As cats age, their needs evolve in ways that can be easy to miss. In Part 2 of our Senior Cat Care Series, Dr. Laura Fink explains how mobility changes, litter box challenges, sensory decline, and behavior shifts affect older cats, and how small adjustments at home can greatly improve their comfort and happiness.
Senior cats can thrive well into their late teens with early detection and supportive care. This stage of life is about maximizing comfort, protecting mobility, and maintaining a good quality of life.
Supporting Senior Cats with Arthritis and Mobility Changes
Arthritis is common in aging cats and often shows up as hesitation, stiffness, or difficulty jumping. Dr. Fink recommends:
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Using cat stairs or step stools to help them reach beds or couches
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Providing multi-level climbing areas so they can move up gradually
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Placing food and water bowls in easy-to-access spots
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Offering soft bedding in warm, quiet locations
These small changes reduce strain on aging joints and help keep cats confident and active.
Litter Box Issues in Senior Cats
Litter box problems are one of the biggest red flags in older cats. While sometimes behavioral, they are often medical.
Aging cats may struggle to enter high-sided or covered litter boxes, especially if they have arthritis. Switching to a low-sided box can make a tremendous difference.
Urinating or defecating outside the litter box may indicate:
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Urinary tract infections
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Kidney disease
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Diabetes
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Pain during squatting
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Anxiety or cognitive decline
In senior cats, medical causes are investigated first, since early care can significantly improve comfort.
Vision, Hearing, and Cognitive Changes
Many older cats experience natural sensory decline. While it cannot be reversed, small accommodations help them stay confident:
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Night lights can improve navigation for cats with vision loss
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Making gentle noise when approaching helps cats who are hard of hearing
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Slow approaches reduce fear or defensive behavior
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Consistent routines ease anxiety
Cognitive changes may also appear. Senior cats with dementia-like symptoms may become disoriented, vocalize at night, or seem anxious. There are safe medications and supplements that can help support brain function and comfort.
Medication Options for Senior Cats
Getting medication into a cat can be challenging, and Dr. Fink emphasizes choosing methods that work best for each household. Options include:
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Pills, sometimes crushed into food
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Liquid medications mixed with food toppers
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Transdermal gels applied to the ear
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Adjusted treatment plans focusing on the most important medications
The goal is always to support the cat without creating daily stress.
Quality of Life: A Compassionate Conversation
Senior cats can live long, joyful lives, but eventually pet parents may notice declining mobility, reduced activity, or loss of interest in favorite routines. Quality of life assessments help determine how well a cat is truly feeling.
Meaningful indicators include:
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Enjoying favorite activities
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Seeking affection
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Moving comfortably
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Eating consistently
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Resting well
Veterinarians can guide families through these conversations, including end-of-life planning when needed, always with compassion and respect.
When One Senior Cat Loses a Companion
Many homes have two cats who age together. When one passes away, families often ask whether they should adopt a new companion.
There is no single right answer. Some cats flourish with a kitten who brings new energy to the home. Others prefer quiet, predictable routines. Kittens are often easier to introduce than adult cats, since they naturally defer to the senior cat.
Your veterinarian can help evaluate temperament and suitability.
Why Senior Wellness Plans Help
Senior Wellness Plans are one of the most valuable tools for supporting aging cats. These plans help detect issues early and make it easier to stay proactive about senior care.
Senior Wellness Plans typically include:
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Multiple yearly wellness exams
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Comprehensive annual bloodwork
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Urinalysis
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Parasite screening
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Nutritional and weight management guidance
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Discounts on additional services
Because many age-related diseases develop slowly and silently, routine screening allows veterinarians to find problems before your cat begins to feel sick. Senior Wellness Plans offer both peace of mind and predictable pricing for year-round care.
Partnering With You Through Every Stage
Town & Country Animal Hospital and Columbia Pike Animal Hospital and Emergency Center are here to support senior cats through every step of aging. If you have questions about mobility changes, litter box issues, behavior shifts, or senior wellness plans, our teams are ready to help.
If your cat is entering their golden years, now is the perfect time to schedule a senior wellness visit.