Old Age in Cats - Elderly Cat Care Tips

Old age in cats is becoming more common.  As medicine advances, cats, like people, are living longer.  It's really important for owners to know how to care for their aging cats so old kitties can live out their dotage happily and comfortably.

Cat behavior changes as cats age.

Recognizing these changes (some of which are subtle) gives you a great basis on which to care for your aging cat. 

Here is some practical advice on dealing day to day with old age in cats:

Try not to change your cat's routine

Cats are real creatures of habit, and in general the older they get, the more they dislike having their routine altered.  The less you can change your old cat's routine, the better. 

Obviously it's difficult to keep everything identical, and little changes are usually fine.  But major changes aren't a good idea and are likely to really upset an older cat.  Here are a couple of extreme examples to (blatantly) illustrate the point - putting your 18-year old cat into a cattery for the first time, or getting a German Shepherd puppy when your cat is 19.

Be mindful of your cat's environment

As cats get older, they become less active.  Their ability to jump, run and climb lessens and they'll sleep considerably more.  Bearing this in mind, there are a number of things you should consider around your home to make your cat's transition to old age easier:

• Access to his favorite places:  If your cat's favorite bed is on top of a high cupboard, for example, you may need to move it somewhere lower
• Access to his litter box:  You may need to increase the number of litter boxes in your home.  Your elderly cat's bladder and bowel control may not be as good as it was, so a couple of strategically placed litter boxes will help him to avoid being "caught short!"
• Access to water:  Old age in cats is often accompanied by an increase in thirst.  Fresh water should always be freely available and easily accessible; this may involve putting a couple of extra water bowls around the house

 

Be aware of temperature

An important part of elderly cat care is helping them to avoid extremes of temperature.

Prolonged exposure to excessive heat or cold isn't good for any cat, but elderly cats will suffer more, and more quickly.  I'm not saying you shouldn't allow your old cat to lie in the sun if that's what he enjoys - but you should make sure he has access to a cooler place when he's had enough.

Old cats should never be left outside for excessive periods when it's cold or hot - always make sure they can get back inside as soon as they need to.

Help with grooming

 

Cats often groom themselves less when they get old. 

This can result in a dull, lifeless looking coat, and makes the cat more prone to hairballs. 

Gently grooming your cat more frequently than you did when he was younger will help keep his coat in good condition.

Maintain a good relationship with your vet

Last but not least, a good relationship with your vet is a a vital part of elderly cat care. 

Regular check-ups, and prompt treatment of any problems can help make old age in cats much happier and less stressful for you and Kitty.