A Guide to Caring for Your Senior Cat

Senior Cats Defined

The definition of a Senior Cat can vary depending on factors such as breed and individual health, but generally, a cat is considered a senior when it reaches around 7-10 years of age. However, some larger breeds, such as Maine Coons, may be considered seniors as early as 5-6 years old due to their shorter (predicted) lifespans compared to smaller breeds.

Nutritional Needs

As cats age, their nutritional requirements change. Here are some important considerations for feeding your senior cat:

There is considerable data supporting the rationale that cats fed wet food only, may do better than those fed dry kibble only, since wet cat food usually contains fewer carbohydrates than dry kibble.

• This is especially true in terms of weight control. It has been found to be particularly useful for weight loss to feed wet food exclusively.

Dry cat food can be more convenient and less expensive than canned food, and many cats prefer it. Here are some guidelines when choosing dry cat food.

• Opt for a high-quality senior cat diet that is specifically formulated to meet the needs of aging cats and be efficiently digested.
• Avoid diets with excessive amounts of fillers and aim for ones rich in essential nutrients.
• Choose diets with Omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for maintaining joint health in senior cats, and antioxidants which support cognitive function and overall well-being.
• Monitor your cat’s calorie intake to prevent unintentional weight gain, especially since senior cats may become less active.

Supplements

• Ocu-GLO is an excellent source of both Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.

• Cosequin is excellent for cats with osteoarthritis, which includes most cats over the age of 6 years old.

• Welactin is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.

• Vetasyl fiber capsules can be helpful for providing fiber. Incorporating fiber can help increase satiety, maintain firm stool consistency, and help regulate bowel movements.

• All of these supplements can be given daily to most cats.
• Always check with your veterinarian when giving supplements and medications to be sure there are no contraindications for your pet.

Health and Veterinary Care

Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for senior cats to monitor their health and detect any potential issues early on. Consider these tips for maintaining your senior cat’s health:

• Schedule bi-annual veterinary visits to address any emerging health concerns and follow up on any ongoing conditions.
• Annual blood screenings, including a comprehensive metabolic panel, complete blood cell count, and thyroid function test, help assess your cat’s organ function and overall health.
• Annual fecal screenings are important for detecting intestinal parasites and maintaining gastrointestinal health.
• Consult with your veterinarian regarding vaccination protocols tailored to your senior cat’s specific needs.
• Continue monthly heartworm prevention and administer flea, tick, and parasite control products as recommended by your veterinarian to safeguard your cat’s health.
• Regular dental care is crucial for senior cats to prevent dental disease and maintain oral health. Discuss dental cleaning options and home care strategies with your veterinarian.

Exercise and Enrichment

Although senior cats may be less active than their younger counterparts, regular exercise and mental stimulation remain vital for their well-being. Consider these tips for promoting physical activity and mental enrichment in senior cats:

• Modify exercise routines to accommodate your cat’s age and physical condition. Short, gentle play sessions are preferable to prolonged, high-intensity activities.
• Encourage interactive play with toys that stimulate your cat’s natural hunting instincts, such as wand toys, puzzle feeders, and laser pointers. Remember that cats need to have the exercise of “hunt”, the satisfaction of “catch”, the predation of “kill”, and finally the relaxation of “eat” to burn off steam and then feel fully satisfied.

• Provide opportunities for mental stimulation through puzzle toys, treat-dispensing devices, and scent-based games to keep your cat engaged and mentally sharp.

Relaxation and Down Time

Ensure your cat has access to comfortable resting spots and cozy bedding, particularly in areas with ample sunlight and minimal disturbances. Make sure they can be away from other cats if they want solitude.

Joint Health, Mobility, and Pain Management

Supplements can significantly benefit your senior cat, especially if they are experiencing stiffness and soreness in their joints. It’s highly recommended for aging felines to be on specific supplements designed to support joint health. If you’ve observed your cat discontinuing activities they once enjoyed, it’s an indication they’ve associated those activities with pain.

This subtle change is their way of communicating discomfort to you, a phenomenon known as “pain by omission.” Should you notice such changes, it’s crucial to consider a pain management trial under the guidance of your veterinarian. This approach can help identify the most effective way to alleviate your cat’s discomfort and improve their quality of life.

• Supplement your cat’s diet with glucosamine and chondroitin to promote joint health and alleviate stiffness.
• Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and support overall joint function in senior cats.
• Ocu-GLO contains glucosamine, chondroitin and Omega-3 fatty acids, and is also an excellent eye supplement for cats.
• Consider Adequan injections to improve the quality of the cartilage and joint fluid in your cat’s joints, which in turn helps lessen their pain.
• Solensia can be considered as a monthly injection to manage chronic osteoarthritis pain and improve mobility. This medication has been a life-changer for many cats, providing profound pain control with minimal effects on the kidneys and liver compared to NSAIDs.

Monitor your cat for signs of discomfort, such as reluctance to jump, stiffness, or altered gait, and seek veterinary care promptly if you notice these signs.

Home Adaptations

You can make adjustments to your home environment to accommodate your senior cat’s changing needs. Consider these modifications:

• Provide non-slip surfaces, such as area rugs or carpet runners, to help senior cats maintain stability and prevent slips and falls.
• Provide traction surfaces especially in areas where your cat jumps or lands.

• Ensure adequate lighting in dimly lit areas of your home to assist your cat’s vision, especially during nighttime navigation.

Every senior cat may experience reduced vision in dim light, similar to aging humans. Enhance the lighting in dimly lit rooms, hallways, and staircases with solutions your cat can depend on, such as lights on timers or sensor lights that automatically illuminate dim areas.

Whenever feasible, limit their need to navigate stairs. Utilize baby gates at the top or bottom of staircases to discourage unnecessary climbing during the day. If your cat needs to use stairs, think about installing non-slip stair treads to increase their stability and safety. These treads are cost-effective and can significantly reduce the slipperiness of uncarpeted stairs for your feline friend.

• Minimize the need for climbing by providing easy access to elevated surfaces, such as ramps or steps, for your cat to reach favorite perches.

• Offer soft, supportive bedding in warm, draft-free areas to provide comfort for your senior cat during rest periods.

Planning for the End of Life

Remember that your senior cat’s unconditional love and companionship are precious gifts, and by prioritizing their well-being and comfort, you can ensure they enjoy their golden years to the fullest.

No one enjoys thinking about end-of-life decisions, especially when it involves a beloved pet. But, if you could spend some time in preparation, it would be so helpful, and you will be glad that you did. You might want to explore some of the options that hospice care can provide for you and your senior cat, and maybe with some help from hospice you can have a little more peaceful, comfortable time with your beloved pet.

Craft a bucket list tailored for you and your cat. What delights them? Sunbathing by the window? Create a cozy spot where they can bask in the warmth. Catnip? Sprinkle some on their favorite toys or in a new, enticing area. Chasing laser dots? Spend some time each day engaging in this playful activity. Your creativity is essential—there are no limits to making your cat’s days joyful.

Compile a memory book. It could be digital or traditional, whatever you prefer. Include a tuft of their fur, reserve a spot for their collar tag, create a paw print using safe paint, ink, or mud. You could even make matching hand and paw prints if that brings you joy. The objective is to do whatever fills you with happiness and preserves the memory of your beloved companion.

Lastly, discuss euthanasia options and preferences with your veterinarian to ensure a peaceful and dignified end-of-life transition for your beloved cat.

See our article, The Euthanasia of Your Cat —The Hardest Decision You’ll Ever Make, for more information.