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We all wish our cats could stay young forever. But just like us, they grow older, and their bodies and needs change over time.
Some cats are still racing around the house well into their teens, while others begin to slow down much earlier. Every cat is different.
Cats are generally considered to be seniors from around the age of 10, although changes can start to appear from about the age of 7, depending on their wellbeing and lifestyle.
The good news is that there are plenty of simple things you can do to help your cat stay well, active and comfortable as they get older. Keep reading to discover our top tips. We've even included a handy checklist at the end.
Help your cat's wellbeing before they become senior
Looking after your cat throughout their life can help them enjoy a good old age.
Feeding them high quality food that suits their age and lifestyle, helping them stay at a reasonable weight, encouraging daily play, and taking them for regular veterinary check ups can all make a real difference.
One of the most important things for cats is staying well hydrated.
Domestic cats descended from desert living ancestors that got most of the water they needed from their prey. As a result, cats naturally drink very little.
Today's cats have kept this instinct, even though many live indoors and eat mainly dry food.
One of the easiest ways to help keep your cat hydrated is to offer mostly wet food.
If your cat prefers dry food, try different wet food flavours and textures to find one they enjoy and include it in their daily routine whenever you can.
Natural snacks treats made with broth or goat's milk can also help increase their water intake while giving them something they'll enjoy.
Look out for small changes
Cats are experts at hiding pain and discomfort.
In the wild, showing weakness could put them at risk, so they often carry on behaving almost normally even when something isn't right.
As your cat gets older, noticing small changes in their behaviour is one of the best ways to look after them. You don't need to be a vet to spot when something has changed.
Look out for signs such as:
- Jumping onto furniture less often
- Hesitating before jumping or climbing
- Sleeping more than usual
- Playing less or showing less interest in exploring
These changes don't always mean something is wrong, but they can help you spot problems early.
If you notice these behaviours becoming more frequent, it's worth speaking to your vet. They can help you understand whether it's simply part of the ageing process or whether your cat needs extra support.
It's also important to watch for changes such as:
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- Eating less than usual
- Grooming less, leaving their coat looking untidy
- Using the litter tray differently
- Losing or gaining weight without an obvious reason
- drinking much more or much less than usual
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These changes don't necessarily mean your cat is unwell, but they should always be discussed with your vet.
Don't forget joint wellbeing
When people think about osteoarthritis, they often think of dogs. However, it's also very common in older cats.
Cats rarely show obvious signs of joint pain. Instead of limping, they may:
- Avoid jumping onto high furniture
- Spend more time resting
- Become less playful
- Hesitate before climbing or jumping
There are simple ways to make life easier for them:
- Add steps or ramps to help them reach favourite places
- Keep food, water and the litter tray somewhere easy to access
- Provide warm, comfortable places to rest
- Help them maintain a reasonable weight with a balanced food routine and sensible portion sizes
- Choose a litter tray with lower sides that's easier to step into
If you're worried about your cat's mobility, speak to your vet. They can recommend treatments or other ways to help keep your cat comfortable.
Your cat's eating habits may change
As cats get older, it's normal for their food preferences to change.
Some become fussier, while others prefer softer foods such as pâtés or mousses. This may be because of sensitive teeth, a reduced sense of smell, or simply changing tastes.
If your cat becomes more selective, try offering different flavours and textures until you find the ones they enjoy most.
Wet food has another important benefit. It helps increase your cat's water intake, which supports hydration. This is especially important for older cats, as kidney disease is one of the most common problems seen in later life.
You can also encourage your cat to drink more by placing several water bowls around your home or offering a drinking fountain if they enjoy using one.
Regular check ups and trips your vet are importent
As cats age, regular checks become even more important.
Some common conditions, including kidney disease, hyperthyroidism and joint problems, can develop slowly without causing obvious signs at first.
Routine veterinary check ups can help identify these conditions early, giving your cat the best chance of staying well and comfortable for longer.
Even if your cat seems perfectly well, these preventative visits can make a real difference.
Respect their space and let them enjoy life, at their own pace
Growing older doesn't stop your cat from being themselves.
They'll still enjoy watching birds through the window, exploring their surroundings, playing for a few minutes, curling up somewhere cosy or spending time with you.
Ageing isn't an illness. Many cats continue to live happy, curious and comfortable lives for many years.
The aim isn't to stop your cat getting older. It's to support them as their needs change, helping them stay fit, comfortable and content throughout their senior years.
