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Older cats make great pets, but they may need a little extra help as they age.

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If you've got an older cat, you may be wondering how you can best care for them. What food do they need? Do they need any extra help getting around? Watch our video or read our guide below to find out how to give your elderly cat the best life.  

Brown tabby cat sitting on wooden floor
Infographic: Find out how old your cat is in human years

At what age is a cat considered elderly? 

Cats are considered elderly or ‘senior’ when they reach 11 years old. This is when they may not be as agile as they used to be, and their health will need to be monitored a bit more closely. 

They may start to slow down a bit before this, though, as cats are considered ‘mature’ at age seven. When they reach 15 years old, they become a ‘super senior’ or geriatric cat. 

How old is my cat in human years? 

When your cat reaches 11 years old, they are 60 years old in human years. And a 21-year-old cat has a human age of 100! Look at our guide to find out how cat years work.  

How long do pet cats live?

Benefits of adopting an older cat

Kittens may be cute, but older cats still have a lot to offer. There are lots of benefits of adopting an elderly cat. Yet sadly, they are often overlooked and take longer to find new homes than younger cats. That’s why we created #MatureMoggiesDay. Every year on 16 June, we celebrate older cats and all the love, companionship and joy they bring.  

Celebrating older cats

Common signs of ageing in cats 

Though your beloved cat may still feel like a kitten at times, eventually, they’ll start to slow down. As your cat gets older, you may start to notice a few changes, such as: 

  • sleeping more. Light sleep may increase but deep sleep decreases 
  • decreased activity levels and reduced muscle tone 
  • reduced jumping 
  • appetite/thirst changes 
  • hearing/vision changes 
  • weakened immune system 
  • coat changes. They may not be able to groom their fur as thoroughly  
  • toileting changes. They may need to poo or pee more or less frequently 
  • behavioural changes. You may notice aggression, confusion, forgetfulness, an increased dependence on you or yowling louder than usual 

While ageing is a normal process, older cats are more prone to various health conditions. Some of the signs above may be part of ageing, and others could be signs of a health concern. 

How to care for an elderly cat 

There are lots of simple steps you can take to ensure the later years of your cat’s life are comfortable and happy.

When your cat is around 11 years old, you should start feeding them a diet made specifically for senior cats. Older cats need fewer calories but higher levels of good-quality protein as they age. Feeding them the wrong food could lead to weight gain and other health issues. Many popular brands provide special food for elderly cats, tailored to meet their precise nutritional needs. Your vet can also give advice on the correct diet for your cat. 

You may notice your older cat has less of an appetite. Over time, their sense of taste and smell can diminish. Because of this, they may appreciate a little encouragement to eat. Here are a few things you can do to encourage your cat to eat: 

  • feed little and often. Four to six small meals a day is a good starting point. If they seem reluctant to eat their usual food, it’s worth trying different flavours to tempt them 
  • provide plenty of water. Water intake is even more important for older cats, so make sure fresh water is always available 
  • make bowls easy to access. Try placing food and water bowls in different, easy-to-reach spots around the house, both upstairs and downstairs. This will mean they don't have to search too much to eat or drink. You could also place their bowls on a raised surface, so they don’t have to bend down as far to eat or drink. Ensure the rim of the bowl isn’t too high 
  • warm it up. Try gently warming food. This can increase the smell and make it more appealing to your cat 
  • try different consistencies. If your cat has dental issues, they may prefer softer food in jelly or gravy instead of hard biscuits. You could also try adding a small amount of water and mashing it up with a fork 
  • spend some time together. Your cat may like to make an occasion of it with you. Sitting with them and talking or stroking can encourage them to eat 
  • make mealtimes fun. Puzzle feeding is a great way to keep your cat's brain active! 

Track how much your elderly cat eats and drinks in a day. Any significant change in appetite or thirst could be a sign of an underlying health condition and should be checked out by your vet. 

The best cat food for senior cats  

As your cat gets older, they may not be as flexible as they used to be. This can make it difficult for them to take care of their coat. They may start to look a bit more bedraggled than they used to.  

Keep your cat’s coat healthy by: 

  • brushing them regularly. Long-haired cats will need brushing every day. Short-haired cats will need brushing once or twice a week. Gentle grooming with a soft brush also provides the perfect opportunity for you to carefully check your cat’s skin. Look for any fleas, ticks, lumps, bumps or other skin conditions that may need a vet check. Be aware that your cat may be sensitive to being touched or groomed in certain areas if they have pain or discomfort 
  • gently wiping any discharge around their eyes with a damp cloth 
  • looking out for mats in their fur. These are particularly common in long-haired cats. If you notice any mats, speak to your vet about the best way to remove them 

If you find your cat’s coat is looking increasingly unkempt, it may be a sign of pain associated with the joints or with the mouth. If you’re concerned about your cat’s lack of grooming, contact your vet for advice. 

As part of your cat’s grooming routine, you should consider trimming their claws every two to four weeks. Older cats can have difficulty scratching to keep their claws in good condition, so their claws may become thicker and longer. By trimming their claws, you can reduce the risk of them getting their claws stuck in furniture or carpets. You can also prevent long claws from damaging their paws. Find out more about trimming your cat's claws. 

Grooming advice 

Most older cats will sleep more than they did when they were young. But their sleep is usually lighter, so they wake more easily and more often. They are usually a bit more restless at night too. Due to a loss of muscle tone and sometimes arthritis, senior cats usually prefer sleeping on a soft, well-padded surface. Make sure they have access to soft and comfy beds or blankets in their favourite sleeping spots. Try to provide different warm and quiet sleeping areas around the home, both upstairs and downstairs. This will mean they don’t have to go far to find a comfortable spot.  

How to choose the perfect cat bed 

Even if your cat has toileted outside their whole life, there will be times when they may wish to toilet inside. Perhaps due to bad weather, feeling intimidated by other neighbourhood cats, or not being able to get outside quickly enough. Reassure them by providing several litter trays around the house. 

Make sure their litter trays: 

  • are big enough. You cat should be able to comfortably turn around and dig in the litter tray 
  • have a low side. This will help your older cat to comfortably climb in and out 
  • have soft litter. Elderly cats may find rough litters such as gravel or wood pellets uncomfortable to use. A soft, sand-like litter is best 
  • are easy to access. Place litter trays in quiet, private areas that your cat can get to easily 

If your cat still prefers to toilet outside, provide them with a newly dug over patch of soil as close to the house as possible. Dig it over regularly to keep it sanitary and appealing to your cat. If your cat is nervous about going outside, you could go out with them to help them feel safe. 

Toileting advice 

Older cats often still want to jump, climb and reach high perches the way they used to, but they may struggle to move around as easily. 

You can help them by: 

  • placing ramps or steps to their favourite spots. Strategically placed pieces of furniture can act as stepping stones to hard-to-reach perches. You could also cover these in carpet to give extra grip 
  • placing cushions underneath windowsills and other perches. These can act as makeshift crashmats in case your cat falls 
  • providing scratching mats. Older cats may struggle to stretch up to reach tall scratching posts. They may appreciate a post with a lower gradient or a horizontal scratching mat instead. They may find a softer material, such as carpet, easier to scratch 
  • placing rugs on slippery or hard surfaces. This makes them more secure for unsteady cats and gives them somewhere comfortable to rest 
  • keeping essential items on one floor. If your cat struggles to climb the stairs, keep their food bowl, water bowl, litter tray, scratching surface and beds on one level for easy access 

Most elderly cats still love to play, and it’s great for their mental and physical health. Playtime may need to be a little gentler as they get older. Use toys that are unlikely to intimidate them and experiment with different toys to see what captures their attention. Aim to have regular, short play sessions with your cat. A few minutes at a time will do, as your cat may not have the stamina they used to.  

The best toys for older cats: 

  • fishing-rod toys. Slowly move the string past your cat to catch their eye. Any interaction, even just watching or swiping a paw, provides useful stimulation 
  • kicker toys. These encourage your cat to exercise their potentially stiff hind legs. Plus, they can lie down while playing! 
  • cardboard boxes. These are great places to hide and pounce from. Turn boxes on their side or cut holes in them so your cat can get in and out easily 

Cats and play

Cats love routine and as they get old, they really appreciate familiarity and predictability. You can put them at ease by: 

  • serving meals at the same time each day 
  • keeping things calm at home 
  • avoiding moving furniture around wherever possible. Keep the home environment familiar and easy to navigate 

Many older cats prefer to spend more time indoors. But if your older cat does go outside, they may be more likely get lost due to being confused and unsteady on their feet. They may struggle to remember their way back home and, if their hearing is affected, they may not hear you calling them. This is why it's important to ensure your cat is microchipped and your contact details linked to the microchip are up to date. If they do go missing, they can then be returned to you easily when found. Find out more about microchipping. 

Older cats are less able to defend themselves or their territory. As a result, they may become more anxious or dependent on you. If you’re worried about your older cat going outside, you could: 

  • fence in your garden to keep your cat closer to home and keep other cats out 
  • go outside with your cat to reassure them and help them feel safe 

Keeping your cat safe outside

Senior cat insurance 

Cats can become sick or injured at any age, but the risk of illness does increase as your cat gets older. This is why it’s a good idea to consider getting pet insurance for your cat. Cat insurance can help you cover the cost of veterinary care, giving you peace of mind. 

If you already have pet insurance for your cat, the cost of your policy may increase as they age, due to the increased risk of illness. 

When you adopt an elderly cat from Cats Protection, they’ll come with four weeks’ free pet insurance. Plus, we’ll provide you with as much information as possible about any pre-existing conditions and care needs they have. 

Pet insurance advice
Long-haired grey-and-white cat

Common health problems in elderly cats

Older cats can suffer from a range of health issues, but many of them are treatable. Getting help from your vet could extend and improve the quality of your cat's life.  

It can be easy to dismiss changes in your cat's behaviour as a normal part of getting old. But these changes could be early signs of a health problem. 

By catching problems early, your vet may be able to prevent a troubling condition from developing into a life-threatening disease. Speak to your vet if you notice any changes in your cat’s health or behaviour. 

Kidney disease
Diabetes
Dental disease
Constipation
Deafness
Blindness
Cancer

Cognitive dysfunction is a decline in higher brain functions such as memory and learning, which often occurs with old age. It is sometimes compared to dementia or Alzheimer’s in people. 

Signs include: 

  • disorientation 
  • changes in the way they interact with people and their environment  
  • changes in sleeping/waking patterns, such as sleeping more during the day and being restless at night 
  • vocalisation 
  • toileting outside the litter tray 

These signs can also be present with other health conditions. If you have noticed any changes in your cat’s behaviour, take them to your vet for a health check. Discuss the behaviour changes with your vet in as much detail as you can.

High blood pressure is also known as hypertension. In cats, it often occurs in association with another underlying disease. For example, cats suffering from kidney disease or hyperthyroidism often have some degree of hypertension as well. It can also occur as a primary problem in itself. The organs most vulnerable to the effects of high blood pressure are the eyes, kidneys, heart and brain. 

Initially there may be very few signs of high blood pressure, which is why it is important to check blood pressure in older cats, even if otherwise well. Sometimes the signs can occur very suddenly. 

Signs of hypertension include: 

  • blindness 
  • changes inside the eye, including bleeding 
  • disorientation 
  • seizures 

Many cats can go on to lead relatively normal lives following diagnosis and treatment of hypertension. But this will depend on the type and severity of any underlying disease. If left untreated, these signs can become permanent, so seek veterinary advice as soon as possible. 

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints, a condition that is extremely common in cats. It often goes unnoticed because owners think the cat is just slowing down with age. But arthritis is an extremely painful condition, so it's worth getting your cat checked regularly in case they need to be treated.

Getting treatment for a painful condition like arthritis can make a huge difference to your cat's quality of life.

Signs of arthritis include:

  • behaviour changes like grumpiness, reduced interaction or tolerance of people. The discomfort of arthritis can cause cats to be aggressive
  • not using a litter tray if the sides are too high to easily access
  • less interest in playing
  • difficulty grooming, especially the middle of the back and tail
  • increased stiffness immediately after resting, which gets better with movement
  • stiffness, lameness and reduced mobility and an unwillingness to jump or climb

Overweight cats may be more likely to suffer from arthritis, so it's very important to ensure your cat maintains their ideal weight. Regular, moderate exercise through playing is the best way to achieve this.

Download: Arthritis guide

The thyroid is made up of two glands located on either side of the windpipe at the base of your cat's neck. It helps to regulate metabolic rate. In some cats, the thyroid becomes overactive which speeds up the metabolism. Hyperthyroidism mainly affects cats over the age of 10 and can occur in either or both of the glands.

Signs of hyperthyroidism vary, but commonly include:

  • increased appetite and/or thirst
  • weight loss
  • behavioural changes such as hyperactivity, restlessness or being more vocal
  • vomiting
  • diarrhoea
  • poor coat condition

Talk to your vet if you notice any of these symptoms. Once treated for hyperthyroidism, cats usually return to normal fairly quickly. If the disease is detected and treated early on, the cat often lives for several more years. Untreated, it can damage other organs.

Download: Hyperthyroidism guide

Symptoms in older cats you should never ignore  

Cats are very good at hiding their pain or discomfort. They're also incredibly adaptable creatures, so it can be very hard to detect the start of any illness. Be observant and alert your vet if you notice any of these symptoms. They could be a sign that your cat is unwell. Speak to your vet to find out the cause and any treatments available. 

  • Losing weight. This could be a sign of hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, diabetes, or dental disease 
  • Not eating. This could be a sign of pain, nausea, kidney disease, stress, or infection 
  • Eating more/always hungry. This could be a sign of hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or worms 
  • Drinking a lot of water. This could be a sign of diabetes, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, or womb infections in unneutered female cats 
  • Vomiting or diarrhoea. This could be a sign of kidney disease, infection, pancreatitis, or cancer of the digestive tract 
  • Incontinence (both pee and poo). This could be a sign of urinary tract infection, nerve or spinal problems, or weak bladder or bowel control 
  • Peeing everywhere. This could be a sign of urinary tract infection or other bladder problems, stress, cognitive dysfunction, or arthritis 
  • Blood in pee or poo. This could be a sign of urinary tract infection, bladder stones, constipation, trauma, or cancer of the digestive tract 
  • Yowling or seeming confused. This could be a sign of pain, cognitive dysfunction, anxiety, disorientation, or high blood pressure 
  • Wobbly back legs, balance problems or twitching. This could be a sign of arthritis, muscle weakness, nerve or spinal disease, ear infection, or brain conditions 
  • Drooling. This could be a sign of dental disease or oral pain, nausea, ingesting a toxin, or certain medications 
  • Coughing and sneezing. This could be a sign of infections such as cat flu, respiratory disease such as allergies, or heart disease 
  • Bloated stomach. This could be a sign of fluid build-up caused by heart disease, liver disease or cancer, constipation, internal bleeding, organ enlargement, or tumours. A suddenly bloated abdomen should be checked by a vet urgently 

When should I take my elderly cat to the vet?   

Elderly cats usually need to be taken to the vet for a health check more often than younger cats. After your cat reaches around seven or eight years old, your vet may recommend a twice-yearly check-up to help them spot any health problems early. Regular weight checks are also important, as well as booster vaccinations to support your cat's weakened immune system. Many veterinary surgeries now run special ‘geriatric’ clinics for older cats.  

You may worry about taking your older cat to the vet, in case they find something serious. But there are treatment options available for many of the conditions affecting older cats. With the right care, you may be able to extend your cat’s life and keep them comfortable as they age. 

Before attending a vet appointment, make a note of any changes in your cat’s behaviour. It may also help to take videos of your cat’s movement, such as going up and down stairs, to help your vet identify any signs of arthritis. 

Signs you should take your cat to the vet include: 

  • new symptoms 
  • appetite/thirst changes 
  • sudden behaviour changes 
  • mobility changes 
  • weight loss 
  • toileting changes
White cat in red-and-white cat carrier

Operations for older cats 

Operations or surgical procedures on older cats should be considered carefully. They may carry a risk of causing other health problems.  

If your vet things an operation for your elderly cat is necessary, they will carry out a thorough health check first, which may involve a blood test. 

While veterinary surgery is never without its risks, vets today use advanced drugs and specialised monitoring equipment. This means surgery is now safer than ever for our pets.  

Your vet will take time to explain any risks associated with the operation before the procedures goes ahead. 

How to care for your cat after an operation

End-of-life signs in elderly cats 

The average life expectancy of a pet cat is around 12 years, but many cats live well beyond this age. As a pet owner, it’s important that you’re able to assess your cat’s quality of life. This will help to prevent suffering as they get older or if they become ill. 

It can be difficult to tell if your cat is nearing the end of their life. Illnesses are not the only sign your cat may be suffering. Sometimes, symptoms of decline in elderly cats can be more subtle. They may be withdrawn or can no longer display normal behaviours such as grooming or play. Assessing your cat’s quality of life is not always easy, so ask for support and guidance from your vet. Your vet will examine your cat and recommend any further tests or treatments needed. Depending on the diagnosis, you may need to carefully consider the quality of your cat’s life. An open discussion with your vet will allow them to provide guidance on the treatment options available. You can also discuss what may be right for your cat and whether it’s time to consider euthanasia. 

You may need to assess your cat’s quality of life if you notice any of these symptoms of decline: 

  • can no longer eat or drink normally 
  • are unable to stand or move normally 
  • have difficulty breathing properly 
  • are badly injured in an accident 
  • are incontinent 
  • have an untreatable behavioural problem that leaves them feeling very unhappy 
  • have any condition that causes uncontrollable pain 

The bond between you and your cat is very special. Understandably, you’ll want to keep your cat alive, even if their quality of life begins to deteriorate. But if there comes a time when your cat is in pain, discomfort or distress, and treatment to ease this is not possible, the most loving and courageous way you can show them how much you care is to end their suffering. 

When to let go 

The loss of a cat can be as traumatic and emotionally challenging as the loss of any other family member. Whatever the circumstances of your loss, you will likely be grieving. Grief is a unique and individual experience. While it’s perfectly normal to grieve for the loss of a loved one, there’s no normal way to grieve. There’s also no time limit on the process. 

It may be that your beloved cat hasn’t yet died, and you are anticipating and perhaps dreading their death. Perhaps you have a very difficult decision to make and are struggling with how you will get through this. This type of situation often brings anticipatory grief, a type of grieving that starts even before your cat has died.  

Losing a much-loved cat can be a very difficult experience, and you may feel overwhelmed by thoughts and feelings as the world carries on around you. You may feel very alone in your grief, as if nobody will understand. Making the decision to end your cat’s life can feel like a huge responsibility. It may leave you with complicated feelings and thoughts as you grieve your loss and reflect over what has happened. 

Sharing how you feel with someone who understands how important your cat is to you can bring you comfort and help you cope with painful emotions. 

Get grief support

Frequently asked questions about elderly cats

Why is my elderly cat eating their cat litter?

Why is my elderly cat losing their fur? 

Why is my senior cat suddenly blind? 

What do cats do before they pass away? 

Are senior cats hard to take care of? 

Should I give my senior cat vitamin supplements?

Free guide

Download our free guide packed full of all the information you need to care for your elderly cat.

Elderly cats guide
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