Helping Senior Cats Age Gracefully

How old is my cat in human years?

Cats age about four human years to one cat year, which is why regular checkups are so important. A lot can happen in four human years. Cats are considered “senior” when they are between 11 and 14 years old (equivalent to a human between 60 and 72 years old). Cats over 14 years of age are “geriatric” and comparable to humans that are 76 to 100 years or more.

Why do older cats need special care?

Age is not a disease, but many changes occur as cats age that can result in diseases or disabilities. 

• Vision and hearing may decline, causing some cats to be startled, anxious, or reactive when approached unexpectedly.
• Taste and smell may decline, which can make cats less interested in food or more selective about what they eat. 
• Sense of thirst may decrease, increasing the risk of dehydration.
• Older cats may become less efficient at digesting and absorbing nutrients. This, along with decreased mobility, can cause loss of muscle mass and loss of strength (sarcopenia). 
• Skin becomes thinner, less elastic, and has reduced circulation, making it more vulnerable to injury and infection.
• Cognitive decline can develop with age, leading to behavioral changes similar to dementia in people.
• Immune function declines, reducing the body’s ability to fight infections.

Isn’t my cat just getting older?

Yes, aging is a natural process, and some changes in activity level, appearance, and behavior are expected. However, many signs attributed to "old age" are actually caused by medical conditions that can be diagnosed and managed. Recognizing these conditions early can help your dog remain comfortable and maintain a good quality of life.

• Dental disease is one of the most common diseases affecting all cats. It is a painful condition that, if left untreated, can cause organ dysfunction, thromboembolic events (strokes), or a poor appetite. 
• Osteoarthritis pain affects most senior cats, causing reduced activity, less playing, less drinking, aggression, and urination and defecation outside the litter box.
• Thyroid disease can cause weight loss despite a great appetite and energy level.
• Kidney disease results in increased drinking and urination and can cause urinary tract infections, hypertension (high blood pressure), and urination outside the litter box.
• Vision changes can occur due to cataracts or retinal changes caused by hypertension (high blood pressure).
• Cognitive dysfunction can cause behavior changes, including:
  • Inappropriate elimination outside the litter box
  • Aimless wandering, staring, and crying
  • Altered sleep-wake cycles such as nighttime waking
  • Increased anxiety, irritability, or restlessness

What can I do to help my senior cat have the best quality of life?

Cats are extremely good at hiding illness, so close observation is key. The earlier a problem is identified, the more successful treatment is likely to be.

Monitor your cat’s daily habits and body condition. Is your cat following their normal routine and taking naps in different areas of your home? Cats that do not feel well move around less and may limit themselves to only a few sleeping areas. 

As you pet your cat, pay attention to their muscle condition. Notice how easy it is to feel the bumps along their spine and the bones of their hips. You should not easily feel these bones on a healthy cat. Regular petting also allows you to check for lumps. If you find one, let your veterinarian know what you felt, when you found it, and where it is located.

Check Skin, Coat, and Nails. Brush your cat’s coat or give them a gentle massage regularly. Daily brushing can help your cat groom areas that are difficult to reach due to arthritis. It also helps stimulate blood circulation to the skin, which supports skin health. Regular brushing also allows you to evaluate your cat’s coat quality and skin condition. Ask yourself: 

• How soft is their coat? 
• Are there any knots or mats of hair? 
• Are there any fleas or skin lesions? 

Check your cat’s nails weekly, as older cats can develop thick nails that do not shed normally and may grow into their paw pads, causing pain and injury.

Monitor oral health and hydration. Brush your cat’s teeth regularly. If teeth brushing is not already part of your daily routine, gradually introduce pet toothpaste, then a toothbrush, until your cat lets you brush the outer surfaces of their teeth without becoming upset. This process can take several weeks or longer. Your veterinary healthcare team can help you develop a training plan for your cat. 

Even if you do not brush your cat’s teeth, you can still look at the teeth by gently lifting your cat’s lips while they are relaxed. While looking at your cat’s teeth, also assess the color and moisture of their gums. A well-hydrated cat will have pink, moist gums, while a dehydrated cat may have gums that feel sticky and may appear pale.

Support their mental and emotional health. Senior cats can benefit from:

• Raised perches where they can climb and safely rest while observing their surroundings
• Multiple feeding areas, water areas, and litter box areas
• Non-slip mats and warm soft beds to rest on
• Opportunities for play using their favorite interactive toys and food dispensing toys that mimic natural hunting behavior
• A predictable routine
• Positive, predictable interactions with their people

Does my senior cat need a special diet?

Talk to your veterinary healthcare team about the best nutrition for your cat. Every cat has different nutritional requirements based on their age, body condition, and any medical conditions, so your veterinarian’s input is important. Some older cats need help losing weight, while others might have medical conditions such as kidney disease or diabetes that must be managed with special diets. Work with your veterinary healthcare team to find the best diet for your cat. 

Is my senior cat stressed?

Older cats do not handle change very well. Try to avoid sudden changes to your cat's routine but, if you must make a change, try to give your cat more attention and affection to reduce their stress. Consider a pet sitter if you must leave your cat for a long period of time. If you must board them in a kennel, be sure to bring lots of familiar belongings, including favorite bedding and special toys.

How can my veterinarian help?

Regular veterinary examinations and discussions about your cat’s behaviors at home (your cat’s history) will allow your veterinarian to provide recommendations on how to keep your senior cat healthy. These visits are often recommended more frequently than once a year as problems occur more quickly in older cats, especially if they have a chronic disease such as kidney disease or arthritis.

Laboratory tests, including blood, urine, and fecal tests, are recommended at least once yearly to detect changes to organ function before cats show signs of disease or to monitor the progression of organ dysfunction. Weight, body condition, and muscle condition will be evaluated as part of a complete physical examination. Working closely with your veterinarian will help detect disease earlier, enabling more effective management and treatment, which will ensure the best quality of life for your cat.