Older cats: what changes with age and how to adapt their care
, by Michael van Wassem, 4 min reading time
From around age 10, a lot changes for your cat. Read which signs to take seriously, what you can adjust at home and when to see the vet.
Your cat used to leap onto the wardrobe with ease and now prefers the sofa. Sometimes that is simply ageing, sometimes there is more behind it. Below you can read what changes in an older cat, which signs to take seriously and which small adjustments at home make a big difference.
The short answer
As a rule of thumb, a cat is a senior from about 10 years old and very old from about 15. Adjust the home, diet and care step by step, take your cat to the vet for check-ups more often (a check-up every six months is often recommended) and do not dismiss sudden changes as “just old age”.
⚠️ Note: many conditions in older cats start subtly. Cats often hide discomfort for a long time. If you are unsure, call the vet.
What changes with the years?
- Joints: osteoarthritis is common in older cats and is often not recognised. Cats rarely limp. They jump less, take stairs more carefully or struggle to get into the litter box.
- Coat care: a stiff cat grooms less well. The coat becomes dull or matted, especially on the back and at the base of the tail.
- Claws: they wear down less and can become too long or too thick.
- Teeth: gum inflammation and painful teeth are more common. A cat may eat more slowly or leave hard kibble.
- Senses and energy: your cat sleeps more, sees or hears less well and plays less.
- Behaviour: some old cats become confused, cry at night or no longer find their litter box. This can be part of brain ageing, but also of pain or illness.
Signs that belong at the vet
These changes are not normal ageing. Have them checked:
- drinking or urinating more than usual;
- weight loss, even if your cat eats well;
- eating little or nothing for a day or longer;
- urinating or defecating outside the box, often because of pain or difficulty getting in;
- strong bad breath, drooling or chewing on one side of the mouth;
- inconsolable crying, confusion or sudden shyness.
The vet can examine blood and urine and treat pain. Never give painkillers from your medicine cabinet yourself: many human medicines, such as paracetamol, are dangerous for cats.
How to make your home older-cat-friendly
Small changes remove many obstacles:
- Low entry to the litter box: an open box with a low edge is easier than one with a high edge or a flap. Put a second one where your cat spends most time.
- Steps or ramps: to the sofa, the bed or the windowsill. A stable, non-slip step works better than jumping.
- A warm, soft spot: older cats love warmth. A bed on the windowsill or a radiator bed gives a warm place with a view. With a radiator bed, always check the maximum load and the radiator type.
- Everything on one floor: put food, water, litter box and sleeping place together, without stairs in between.
- A fixed routine: move furniture and bowls as little as possible, especially for a cat that sees less well.
Diet and weight
Nutritional needs change from cat to cat. Some older cats become too thin, others too heavy. So weigh your cat monthly and write the weight down. Good-quality protein remains important to maintain muscle mass. Senior cat food is designed for this life stage, but it is no replacement for medical advice. If your cat has a condition, such as a kidney problem, the vet will choose the suitable diet. Wet food increases fluid intake, which helps cats that drink little. Always switch to a different food gradually.
Everyday care
Brush gently and more often than before, especially in places your cat can no longer reach. Check the claws every few weeks. Look in the mouth, at the eyes and in the ears. Keep it calm and short: an older cat often finds long handling tiring.
Checklist
- Vet check-up every 6 months
- Weigh monthly and write it down
- Litter box with a low entry, in several places
- Steps to favourite spots
- Warm and soft sleeping place
- Check claws, coat and teeth regularly
- Keep an eye on drinking and urinating
Frequently asked questions
At what age is a cat old?
As a guideline, a senior from about 10 years and very old from 15. It differs per cat.
Is sleeping more and playing less normal?
A calmer life is part of ageing. A sudden change, or a cat that withdraws, is not. Have it checked.
My old cat urinates next to the litter box. What now?
There is often a medical reason, such as pain when stepping in or a urinary problem. See the vet first and then lower the edge of the box.
Does my old cat need different food?
Not always. Discuss it with the vet, based on weight, teeth and health.
Summary and conclusion
An older cat mainly needs more comfort, more attention and more frequent check-ups. Adapt your home, follow the weight and take changes seriously. That way your cat stays fit and comfortable at home for longer.
Sources
- ISFM & AAFP, Feline Life Stage Guidelines (2021), Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
- International Cat Care, information on older cats
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