Newt, my beloved black cat with enchanting green eyes, is celebrating her 11th birthday this year.
How time flies…
According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), cats enter middle age at 7, become seniors at 11, and are considered geriatric from the age of 15 onward. As Newt transitions from middle age to her senior years, my focus has shifted towards ensuring that she ages gracefully, with dignity, and joy.
Isn’t that what we all desire?
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Caring for Your Senior Cat: From the First Signs of Aging and Beyond
As mammals age, whether they are cats, dogs, humans, horses, or rhinos, they share commonalities such as wear-and-tear on muscles and joints, diminishing eyesight and hearing, and a decrease in overall physical function. While our primary focus is on our feline companions, it’s helpful to consider your cat’s aging process in the context of your own experience. Drawing from our understanding of human aging, we can identify several factors that make the aging process more manageable. These factors include diet, exercise, lifestyle choices, and more, which apply to our feline friends with a few additional considerations.
Let’s delve into each aspect as we explore how to support our cats in aging gracefully!
Food and Water
This is an excellent place to begin, as it has a profound impact on all other aspects of your aging cat’s well-being. Why? Because your cat’s weight significantly affects her overall health. Cats thrive when they maintain a healthy weight, even as they age. Overweight cats encounter challenges, including reduced exercise levels, a diminished quality of life, and potential health issues like osteoarthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular problems, and hip dysplasia, among others.
How many calories does a senior cat need?
Calories play a crucial role in your cat’s overall weight, and determining the right daily caloric intake isn’t as straightforward as it might be for humans. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, “Energy or calorie requirements in cats initially decrease in their senior years, but unlike humans, energy requirements start to increase around 11 years of age.” Since geriatric cats require more energy, they may actually need more calories. Instead of automatically switching to a senior formula, consult your vet to discuss your cat’s specific caloric needs.
How much should I feed my aging cat?
Calories are just one part of the nutritional puzzle; portion control is equally important. Avoid relying solely on the suggested serving size printed on food packaging. Factors like your cat’s energy level, age (for caloric requirements, as mentioned earlier), and recent blood tests should be considered. Your vet can help determine the daily feeding requirements, which you can then divide into the appropriate number of meals. Keep a close eye on your cat’s weight and adjust portions as necessary.
How much water should my cat drink?
Since kidney function can decline with age, maintaining proper hydration becomes even more critical than it already is. If your cat hasn’t consumed wet food, consider offering some or mixing it with dry food to provide extra moisture with each meal. Pay attention to your cat’s preferred drinking habits; if she enjoys running water, a water fountain might be a suitable choice. Additionally, if you have multiple pets, including cats and dogs, position water dishes in various locations to ensure your senior cat can access her preferred water source.
Litter Box
Addressing the litter box situation is a top priority. If your aging cat is experiencing accidents, consult your vet to rule out any underlying medical causes. Cats are experts at concealing pain and symptoms, so a veterinary visit is crucial.
Assuming there are no medical issues or accidents, evaluate your litter box setup. Aging cats may struggle with stairs, so ensure each floor of your home has a litter box. If your cat occasionally doesn’t make it in time, consider adding more litter boxes to provide easy access.
Litter boxes should be easily accessible, with no need for your cat to make strenuous jumps or maneuvers to enter or exit. If you anticipate potential future mobility issues, it might be wise to introduce a walk-in litter box in a convenient location.
Regarding the type of litter, it’s generally best to avoid unnecessary changes unless specific issues arise. Older cats, like older humans, can be creatures of habit, and disrupting their routines can add stress. Stick with what works unless there’s a compelling reason for change.
Senior Cat Behavior
While some changes in behavior are normal as cats age, it’s important not to attribute all behavior changes solely to aging. Older cats might become less active or playful, which could indicate arthritis or other health concerns. Likewise, apparent disorientation when faced with changes in the environment might be an early sign of cognitive dysfunction.
Watch for shifts in behavior, such as your litter-trained cat suddenly urinating outside the litter box, your meticulous groomer neglecting self-care, or your once adventurous climber becoming more grounded. If you observe such changes, it’s essential to seek guidance from your vet. There might be underlying medical causes contributing to these changes that can be treated or managed to improve your cat’s quality of life.
Overall, to support your senior cat’s behavior, consider:
- Reducing Household Stress: Maintain a calm environment to minimize stress for your aging cat.
- Consistent Routines: Stick to regular routines, which provide a sense of security and predictability for your cat.
- Encouraging Play: Even if it’s at a slower pace, engaging your cat in play can be beneficial.
- Mental Enrichment: Provide plenty of mental stimulation to keep your cat’s mind active.
- Regular Vet Visits: Schedule at least one, but ideally two, wellness exams per year for senior cats.
Grooming and Body Care
As cats age, they may face challenges related to grooming and body care. Here are some key areas to focus on:
Skin and Coat Care for Senior Cats: Just as in humans, aging cats’ skin loses elasticity, making it more susceptible to injuries and infections. Cats with arthritis or joint issues may find grooming painful, leading to dirt buildup, trapped loose hair, and matting. Brushing your aging cat regularly can help prevent these issues. Start with gentle strokes using a soft brush while your cat is relaxed, gradually building up to a daily routine. Daily grooming allows you to spot any cuts, scrapes, or dry skin early, reducing the risk of infections.
Dental Care: Dental hygiene is crucial for your senior cat’s overall health. If you haven’t been brushing your cat’s teeth, starting a new dental care routine for an elderly cat might be challenging. However, dental issues in older cats are common, with periodontal disease affecting more than 80 percent of them. While there are water additives and dental treats available, consult your vet for guidance. Sedated dental cleanings may also be necessary to maintain your cat’s oral health.
Nail Care: Trimming your elderly cat’s nails is essential. Many cats, especially older ones, may allow their nails to grow excessively, resulting in discomfort. Nails can curve under and press into your cat’s paw pads, causing pain. Establishing a nail-trimming routine, even if it’s just one nail per day, can help prevent this issue. Consider using a rewarding method, such as offering a treat, to make the process more enjoyable for both you and your cat.
Special Considerations for Aging Cats
Changes in Sensory Acuity: Aging cats may experience a decline in visual and auditory acuity. While they may not become completely blind or deaf, these senses can diminish with age. To accommodate your cat’s changing sensory abilities, avoid startling her if you suspect she’s losing her hearing. You can gently alert her to your presence, for example, by tapping the floor as you enter a room. In the case of worsening sight, consider leaving small lights on in dark areas. The goal is to prevent accidental injuries due to falls or sudden surprises that could cause emotional distress.
Warmth and Padding: Cats tend to lose muscle mass as they age, and providing soft, comfortable resting spots becomes crucial. If your cat has arthritis, a bed with a soft surface and firm internal padding can offer both cushioning and support. Aging cats may struggle to regulate their body temperature, so providing warm, draft-free spaces is comforting. You can even use heating pads or warming pads under supervision to provide additional warmth, especially if your cat suffers from joint issues or arthritis.
In conclusion, caring for your senior cat involves thoughtful attention to various aspects of their well-being. By addressing their dietary needs, ensuring a comfortable litter box environment, monitoring changes in behavior, maintaining grooming and body care routines, and accommodating sensory changes, you can help your aging feline companion enjoy a happy and comfortable life.
