Care of Elderly Cats

Due to advances in veterinary medicine and general care, cats are living longer than ever before – some well into their 20s! Cats over 10 years old are considered to be ‘senior’ while cats over 15 years old are ‘geriatric’. Older cats require specific care as they are affected by changes brought on by ageing.

As your cat ages you may notice some changes in behaviour such as reduction in activity levels, sleeping more and not wanting to be outside as much. These changes could be due to normal ageing processes or they may be associated with conditions such as arthritis, which causes pain in the joints. Old cats have reduced vision and hearing so it may take them longer to adjust to any changes in the household and they are more at risk of being involved in accidents outdoors.

Adjustments in the home
It is important to have a litter tray indoors for an elderly cat. There can be some loss of bowel and bladder function associated with age and a reduction in mobility may mean that they don’t want to walk far to get to a toilet. A litter tray should have low sides for easy access and litter should be soft such as sand or fullers earth.

Many older cats will like to have a quiet sleeping spot and it is important to provide this, especially if you have a busy household. Somewhere warm and draft free is ideal. They may not wish to interact as much, particularly with other animals in the house and they may be very reluctant to accept a new addition.

General health problems to be aware of
Older cats have reduced bowel function so they do not absorb nutrients as well. This can lead to weight loss and some older cats suffer from constipation. Weight loss can also be related to medical conditions such as kidney disease or an overactive thyroid gland so should always be investigated. Older cats have a reduced ability to smell which can cause loss of appetite. Reduced appetite could also be due to medical problems including bad teeth so it should be checked. A diet of all wet food is preferable and water should be available at all times.

Most owners will notice that their elderly cat will have a poor coat. This is due to ageing changes and lack of grooming. It makes them more susceptible to cold and wet hence they may wish to venture outdoors less. You can help improve the hair coat by regular grooming if your cat will allow it. You should also check your cat’s nails as they can become thickened and overgrown and may need regular trimming.

Senility is common in older cats and can happen for a variety of reasons; a common cause is a condition similar to Alzheimer’s in humans. Signs of senility include crying at night, walking around aimlessly or being unable to navigate their way out of a corner. Most senile cats are still happy and with a little help from their owners they have a good quality of life.

Regular check-ups
It is advised that all cats over 10 years old have a check up every 6 months. During these checks the vet will give your cat a full health check and fully discuss any issues or concerns you may have. Your vet may recommend some additional tests such as a full blood screen or blood pressure measurement. It is advisable to monitor older cats for conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease and thyroid disease. If these conditions are caught early they can be successfully managed. Routine vaccinations may also be carried out during these appointments. If you have any concerns about changes in appetite, weight or behaviour you should contact us to make an appointment soon as possible.

With a little extra love and attention you can help your elderly cat grow old gracefully and enjoy their twilight years!