Senior Cat Comfort & Care

Little changes can make a big difference for your senior. Give some of these a try.

Food & Water

• Raise food and water bowls to reduce crouching
• Wide, shallow bowls can reduce whisker fatigue
• Smaller meals more often encourage eating and support sensitive gastrointestinal systems
• Warming wet food releases smells and encourages eating
• Room-temperature water can be more comfortable to drink, especially for cats with dental issues
• Add a little water to food to boost hydration.

Behavior

• Your senior kitty may be feeling their age. Anyone handling them, especially children, should use a softer, more gentle touch.
• With age often comes nervousness. Things that your cat used to handle well might be unsettling now. Lower the intensity when possible.

Comfort & Care

• Thinning skin, decreased fat and muscle mass, and a lower tolerance, in general, can make grooming less comfortable. Be gentle and patient.
• Your senior may need a sweater or shirt to help maintain a comfortable body temperature if it’s cold
• Medicating doesn’t have to be a battle (Tip #55)