Senior Cat Comfort & Care

We all have low-energy days. As cats age, those days can become more frequent. You may notice less interest in playing, sleeping more, moving and jumping less, sensitivity to touch, etc. Changes like this are expected to a degree but can also indicate something more serious, especially if it comes on suddenly or seems to cause distress.

Remember, it’s about changes to their “normal.” Arthritis, kidney issues, dental pain, vision changes, and many other medical conditions can cause your cat to move less or be more sensitive to handling. This is often due to physical discomfort like achy joints or urinary pain. It can also be related to the emotional impact of something like vision changes or prolonged dental pain. So, don’t wait or question your instincts. Better to discuss the changes with your veterinarian early and get your cat some much needed support and relief if there’s a problem.

Physical and mental exercise can help your senior cat move through these transitions more easily. And you can tailor it to their special needs and limitations. Check out Chapters 8 and 9 for senior-friendly play and enrichment ideas.