There are 46 million cat owners in the US, 46% of them classed as seniors. As cats age into their senior years, their needs change. Creating a safe, comfortable home environment will allow your senior cat to thrive in their golden years. Here are some tips for making your home senior cat friendly.
Provide Easy Access to Litter Boxes
Older cats may develop arthritis or other mobility issues that make it difficult to get to their litter box. Place boxes in easy-to-access areas on each floor of your home. Use low-sided boxes so they are easy to get in and out of. Place litter boxes away from high-traffic areas for privacy but make sure your cat can still easily access them. Reduce bottleneck areas that make access difficult. Consider cat ramps or steps to help your senior cat get in and out of litter boxes more easily.
Offer Appropriate, Comfortable Places to Sleep
Older cats tend to sleep more and need soft, comfortable sleeping areas. Provide beds with cushions and pillows around your home so your senior cat has options. Place beds in warm, quiet areas away from household disturbances. Consider an enclosed cat bed or cave-style bed to help your cat feel secure. Wash bedding frequently as senior cats may miss the box more often. Avoid high perches or difficult access sleeping spots. Have ramps or steps available to elevated sleep areas.
Adapt Your Home Environment
Make adjustments throughout your home to accommodate your aging cat’s needs:
- Install child safety locks on cabinets or doors to dangerous areas like the garage.
- Tack down rugs and runners to avoid slips and falls.
- Provide sturdy cat towers and shelves to give easy access to furniture and beds.
- Rearrange furniture to create clear paths between key areas like food, water and litter boxes.
- Increase lighting levels and night lights to help failing vision.
- Keep pathways clear of clutter and cords.
Providing Food and Water Accessibility
Senior cats may experience dental issues or have difficulty reaching food and water bowls. Place dishes in easy access areas. Use shallow, wide dishes rather than deep, narrow ones. Elevated feeders and water fountains cater to arthritis and mobility issues. Automatic feeders allow free-choice feeding. Warm up their food to increase the aroma and appeal. Keep multiple water stations around your home and refresh them frequently.
Provide Appropriate Grooming
Grooming becomes more difficult for senior cats. Brush them frequently to minimize shedding and hairballs. Trim longer fur around their rear and nails if needed. Clean any residue from their eyes and nose. Check their teeth and have them professionally cleaned if needed. Offer ramps or steps to raised grooming/scratching surfaces.
Give Your Senior Cat More of Your Time
Senior cats need reassurance and comfort from their human companions. Spend quality one-on-one time petting, cuddling and playing gently with toys. Keeping routines consistent also brings comfort. Speak softly and calmly around your senior cat. Avoid introducing too many new pets or people. Lavish your aging kitty with love and patience as their needs change.
Know When to Say Goodbye
As your elderly companion nears the end, appreciate your final days together. Shower them with affection – gentle pets, brushing, treats, and play. Capture memories in photos and video. Schedule veterinary visits for palliative care. When declining health signals it’s time, stay calm and soothe their stress. Discuss euthanasia options and end-of-life care for your family cat with your vet. In-home euthanasia is a calm, less stressful way to say goodbye to a much-loved friend.
With some adjustments to their environment and your care routines, senior cats can continue enjoying their twilight years. Focusing on accessibility, comfort and safety will go a long way in giving your elder feline family member the best home possible.