Senior Cat Comfort & Care

By nature, cats are solitary hunters, meaning they generally prefer to eat alone, especially as they age. Older cats tend to eat slower, giving other younger pets more opportunity to finish their own food and then go for your senior’s food. Some seniors are on prescription diets or have meds or supplements mixed into their food that aren’t meant for younger cats (or dogs). Allowing your senior to eat at their pace, without stress or interruption, is essential.

• Put some distance between food bowls. Feed younger cats up high, place bowls on opposite sides of the room, or feed in separate rooms. And keep dogs away from feline dining areas.
• If your senior needs to graze but other pets go for the food, set aside time every couple of hours to separate your senior in a room with their food. Or install a microchip pet door programmed only to open for your senior (mobility allowing) so they can access the food room anytime, keeping others out.
• Use a microchip pet feeder that is programmed to open only for your senior cat. There are many options on the market.
• Use your senior’s mealtimes as play and bonding time with your other pets. Maybe put them in another room for a play session, training, or to work on a food puzzle, holding their attention until your senior is done.