American Psychological Association recommends time in nature for our mental health [1], why not take your cat along. How? Pet strollers and carriers are all the rage. [link to collection]
How can I help my aging cat?
First is to understand that cats have the same aging transitions as humans. Their joints can ache, they can feel cold more often, their bottoms can drip and leak from incontinence and kidney problems, they have less energy and digestive issues, enjoy more quiet time, need a little help getting around, and feel left out when they aren’t included as much anymore.
Next, monitor their eating, drinking and bathroom habits. Eating from elevated food bowls is more comfortable especially for achy necks and backs. The food goes down easier which reduces post-breakfast vomiting. If you own a cat or a dog, you can relate to the sound of a pet barfing up their food.
Is your cat urinating or defecating (aka pooping) outside the litter box? Check with your vet to see if there is an immediate medical need, then help your cat get to the litter easier and quicker. Consider multiple litter boxes, one on each floor level or in different rooms.[4] Some cats struggle to step over the side of the box. A low-sided box helps. Some owners switch to cookie sheets inside cat houses (think doghouse for cats). If you don’t like the look of litter boxes throughout your home, cat furniture fashionably hides those necessary items. [link to furniture collection]
Studies show that your cat’s digestion can be affected by age. The gastrointestinal transit time (length of time from eating to eliminating) slows down leading to chronic constipation. [2] Dehydration is often a source of the problem or, at least, aggravates the condition. You can encourage drinking by providing multiple water bowls and pet fountains that attract cats to the water and filter out impurities.
Provide warmth. You can help older cats to retain their own body heat or add warmth from heating pads designed for pets.
- Beds shaped like caves retain warmth, keep out drafts, and feel private and safe.
- Heating pads come in two different forms: self-heating and electrical. Self-heating pads are surprisingly effective. The thermal pad reflects your pet’s heat back to them, keeping them warm without fear of overheating or leaving electricity on. Electric pads for pets are designed for warmth, not heat, to avoid burning your pet’s skin. An electric pad designed for humans should never be used for pets.
Help your cat climb. When humans age, we look for hip and knee support. Dogs and cats do too, but arthritis can affect us all. Your cat still wants to join you on the bed and in your lap but jumping is harder now. Your vet can suggest helpful supplements and you can make simple changes to your home. For cats that may struggle to reach their favorite spots, pet stairs are a wonderful addition, ensuring they can access elevated areas with ease. Pet stairs and ramps with firm, non-slip surfaces return confidence and independence back to your cat. [link to collection]
Support their need for calm, low activity levels. As cats age, they may crave cuddling and calm affection more than toys and play time. Apart from changes in behavior, seniors may also exhibit changes in sleep patterns and energy levels. While they may not be as playful as their younger counterparts, engaging them in gentle play sessions and providing stimulating toys can contribute to their overall well-being. However, introducing a new kitten or puppy probably won’t be accepted well and may cause your seasoned cat to retreat, hide, or exhibit cranky behavior. If your home already has an energetic pet or toddler, a cave-like bed can provide a private, quiet refuge.
Remember to keep regular check-ups. When cats are quiet, their symptoms can be overlooked. Monitoring their food consumption is easier than monitoring water, especially if multiple cats are drinking from the same source. Your vet can tell you if your cat is dehydrated or showing signs of kidney disease, diabetes, heart disease, hyperthyroidism and more.
Other less-obvious conditions to check are cognitive decline, vision, and hearing loss. These conditions can lead to disorientation, anxiety, fear, and withdrawal. Keep an eye on your senior cat for an increased sensitivity to their surroundings, changes in behavior and routine. A survey on the Veterinary Information Network (VIN) [3] examined the 100 most recent behavioral complaints of cats 12–22 years of age. The following results were reported:
- Excessive vocalization in 61% (night-time vocalization in 31%)
- House-soiling (elimination and marking) in 27%
- Disorientation in 22%
- Aimless wandering in 19%
- Restlessness in 18%
- Irritability/aggression in 6%
- Fear/hiding in 4%
- Clingy attachment in 3%.
Understanding and accommodating cognitive changes involve providing quiet and familiar spaces, increasing the amount of litter boxes, and ensuring a predictable routine. Patience can be challenging, but compassionate actions can ease their anxieties. One practical step is to introduce your cat to a new sitter before the first day of care and equip all sitters with information about your pet’s condition. When traveling, try to find a caregiver who can come to your home instead of taking your cat to a boarding facility. Brush and feed your cat together to build trust and familiarize your cat with your sitter's voice and face if your cat is blind or deaf. Even if your cat’s caregiver is a family member or friend, providing them with a detailed description of your cat’s personality, needs, routine, and comfort aids will help create positive experiences. We provide free printables for Cat Sitter Notes, Medication Trackers, and Weekly and Monthly Pet Needs. We also have Vet Appointment Planners and Trackers, Pet Travel Checklists and more.
Adopting a senior-age cat.
Helping your pet age comfortably can extend your family's joy for years. Many senior cats, though, need homes and are aging fearfully and uncomfortably in shelters, waiting for an owner to bring them joy. The decision to adopt a senior cat is not only compassionate but also incredibly rewarding. Not only do you save a life, but you also form a deep bond with a companion who appreciates your love and care. Senior cats often have a more settled temperament, and their personalities are fully developed, allowing for a quicker and more profound connection.
Witnessing the transformation of a senior cat, from a potential life of uncertainty to a loving and comfortable home, is a gratifying experience for both cat and owner. The success stories of senior cat adoptions that showcase the resilience and love these cats bring into their new homes are endless. Enjoy these videos of MK and Heiko and share them with those who are looking for a loving companion.
Have an emergency care plan for your pets.
Years ago, a neighbor, who lived alone, had a medical emergency outside of his home and passed away at the hospital. Family was contacted but no one knew that he owned a cat. When they finally entered the house over a week later, they found a scared, starving cat who ran away as soon as the door opened. We found her in our yard, and she became a member of our family.
Impromptu care for your pets can be easy with a few simple steps:
- Inform loved ones that your pets will need care if you are unable to go home.
- If loved ones are distant, provide contact information for a trusted neighbor, friend, or your pet sitter who has access to your home.
- Have your pet’s care information accessible. We have forms completed and accessible for sitters, weekly schedules, medication tracking, veterinarian information and more.
- Consider changing your phone’s wallpaper (home screen image) to an image with “In Case of Emergency” information that includes your pet.
Final thoughts.
Don’t give up on your senior cat. Health issues can be caught early with regular vet visits and many conditions can be treated or managed to improve your cat’s quality of life and keep harmony in your home. Aging is a natural process for us all, and, just as we make transitional changes to keep us mobile, comfortable, and happy, we can do the same for our pets. Knowledge, planning, observation, and adaptation products can help your senior feline companion not only thrive but also enjoy their golden years to the fullest.
References:
- American Psychological Association. (2020, April 1). Nurtured by nature. Monitor on Psychology, 51(3). https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature
- Bellows, Jan & Center, Sharon & Daristotle, Leighann & Estrada, Amara & Flickinger, Elizabeth & Horwitz, Debra & Lascelles, B Duncan X & Lepine, Allan & Perea, Sally & Scherk, Margie & Shoveller, Anna. (2016). Aging in cats: Common physical and functional changes. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. 18. 533-550. 10.1177/1098612X16649523.
- Bellows, J., Center, S., Daristotle, L., Estrada, A. H., Flickinger, E. A., Horwitz, D. F., Lascelles, B. D., Lepine, A., Perea, S., Scherk, M., & Shoveller, A. K. (2016). Evaluating aging in cats: How to determine what is healthy and what is disease. Journal of feline medicine and surgery, 18(7), 551–570. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X16649525+
- Cornell Feline Health Center, (n.d.). Loving care for older cats. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/loving-care-older-cats
- Hoyumpa Vogt, A., Rodan, I., Brown, M., Brown, S., Buffington, C. A., Larue Forman, M. J., Neilson, J., & Sparkes, A. (2010). AAFP-AAHA: feline life stage guidelines. Journal of feline medicine and surgery, 12(1), 43–54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfms.2009.12.006
- Montoya, M., Morrison, J. A., Arrignon, F., Spofford, N., Charles, H., Hours, M. A., & Biourge, V. (2023). Life expectancy tables for dogs and cats derived from clinical data. Frontiers in veterinary science, 10, 1082102. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1082102