Senior Cat Comfort & Care

It’s not all about physical health. What clues is your cat giving you about their emotional and mental health? Sometimes, they can be pretty obvious. Other times, it's more mysterious. If your cat is also going through physical changes, subtle shifts in emotional health can be even harder to catch.

There's some similarity between emotional and physical signs, making them hard to distinguish. First, you notice changes in your cat's normal behavior and routine, like eating and drinking habits, activity level, interest in attention, etc. Then, your vet can rule out medical causes, pointing you toward emotional health.

You may also notice:

• Vocalizing more or at unusual times
• Hiding
• Being more reactive and skittish with people, other pets, sounds, etc.
• Fear behavior, like cowering, hissing, growling, or aggression
• Overgrooming
• Nervousness when held or restrained
• Soiling or spraying
• Digestive issues

Your veterinarian will help determine whether your cat’s behavior suggests a medical concern, like arthritis or cognitive dysfunction (Tip #67), or an emotional reaction that needs some support.