Senior Cats: Health Care, Grooming, Nutrition Tips

The close relationship between humans and their cats, along with advances in veterinary care and specialized diets, mean cats are living well into their 'senior years'.

When is a cat considered to be 'senior'?

Most cats are considered to be senior around 7-10 years of age. However, breed and the general health of the cat play a major role in defining when an individual cat is considered senior.

Senior cat needs

As with humans, the needs and activity levels of senior cats will change as they age. They are more likely to:

• Become overweight
• Suffer from cancer, osteoarthritis, diabetes, kidney, heart and dental disease
• Experience cognitive decline or dementia, vision and hearing decline
• Develop unusual lumps and bumps

It is important to take your senior cat to your veterinarian for wellness checks every 6 months, to monitor their health and individual needs.

A few senior problems!

Healthy mouths are important

It is important to look after your cat’s teeth and gums throughout their life. Poor dental hygiene and dental disease places your cat at risk of damage to other organs. Talk to your vet about the best ways to maintain good dental health in your cat. This may include:

• Manual tooth brushing
• Feeding chew treats or dry cat food formulated to help keep teeth clean
• Regular teeth cleaning at the vet

Unusual lumps and bumps

It is important to know that older cats can often develop unusual lumps and bumps, on and under their skin. Not all lumps and bumps are sinister, but look out for changes in size, shape, colour and consistency, as well as redness, weeping and ulceration. If you see any of these changes, talk to your vet.

Sore and stiff joints

Osteoarthritis is a gradual but progressive degenerative condition of the joints. Bony outgrowths can also form around the joint, which can cause pain and further restrict mobility.

Signs of osteoarthritis

The signs of osteoarthrits can be subtle in cats, so watch closely for signs of:

• Decreased activity and reluctance to jump
• Stiffness and difficulty rising after a rest
• Poorly kept coat, due to difficulty grooming
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Inappropriate toileting e.g. outside the litter box
• Occasional aggression (due to pain)

Osteoarthritis cannot be cured, but it can be managed

It is important to talk to your veterinarian if you are concerned. There are a number of management options available to make your cat more comfortable. They include:

• Anti-inflammatory and pain-relief medication
• Nutritional supplements (e.g. green-lipped mussel and omega-3 fatty acids)
• Physical therapy
• Weight loss programs

Senior pets can become a little forgetful

Cognitive dysfunction, or dementia, is a progressive disease that changes behaviour.

Signs of cognitive decline

• Urinating and defecating in unusual places e.g. outside the litter tray
• Disorientation e.g. getting stuck in a corner or difficulty finding their food
• Loud vocalisation, often at inappropriate times e.g. at night
• Anxiety, particularly separation anxiety
• Reduced intake of food
• Reduced grooming activity
• Unusual social interaction e.g. less affectionate
• Pacing and irritability

Managing cognitive decline

Cognitive decline cannot be cured, but the disease can be managed in the following ways:

• Dietary modification and drug therapy – discuss these options with your vet
• Ensure all the things your cat needs are easy to access and aren’t moved around the house
• Provide more water bowls and litter trays around the house
• Provide mental stimulation e.g. food toys
• Stick to a daily routine for your cat, to make them feel more safe and secure
• Assist your cat with grooming, as it is important in keeping their coat clean and free from tangles. Grooming also releases endorphins, which will make your cat feel happier and more relaxed

Other considerations for the senior cat

The Kidneys

Disease of the kidneys is not uncommon in cats. The cause of damage to the kidneys can be known or unknown, or sometimes just simply associated with a decline in organ function with age.

Things can get a little blurry

Like humans, senior cats may start to develop changes in their eyes which can affect their eyesight. Common signs of vision impairment include:

• Bumping into things
• Not being able to find their food or water
• Easily startled
• Cloudiness to their eyes

What did you say?

It is not uncommon for cats in their senior years to experience some degree of hearing loss. With a bit of support, your cat can continue to live a full and happy life:

• Put a bell on your cat’s collar so you can locate them
• Cats with hearing trouble or deafness should be kept inside at all times, unless taken outside on a harness
• Alert your cat when you are approaching e.g. turn on the light or tap on the floor

If you are concerned, have your cat examined by your vet.

We understand flea and worm protection is important

Older cats with underlying disease or weakened immune systems are at risk of more severe disease from some parasites. Therefore, ongoing protection is important.